Legal Question in Business Law in New York

For profit entities run charity fund raisers all the time. You need to make sure that any donors you take money from understand that you and your company cannot offer them a tax deduction for that donation as that can only come from a tax exempt entity. Further, a lot of states require a proper registration before you can legally solicit their residents for donations. This is really not going to be a big deal if you are just running a one-off event however. But if it were an ongoing thing you would have to look into that.

You can advertise that your company is donating funds, but if you use the names of specific non-profits that you will be donating to you should disclaim in the ads that you are not affiliated with them in any way and do not use their logos or trade dress without their permission. Remember, a lot of people use famous charities to help promote scams so they are sensitive to that. And presenting a false association, endorsement, sponsorship or other affiliation with the brand owner, not-for-profit or otherwise can be a trademark infringement.

I think getting some actual legal advice would be wise. If you would like to discuss further over a free phone consult, feel free to contact me anytime that is convenient.

Our firm is now referred by the American Bar Association (see under the New York section):

http://www.americanbar.org/groups/delivery_legal_services/resources/programs_to_help_those_with_moderate_income.html

Kind regards,

Frank

www.LanternLegal.com

866-871-8655

[email protected]

DISCLAIMER: this is not intended to be specific legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No attorney-client relationship is formed on the basis of this posting.