Professional solicitors in Kentucky

​​KRS 367.650(6):

 

"Professional solicitor" means a person who for compensation or other financial consideration solicits contributions in this state, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of a charitable organization. A person qualifies as a professional solicitor if he is hired on a fee, commission, or percentage basis and the work is performed by him or his agents or the employees or volunteers of the benefitting charitable organization under the direction, supervision, or instruction of the solicitor. A professional solicitor conducts or supervises specific fundraising activities or events in which gifts are solicited, received, and deposited by the professional solicitor or his agents, expenses are paid, and net proceeds delivered to the charitable organization. A bona fide salaried officer, employee, or volunteer of a charitable organization shall not be deemed to be a professional solicitor, unless he is employed or engaged as a fundraising consultant or a professional solicitor by another charitable organization.

Initial and annual registration includes:

A complete Registration Statement included in the Business Forms Library. You must obtain the approval of the Attorney General before acting as a professional solicitor.

A registration fee in the amount of $300.00. Please make check payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.

A check for the cost of each background investigation. Cost is $25.00 for each request. Please include a separate envelope or mailing label in order to notify each individual of the background investigation.

A full cash or surety bond. Bond amount shall be $25,000 and shall be in favor of the Attorney General. If a surety bond is issued, it shall be issued by an insurer authorized to transact surety insurance in this state pursuant to KRS Chapter 304.

Each registration shall expire on December 31 of the calendar year in which it is filed and may be renewed by reapplying and paying the fees. If your organization has a solicitation campaign crossing over to the next year, the organization is required to renew by January 1.

Contract requirements

Contract requirements are defined in KRS 367.653.

Written promotion registration requirements

A Written Promotion Registration must be completed and submitted when filing a contract (form available in the packet).

The statement shall be attested to by the Professional Solicitor’s authorized contracting officer.

Financial report of campaign

KRS 367.658:

Within ninety (90) days after the completion of a solicitation campaign or on the anniversary of the commencement of a solicitation campaign lasting more than one (1) year, a professional solicitor shall file with the Attorney General a financial report of the campaign, including gross revenues and an itemization of all expenses incurred. This report shall be attested to by the authorized contracting agent for the professional solicitor and two (2) authorized officials of the charitable organization and shall be completed on a form prescribed by the Attorney General. This financial report shall be audited at the request of the Attorney General's office.

Checklist for professional solicitors

  • Registration Fee
  • Full Cash or Surety Bond
  • Registration Statement
  • Copies of Contracts
  • Copies of Written Promotion Statement
  • Complete background investigation forms
  • Background investigation fees
  • Background investigation envelopes or labels