Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman recently revised surety bond requirements for commercial fundraisers.

Who is affected?

The new regulations require contract employees, independent contractors and other individuals who are not bona fide officers or employees of a commercial fundraiser and who receive compensation for soliciting or receiving charitable contributions to register independently and post a separate surety bond unless exempt.

“Any religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purpose or any other purpose that is beneficial to the community, including environmental, humanitarian, patriotic, or civic purposes, the support of national or international amateur sports competition, the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, the advancement of social welfare, or the benefit of law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other persons who protect public safety,” and anyone who receives compensation for soliciting for charitable purposes must post a surety bond.

What are the bonding requirements?

Currently, commercial fundraisers must post $25,000 surety bonds to file with the secretary of state.

Washington commercial fundraiser surety bonds ensure that the state of Washington and any individual or entity who is harmed by a principal’s (commercial fundraiser’s) conduct during solicitation activities is protected from financial loss. By posting this surety bond, solicitors pledge to abide by all obligations and requirements imposed by Chapter 19.09 of the Revised Code of Washington and all supporting regulations.

For a complete list of licensing requirements, visit the Washington Secretary of State Commercial Fundraisers website.

You can apply for a Washington commercial fundraiser surety bond online 24/7 or call 1 (800) 308-4358 to speak with an expert SuretyBonds.com team member who will walk you through our fast and easy bonding process.