In 2020, the California Attorney General’s office updated forms relating to charities and nonprofits, which includes newly updated Nonprofit Raffle Annual Registration and Reporting (CT-NRP-1 and CT-NRP-2). Even if you are not based in California, don’t forget to check with the governing body in your own state (or province) to ensure that your fundraising practices, registration (if needed), and reporting are compliant.

The California Attorney General’s Nonprofit Raffles Frequently Asked Questions hold good reminders about:

Determining whether you have an “eligible organization”
How to register with the Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts before the raffle
The importance of September 1
The 90/10 rule
Required recordkeeping and reporting deadlines
How raffle proceeds are allowed to be used (in California it’s within the state only, per Penal Code section 320.5, subdivision (b)(4)(A))

There’s even a Raffle Registration Checklist to make it easier to be compliant.

If your organization plans on holding a raffle or other fundraiser, we highly recommend doing an annual review to make sure the rules haven’t changed!

Disclaimer: This article is not intended, nor should it be received, as legal advice. Please consult with your own legal advisors regarding your own situation.