About the Charitable Activities Section
Our work includes:
- registering charities and professional fundraising firms.
- issuing licenses related to nonprofit gaming.
- investigating and enforcing violations of state law governing charitable organizations.
Charitable Registration & Reporting
We maintain roughly 20,000 files on charities operating in Oregon. Charitable organizations that solicit funds, hold assets, or otherwise do business in Oregon are required to register. Once registered, charities are required to file annual financial reports.
These files are available to the public through our online database. Search the database for registered organizations. »
You can also obtain copies of charities’ annual reports and other registration information by calling 971-673-1880.
Professional Fundraiser Registration and Reporting
Any individual or company that is paid to solicit donations on behalf of a nonprofit organization or charitable cause must register with the Charitable Activities Section. A nonprofit’s employees and volunteers are exempt from this requirement. Commercial and professional fundraising firms on contract with nonprofits must also file campaign notices and financial reports.
If you are uncertain whether you must register as a fundraiser, please call 971-673-1880 and ask for the Professional Fundraising Registrar.
Nonprofit Gaming Regulation
We regulate nonprofit gaming and administer laws that allow nonprofit tax-exempt organizations to use bingo, raffle and Monte Carlo events to raise funds for their programs. In addition to licensing, we ensure compliance with operating rules.
Investigation & Enforcement
We investigate and take legal action in matters involving:
- misuse of charitable assets.
- misleading charitable solicitations.
- breaches of fiduciary duties by officers, directors and trustees of charities.
These investigations derive from a variety of sources, including financial reports filed with the Oregon DOJ, whistleblower complaints and information from outside sources.
Nonprofit Complaint Review
You may file a complaint about a charitable organization or solicitation by completing our online complaint form » or by mailing a completed form or letter to:
Charitable Activities Section
Oregon Department of Justice
100 SW Market St.
Portland, OR 97201-5702
Charitable Asset Supervision
We exercise the Attorney General’s legal authority over charitable assets. Under the Uniform Trust Code », the Oregon Nonprofit Corporations Act », the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act » and other applicable laws, charitable fiduciaries are required to provide advance notice to the Attorney General of certain transactions or court proceedings relating to charitable assets.
For example, the Attorney General is entitled to advance notice of any proposed modification of the terms of a charitable trust or restricted gift. Nonprofit hospitals also must obtain the Attorney General’s approval before transferring their assets to unrelated organizations.
If you have questions about these or similar matters, please contact us at Charitable@doj.oregon.gov.
Education & Outreach
We offer resources to help nonprofit officers understand their roles, rights and responsibilities. Our Wise Giving Guide helps donors ensure their contributions make the greatest possible impact.
Download our Wise Giving Guide in English (PDF) »
Descarga neustra Guía Entrega Sabio en español (PDF) »
Contact Us
Charities and donors can find forms and other information online. You can also reach us by phone at 971-673-1880 or by email at Charitable@doj.oregon.gov.
We are located at:
100 SW Market St.
Portland, OR 97201-5702
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