Pennsylvania Department of State Takes Action Against Charitable Organizations

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of State recently ordered three charitable organizations to cease fundraising until they are in compliance with the commonwealth's law governing charities, Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés announced today.

In July, cease-and-desist orders were issued to the following organizations:

• Avail NYC, 115 W. 45th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036
• Blair County Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Inc., 393 Igou Road, Tyrone, PA 16686
• Godot Animal Sanctuary, 391 Laughbaum Drive, Punxsutawney, PA 15767

Secretary Cortés noted that those organizations may not solicit donations or conduct fundraising activities until they have come into compliance with the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act.

The Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations maintains a comprehensive list of charitable organizations, professional solicitors and professional fundraising counsel that have been subject to sanctions or corrective measures. This list contains the most up-to-date information on any specific disciplinary action.

Each entry includes the name of the charitable organization, professional solicitor or professional fundraising counsel, address, sanction imposed, a description of the basis for the disciplinary or corrective measure and the effective date.

Anyone who suspects unethical activity by a charitable organization can file a complaint either online or by calling (717) 787-0700.

The Bureau oversees the registration of more than 12,000 charitable organizations, professional solicitors and professional fundraising counsel. A list of registration exclusions and exemptions for charitable organizations can be found on the Department's website.

Violations of the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act may result in disciplinary actions including civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of a registration.

MEDIA CONTACT: Wanda Murren, (717) 783-1621

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us