California Commercial Fundraiser for Charitable Purposes Bond
Overview
Registering as a commercial fundraiser for charitable purposes in California requires posting this surety bond before the state will approve your application. California's Attorney General oversees charitable fundraising, and this bond is a mandatory part of that oversight. It protects donors and charities from financial harm caused by a fundraiser who fails to perform their contractual obligations or mishandles funds. Without it, your registration is dead in the water.
Who Needs This Bond?
If you are a professional fundraiser, fundraising counsel, or commercial co-venturer who contracts with California charities to solicit donations on their behalf, you need this bond. It applies to for-profit individuals and entities that are paid to raise money for nonprofit organizations — not to the charities themselves. Any person or company required to register with the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts as a commercial fundraiser must carry this bond. If you're filing or renewing that registration, this bond is part of the package.
What is this Bond For?
This bond guarantees that you, as the commercial fundraiser, will faithfully account for all funds collected and fulfill the terms of your contracts with charitable organizations. If you misappropriate donations, fail to remit funds, or otherwise breach your obligations, the bond provides a financial remedy for harmed charities or donors. The California Attorney General, acting on behalf of the public, is the party protected by this obligation. It is not liability insurance — it is a financial guarantee of performance.
When is it Required?
Renewal is an annual obligation — California commercial fundraiser registrations must be renewed each year, and the bond must remain active and current throughout that period. First-time applicants must secure the bond before submitting their registration to the Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts. Any lapse in coverage during an active registration period puts your authorization to solicit in California at risk. Plan ahead so your bond renewal date aligns with your registration cycle.
Where Does it Apply?
This bond is a statewide California requirement enforced by the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts. It applies to any commercial fundraiser soliciting donations anywhere within California, regardless of where the fundraiser's business is physically located. Out-of-state fundraisers operating campaigns that target California donors are also subject to this registration and bonding requirement.
How to Buy Online
Click 'Buy This Bond Online' on this page and the secure surety portal will open in a new tab. Complete your application with the required details about your business and fundraising activities, and your bond documents will be issued digitally. The process is straightforward and does not require waiting on an agent or making a phone call.
Why Bond Titan?
Bond Titan is powered by The Southern Agency and built for business owners who need their bond fast without the runaround. Our nationwide catalog includes California's commercial fundraiser bond alongside thousands of other license and permit bonds — all purchasable online in one place. No agent callbacks, no delays, no paperwork bottlenecks.