Secretary of State Davidson Annouces Results of Second Charitable Solicitations Annual Report

Denver, December 27, 2004 - Secretary of State Donetta Davidson today announced the results of Colorado’s second Annual Report on Charitable Solicitations spending. The report provides citizens an overview of fundraising campaigns conducted by registered paid solicitors on behalf of charities. The Annual Report also provides tips on wise giving, recent statistics on charities and fundraising, and an overview of Colorado’s charitable solicitations law.

2004 Report Highlights:

• Gross proceeds of solicitation campaigns: $96,152,247.30
• Total net proceeds to charity: $52,877,236.34
• The increase of total net proceeds to charity from 2003: $44,241,899.88
• 2004 Average percent to charity: 55.0%; Range: 0% to 100.0%

2003 Report Highlights:

• Gross proceeds of solicitation campaigns: $21,114,882.83
• Total net proceeds to charity: $8,635,336.46
• 2003 Average percent to charity: 40.9%; Range: 0% to 97.22%

Secretary of State Donetta Davidson reported that approximately 3,100 Charitable Organizations have registered with the Secretary of State’s office using the nation’s only totally electronic on-line registration system.

"The Secretary of State’s Registration system is in place to protect the public’s interest in making informed choices as to which charitable causes should be supported," Davidson said. "For additional information about charitable giving, please visit www.sos.state.co.us where you can search charitable registrations," said Davidson.

Consumers should report suspected fraudulent charitable solicitations to the Colorado Secretary of State's Office at 303-894-2200 ext. 6407.