The latest report from the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office shows a significant decrease in charitable giving in the state over the past year. According to the 2023-2024 NC Secretary of State Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division Annual Report, charities licensed by CSL collected only $27,053,714, compared to $58,049,394 in the previous fiscal year.
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall expressed her gratitude to North Carolinians who continue to give despite economic pressures. She also acknowledged the hard work of charitable organizations in meeting the increasing needs of communities.
The report also revealed a decline in the percentage of charitable donations that went directly to charities’ programs, raising concerns about the effectiveness of fundraising efforts. Marshall emphasized the importance of conducting research before donating to ensure donations are used efficiently.
Marshall encouraged individuals who are able to donate to do so, as many charities are facing financial challenges. She also recommended volunteering time to local charities as a way to support their work and assess their effectiveness.
The Secretary of State’s Office licenses charities and nonprofit organizations that meet certain criteria, including raising at least $50,000 a year. While the office can regulate fundraising activity, it cannot legally penalize charities for using donations on fundraising or administrative expenses.
For questions about individual charities or charitable solicitation activities, individuals can contact the Secretary of State’s Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division.
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