PA Dept. of State Announces Disciplinary Actions Against Charitable Organizations

Harrisburg capitolCredit: Commonwealth Media Services

HARRISBURG, PA — Acting Secretary of State Leigh M. Chapman recently announced that the Pennsylvania Department of State (DOS) filed four disciplinary actions against charitable organizations, professional solicitors, and professional fundraising counsel during the month of February 2022.

The February 2022 sanctions, which are listed on the Department website, included a cease-and-desist order to the following organization:

  • Veterans Reaching Out, 128 East Pine Street, P.O. Box 297, Mahanoy City, PA 17948

Secretary Chapman noted the organization may not solicit donations or conduct fundraising activities until it has come into compliance with the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act.

The bureau states that it maintains a comprehensive list of charitable organizations, professional solicitors and professional fundraising counsel that have been subject to sanctions or corrective measures. The list contains the most up-to-date information on any specific disciplinary action. Each entry includes the name of the charitable organization, professional solicitor or professional fundraising counsel, address, sanction imposed, a brief description of the basis for the disciplinary or corrective measure and the effective date.

Charitable organizations can register or renew a registration either online or by mail. A list of registration exclusions and exemptions can be found on the department’s website.

Anyone who suspects unethical activity by a charitable organization can file a complaint online. Violations of the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act may result in disciplinary actions including civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of a registration.

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News.