Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Oklahoma
My church is wanting to raffle a handmade afghan crocheted by one of our members. This will be to raise money for improvements to the church, as well as for our missionaries. Can I legally send a photo of the afghan to my friends through an email, and ask them to send me $1 per chance if they are interested, and also ask them to send the email to their friends? Our congregation is small, so I thought that the internet would be a better way to get the word out. Thanks for your response.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Yes. But there are a few guidelines you should follow. First of all, the item (afghan) being used to raise these funds must be secured by the church as an in-kind donation to the church from the provided.
Secondly, all correspondence posted on the internet must include the reason the funds are being raised. It is best to use a attached flyer that can be forwarded to other potential donors. The flyer should also include a form that can be filled out by the person donating to your raffle.
The purpose of this step is to assure accurate record keeping and to calculate the funds or donations recieved. This is step required under your 501(c)(3) tax exemption codes and or requirements.
Finally, you cannot or should not use your personal email or information to solicit these funds. Instead, these donations or contributions must be requested under the name of; or in behalf of, the church. However, you can list your name and telephone as contact information on behalf the Church.
All of the above recommendations are for your protection.
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