Secretary of State Gigi Dennis and Attorney General John Suthers Annouce Results of Colorado's 2006 Charitable Solicitations Annual Report

Denver Colo, December 12, 2006 – Today Secretary of State Gigi Dennis and Attorney General John Suthers announced the release of Colorado’s 2006 Annual Report on Charitable Solicitation spending during a joint press conference. The report provides citizens an overview of fundraising campaigns conducted by registered paid solicitors on behalf of charities, as well as a summary of the revenue and expenses of all charities registered with the Secretary of State’s office. The Annual Report also provides tips on wise giving, recent statistics on charities and fundraising, and an overview of Colorado’s charitable solicitations law.

2006 Report Highlights

• Total Individual Giving by all Colorado Itemizers, Tax Year 2004: $2.8 billion (Based on IRS Information)
• Estimated Total Contributions by Americans in 2005: $260 billion (Based on information from the Giving USA Foundation)
• Gross Proceeds of Solicitation Campaigns: $176,000,000
• Total Net Proceeds to Charity from Solicitation Campaigns: $90,000,000
• Average Percent of Total Gross Proceeds to Charity from Solicitation Campaigns: 51.1% Range: -358.00% to 98.36%

Secretary of State Gigi Dennis reported that 4,464 charities have now registered with the Secretary of State’s office and been issued a unique registration number that they can give out to potential donors as a way to verify their organization is in compliance with the Charitable Solicitations Act.

“It is great to give to those in need during the holiday season, but I encourage you to give wisely,” Secretary of State Gigi Dennis said. “The Secretary of State’s registration system is in place to assist the public by making informed choices as to which charitable causes should be supported.”

“The information in this report is extremely valuable and can help Coloradans ensure that their hard-earned dollars will be spent to help those in need,” Attorney General John Suthers said.

For additional information about charitable giving, please visit www.sos.state.co.us and click on the “Licensing Center”. Consumers should report suspected fraudulent charitable solicitations to Chris Cash with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office at (303) 894-2200 ext. 6407.