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Can I use social media to fundraise in Maryland? What are the requirements?

Fundraising on Social Media in Maryland

According to the Maryland Solicitations Act, charitable organizations soliciting in Maryland must register with the Office of the Secretary of State before commencing solicitations [2]([2]). Solicitations can take many forms, including social media [2]([2]).

However, Maryland General Assembly’s Ethics Guide states that members are restricted from using social media to share fundraising information [1]([1]).

Therefore, while social media can be used for fundraising by charitable organizations in Maryland, members of the Maryland General Assembly are restricted from using social media to share fundraising information.

Requirements for Fundraising on Social Media in Maryland

The Maryland Solicitations Act requires charitable organizations to register with the Office of the Secretary of State before commencing solicitations [2]([2]). This registration is necessary so that the public can access information they need to make informed decisions about donating to a particular charity [2]([2]).

If you have questions about information that appears on Maryland’s Charity Database or wish to report suspicious fundraising activity, you can contact the Charitable Organizations Division, Office of the Secretary of State [3]([3]).

Therefore, to fundraise on social media in Maryland, charitable organizations must register with the Office of the Secretary of State and comply with any applicable reporting requirements.

Note that this response only applies to charitable organizations and not to members of the Maryland General Assembly.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Maryland