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

Fundraising on Social Media in Ohio

Ohio law does not prohibit fundraising on social media platforms. However, there are certain requirements that must be met to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Requirements for Fundraising on Social Media

  1. Registration: Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Ohio must register with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. This includes organizations that solicit contributions through social media platforms. [1.1]
  2. Disclosure: Charitable organizations must disclose certain information to donors, including the organization’s name, purpose, and the percentage of contributions that will be used for charitable purposes. This information must be provided in a clear and conspicuous manner. [1.1]
  3. Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Charitable organizations must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to fundraising, taxation, and privacy. [1.1]
  4. Use of Funds: Charitable organizations must use contributions for charitable purposes consistent with their stated mission. [1.1]

Kent State University Policy on Social Media

Kent State University has an administrative policy regarding social media activity [2.1]. This policy applies to all Kent State University employees who manage and/or participate in maintenance of university social media account activity in platforms ranging from, but not limited to, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Flickr, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest for the purpose of managing the institutional brand and sharing institutional and departmental information. The policy does not apply to personal social media activities.

Conclusion

In summary, fundraising on social media platforms is allowed in Ohio, but charitable organizations must register with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, disclose certain information to donors, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and use contributions for charitable purposes consistent with their stated mission. Kent State University has an administrative policy regarding social media activity that applies to university employees who manage and/or participate in maintenance of university social media account activity.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Ohio