The world of event management is filled with complexities, particularly when it comes to the legalities surrounding fundraising events.
Subscribe to follow campaign updates!
The world of event management is filled with complexities, particularly when it comes to the legalities surrounding fundraising events. Every professional in this field knows the importance of understanding and adhering to the laws and regulations that govern these activities. Especially in the context of charity events, certain legal structures need to be considered. Although these laws and regulations vary from one region to another, some commonalities tend to exist. This article aims to shed light on those and guide you through the legal maze of running a successful fundraiser.
The first step in your fundraising journey revolves around understanding the importance of fundraising registration. In most states, the law mandates that any organization intending to engage in fundraising activities must first register with the state. This holds, even more, when you're working with a not-for-profit organization. If you're unsure about the laws in your state, organizations like Laws For Change can be a useful resource.
Just like the organizations they represent, professional fundraising consultants are also required to register with the state in some regions. If you're the one who's managing the fundraiser, and hence the 'consultant' associated with the fundraising organization, you might need to register with the state to avoid any charges for being unregistered.
If your fundraising event involves a raffle or serving alcohol, you'll need to acquire the relevant gambling or liquor licenses. The process for obtaining these licenses can usually be found on your state or city government's website.
Another important aspect to consider is liability. Be it your liability, your client's, or that of other partners associated with the event, it's crucial to have this aspect covered. It's recommended to hire a lawyer to draw up contracts specifying who's responsible for what. Failing to do this could potentially land you in hot water, making you liable for any damaging actions of your partners or volunteers.
As the complexities of legal requirements in fundraising continue to evolve, a deeper understanding of legal frameworks becomes increasingly crucial for event management professionals. This is where an educational foundation in legal studies can prove invaluable. Pursuing a degree that blends political science with pre-law subjects equips professionals not only with knowledge of current laws but also with critical thinking skills essential for navigating legal challenges in fundraising.
A comprehensive degree plan, such as the Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a Pre-Law track, provides a robust curriculum designed to deepen your understanding of the legal aspects of various professional fields, including event management. This program offers courses that cover a range of relevant topics, from the basics of political systems to advanced legal principles and their real-world applications.
By integrating this level of legal education, event managers can enhance their ability to foresee potential legal issues, engage effectively with legal consultants, and ensure compliance in a more informed and proactive manner. For those interested in exploring such an educational path, the University of Houston-Victoria offers a detailed degree plan that can be tailored to the aspiring legal professional within the event management sphere.
Apart from the aspects mentioned above, there are other legal considerations to bear in mind when managing a charity event:
Your organization may need to submit a disclosure statement related to the event, ensuring compliance with all state registration requirements and adherence to all associated laws. This is required in Georgia, Florida, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington State, and West Virginia.
All organizations associated with your event may be required to report any revenue-sharing as a 'commercial co-venture.'
All materials associated with your event must be truthful and transparent.
The laws regarding fundraising on the Internet are still somewhat unclear in many states. It's essential to familiarize yourself with how the law works in your state.
In conclusion, running a fundraising event can be a legal minefield that requires careful navigation. As an event management professional, not only is it necessary to possess a comprehensive understanding of these legalities but also to hold a law degree or consult a legal expert to ensure you're on the right side of the law.