Ohio Professional Solicitor Bond Overview
- Purpose: To ensure legal and honest fundraising practices by paid solicitors
- Who Needs It: All professional solicitors hired by charitable organizations in Ohio
- Regulating Body: The Ohio Attorney General – Charitable Law Section
- Bond Amount: $25,000
- Premium Price: $375 for a one-year term
What Is an Ohio Professional Solicitor Bond?
The Ohio Attorney General requires professional solicitors to file $25,000 surety bonds prior to working on fundraising campaigns or soliciting contributions.
Ohio professional solicitor bonds hold charitable fundraisers responsible for following state laws. It can cover consumer damages caused by misleading promotions, unlawful solicitations, misappropriation of funds, and other violations of Ohio Revised Code.
How Much Do Professional Solicitor Bonds Cost in Ohio?
The $25,000 professional charitable solicitor bond costs:
- $375 for one year
- $657 for two years
- $938 for three years
By selecting a multi-year term, you can save 25% on renewals. Your exact premium will be prorated based on the purchase date because these bonds expire on March 31 annually.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does an Ohio Professional Solicitor Bond Work?
When you get a professional solicitor bond, you enter a three-party legal agreement.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| 1) Principal | The paid solicitor filing the bond |
| 2) Obligee | The Ohio Attorney General – Charitable Law Section |
| 3) Surety | The issuing surety provider |
As the principal, you pledge to uphold your professional obligations. The surety financially backs that obligation, which creates security for the state and the general public. However, if you break this contract, you must repay the surety for paid out bond claims.
How Do I Get My Bond?
Get your professional solicitor bond by following these simple steps:
- Select the term length.
- Enter your solicitor information.
- Checkout online.
- File your bond with the Charitable Law Section.
We’ll email you the bond instantly after you checkout. If you don’t see it in your inbox, please check your junk folder.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, there is no minimum credit requirement for this bond!
How Do I Renew My Bond?
We’ll contact you before your bond expires on March 31. You can simply pay the renewal invoice to extend the current bond coverage for another term. Learn more about surety bond renewals here.
How to Become a Professional Fundraiser in Ohio
In Ohio, professional solicitors must register with the Attorney General's office before doing any work for a charitable organization. You can do this all online. Follow these steps:
- Buy the surety bond.
- Complete a signed and notarized Registration Affidavit.
- Apply and upload documents online.
- Pay the $200 registration fee.
You’ll also need to file a solicitation notice through the same online portal before starting any solicitation campaign.
*Fund-raising counsels do not need to register or file a bond.
