Illinois Professional Fundraiser Bond

An Illinois professional fundraiser bond is a $10,000 surety requirement for registered fund raisers that controls or possesses funds related to charitable campaigns. Premiums typically run 1–5% per year, and approval is accessible even with challenged credit. For official guidance on who needs the bond and filing steps, see the Attorney General’s requirements.  Use the Attorney General’s guidance to confirm whether your role or contracts trigger the bonding requirement.

This bond is a compliance guarantee for professional fund raisers registered with the Charitable Trust Bureau. It protects donors and the State if a registrant breaks the law or mishandles funds. If a covered violation occurs, the surety may pay valid claims up to $10,000, and the principal must reimburse the surety. 

For a plain‑English primer on how surety works, start with a surety bond. Under the Bureau’s rules at 14 Ill. Admin. Code §400.30, registration and reporting go hand‑in‑hand with bonding. Registration and reporting are designed to safeguard donors by reinforcing transparency in charitable campaigns.  The $10,000 amount is the maximum payout; the principal remains responsible for reimbursing the surety on valid claims.

Pricing is a small annual premium—typically 1–5% of the $10,000 bond amount. At 1%, expect about $100 per year; at 5%, about $500, depending on credit, finances, and experience. The premium reflects perceived risk and documentation quality. For broader context on bonding in Illinois, visit Illinois surety bonds. Applicants with stronger financials and clean histories tend to qualify closer to the low end of the range.  Premiums can update at renewal if your financial profile or documentation improves over time.

The process is quick and largely online. Begin with the secure online application, review your quote and approval, then pay the premium. Have the surety execute the CS‑6 Bond form and file it with your registration packet (e.g., PFR‑01/PFR‑06). Keep stamped copies for your compliance records and align effective dates with registration. Label and store PDFs by organization and year to speed audits and renewals.  Double‑check obligee language and signature blocks on the CS‑6 to avoid processing delays during busy filing periods.

Yes. Flexible underwriting makes bonding accessible even with challenged credit histories. Underwriters review credit, financials, and explanations for past issues and price transparently. If you’re strengthening cash‑flow controls or documentation, say so—these details can help. For answers to common bonding questions, see more about surety bonds. If your profile improves, ask about a refreshed review before renewal to pursue better pricing.  Clear explanations of past events and updated financial statements can strengthen your approval profile.

Is a bond required for every professional fund raiser in Illinois?

Generally, yes—if the professional fund raiser controls or possesses funds tied to charitable solicitations, a $10,000 bond is required. File the CS‑6 with the Charitable Trust Bureau and keep registration current. For scope, exemptions, and form names (e.g., PFR‑01/PFR‑06, PS‑01), consult the Attorney General’s official requirements and the Bureau’s procedural rules at 14 Ill. Admin. Code §400.30.  If you never control funds, registration and documentation obligations may differ—always verify specifics before filing.

When does the bond/registration expire? 

Illinois professional fund raiser registrations renew on June 30 each year (annual cycle). Set reminders 30–45 days ahead to issue the CS‑6, pay fees, and update forms to avoid lapses. Maintain continuous coverage and keep proof of filing in your records. For timelines and filing checklists, see the Attorney General’s requirements.  Align bond effective dates with registration so there is no gap in statutory coverage during the transition.

What’s the difference between a professional fund raiser and a professional solicitor?

A professional fund raiser typically manages campaigns and may handle or hold contributions; a professional solicitor (PS‑01) personally solicits contributions for compensation. The fundraiser’s custody or control of funds triggers the bond, while a solicitor may have different registration and disclosure obligations. For definitions and duties, review the Bureau’s rules at 14 Ill. Admin. Code §400.30 and the Attorney General’s requirements.  If your responsibilities expand to include handling contributions, re‑assess bonding and registration immediately.

Illinois Attorney General — Charitable Trust Bureau. (n.d.). *Requirements for Fundraisers.*
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Consumer-Protection/Charities/Building-Better-Charities/Requirements-for-Fundraisers/

Illinois Attorney General — Charitable Trust Bureau. (n.d.). *CS‑6 Professional Fund Raiser’s Bond.*
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/form%20cs-6_Bond.pdf

Illinois Administrative Code. (n.d.). *14 Ill. Admin. Code §400.30.*
https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/014/014004000000300R.html

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). *What is a surety bond?*
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/learn/what-is-a-surety-bond

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). *Surety bond FAQs.*
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/learn/faqs

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). Online application.
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/surety-bond-quote

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). *Illinois surety bonds.*
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/bonds-by-state/illinois