Secretary Hammond Announces New Online Filing for Charities and Fundraisers

Columbia – Secretary of State Mark Hammond announced today important upgrades to the Office’s Website, as well as improved business services for charities and professional fundraisers registered in South Carolina.

New features include making the site more user-friendly and updated and revised forms in the Library of Forms. Charities can now register, file exemptions, renewals, and annual financial reports via the Secretary of State’s Website.  Users will also have the convenience of secured e-filing with electronic payment using a credit card.

There are currently 8,722 active charitable organizations registered in South Carolina.

No special software is required for users; charities and professional fundraisers simply click on a link on the Secretary of State’s Website to begin the filing process.

Another advantage of the charities upgrade is the enhanced information that the public can access.  Previously, users could determine if the charity was active or suspended, exempt or registered, and could view the percentage of program expenses to total expenses.  If the charity is registered, the user can now also view the charity’s fundraising costs and net assets.  Viewing information in this detail assists the donor in making well-informed decisions when giving charitable contributions.

“The Secretary of State's Office has the duty of enforcing the Solicitations of Charitable Funds Act,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond.  “But we have an obligation to make reporting as efficient as possible for the charity while providing the charitable donor with the most up-to-date information available regarding the charitable organization. This online service is available 24-hours a day.”

Electronic filings are requested but paper filings will still be accepted.