Skip Navigation
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul
Home | Careers | Press Room | Opinions | Español | Other Languages | Contact Us
 

Building Better Charities

Building Better Charities

Because Illinoisans rely heavily on the services provided by charities, Attorney General Kwame Raoul encourages consumers to practice wise charitable giving.

Under Illinois law, fundraisers and charitable organizations are required to register each year with the Attorney General's office. Potential donors may then access important information such as income, expenditures, programs and administration before giving to the charity.

In the links below, consumers will find valuable information and tips on donating wisely. Charitable organizations and professional fund-raisers will find specific information on reporting requirements, rules and statutes, and the forms necessary for registering and reporting as required by law.


COVID-19 Announcement

Please be advised that the Office of the Attorney General is taking measures to address both our obligation to serve the public and the State of Illinois and our concern for the wellbeing of our employees and the general public health in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Monday, March 16, 2020, our offices across the state have been open, but operating with reduced staff. This may result in processing delays, so if you have questions or concerns about whether or not a charity is registered, please contact the Charitable Trust Bureau at (312) 814-2595 for more information.


Illinois Nonprofit Principles and Best Practices

The Attorney General's Charitable Advisory Council recommends the following document, developed by the Preserving the Public Trust Task Force sponsored by Donors Forum (now Forefront), as a guide for governance, management and legal compliance for Illinois nonprofits.



More information for Consumers:

Frequently Asked Questions    
Investigate Before You Donate
Be an Informed Donor   Available in (PDF)
Public Safety Fund-Raisers: Police and Firefighter Solicitations   Available in (PDF)
The Savvy Consumer’s Checklist Donating Wisely   Available in (PDF only)

More information for Charitable Organizations and Professional Fundraisers:

Guidance for Charitable Organizations related to COVID-19    
Checklist for Illinois Charitable Organizations    
Filing Requirements    
Registration and Annual Report Forms    
Rules and Statutes    
Forming a Charitable Organization    
Volunteer Board Members of Illinois Not-For-Profit Organizations           
Parent Teacher Organizations    

Contact information:
Illinois Attorney General
Charitable Trust Bureau
100 W. Randolph St., 11th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 814-2595
TTY: 1-800-964-3013

go to top of page

Return to Home Page
© 2020 Illinois Attorney General HomePrivacy Policy Contact Us