Wisconsin Professional Fundraiser Bond Guide
If you are raising funds for charitable organizations in Wisconsin, you’ll need to file a $5,000 surety bond with the Department of Financial Institutions. Learn how these bonds work with our complete guide.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect charitable organizations from mismanagement of funds or inappropriate solicitation
- Who Needs It: Anyone that solicits charitable funds for compensation in Wisconsin
- Regulating Body: The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
- Required Amount: $5,000 or $20,000
- Premium Rates: Typically 1–15% of the bond amount, credit-based
What Is a Wisconsin Professional Fundraiser Bond?
A Wisconsin professional fundraiser bond is required for individuals or businesses that raise funds on behalf of charitable organizations for compensation.
The type of bond ensures compliance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 202 and protects charities and donors from fraudulent or unethical fundraising practices.
How Much Does a Wisconsin Professional Fundraiser Bond Cost?
With excellent credit, you could pay as low as $75 for the $5,000 bond. Your exact premium will be a small percentage of the total bond amount, based on your credit and financial qualifications.
The required bond amount for professional fundraisers without custody over funds in Wisconsin is typically $5,000. However, a $20,000 bond is required for counsels and fund raisers with direct custody of contributions.
Apply now for a free bond quote to find out your exact rate.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates available from our nationwide network of providers.
How Does This Bond Work?
By purchasing a professional fundraiser bond, you enter a legally-binding contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the professional fundraiser or fundraising organization
- Obligee: The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
- Surety: The provider issuing the bond
If you mismanage donations or fail to follow legal and ethical practices, any affected party can file a claim. The surety will cover damages up to the bond amount, but you must repay the surety.
How to Get a Wisconsin Professional Fundraiser Bond
Getting a professional fundraiser bond is simple with SuretyBonds.com. Just follow these quick steps:
- Complete our fast online application
- Receive your quote within one business day
- Purchase your bond online
We will deliver your official bond form digitally, so you can print and submit it to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions along with your registration paperwork.
How Do I Fill Out the Bond Form?
For DFI filing acceptance, ensure your bond form accurately lists the following information:
- Applicant’s exact name
- All trade names or DBA (doing business as) names the applicant uses
- The original power-of-attorney form
- Witnessed or sealed signature by an officer/owner/partner
If you have any questions, contact our surety experts at 1 (800) 308-4358 or call the DFI at (608) 267-1711.
How to Renew Your Professional Fundraiser Bond
You must renew your professional fundraiser bond before the current one-year term ends.
A SuretyBonds.com representative will send you notifications as your bond nears the expiration date. Pay your renewal invoice online or over the phone to remain active for another term.
Check out our How to Renew Your Surety Bond page for more information.
How to Become a Professional Fundraiser in Wisconsin
Anyone looking to operate as a professional fundraiser in Wisconsin must complete the following steps:
- Register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
- File a surety bond in the required amount
- Complete and submit the application form
- Pay the applicable registration fees
After completing these steps, you’ll be licensed to legally work as a professional fundraiser in Wisconsin.
Renew your registration annually to stay compliant. Online renewals open on June 1 and must be completed by August 31.
