Tennessee Professional Solicitor of Charitable Funds Bond
Overview
Raising charitable funds in Tennessee as a professional solicitor? You need this bond before the state will register you. Tennessee requires professional solicitors — those paid to solicit donations on behalf of charitable organizations — to post a surety bond as a condition of registration. It protects the public and the charities you work with by guaranteeing you'll conduct solicitation activities honestly and in compliance with state requirements.
Who Needs This Bond?
Paid fundraising consultants who solicit on behalf of nonprofits, telephone fundraising firms operating in Tennessee, and for-profit companies contracted to run donation campaigns for charitable organizations all need this bond. If you are compensated — directly or indirectly — to solicit charitable contributions from Tennessee residents, you are classified as a professional solicitor under state law and must be registered and bonded. This applies whether you work independently or manage a larger fundraising operation.
What is this Bond For?
This bond exists to protect Tennessee donors and the charitable organizations that hire professional solicitors. If you misappropriate funds, misrepresent a charity, or fail to deliver collected donations as required, the bond provides a financial remedy for those harmed. It holds professional solicitors accountable to the standards the state sets for charitable fundraising and gives donors confidence that oversight is in place.
When is it Required?
Before the Tennessee Secretary of State's office will approve your professional solicitor registration, you must submit this bond as part of your application package. It is a pre-registration requirement — you cannot legally solicit charitable contributions in Tennessee without it in place. Renewals of your registration will also require a current, valid bond.
Where Does it Apply?
This bond is a statewide Tennessee requirement administered through the Secretary of State's office. It covers professional solicitation activity conducted anywhere within Tennessee, regardless of where your business is physically located. If you are soliciting Tennessee residents or operating under a Tennessee registration, this bond applies to you.
How to Buy Online
Click 'Buy This Bond Online' on this page and you'll be taken directly to the secure surety portal in a new tab. Complete the application with your business details, and once approved, your bond documents are issued and ready to submit with your Tennessee registration. The entire process is handled online — no waiting on an agent callback.
Why Bond Titan?
Bond Titan is powered by The Southern Agency and built for business owners who need their bond now, not next week. Our nationwide catalog includes state-specific bonds like this one, and our online platform lets you apply, purchase, and receive your documents without picking up the phone. Fast, straightforward, and built for professionals who have deadlines to meet.