I recently joined the Financial Development department of a national
non-profit.  We have a direct mail campaign  and currently solicit funds
in all 50 states.  As a result, we are required to complete some form of
annual charitable registration process in 40 states (usually an
application for a license to solicit funds and an annual financial
report).

As many of you know, this is a time intensive and confusing process,
since the requirements, forms used, and due dates vary in most states.
This responsibility is only a small part of my position, which is very
difficult, given the importance of keeping our registration up to date.

I am very interested in hearing from others who have grappled with this
process, especially those who have done so with little time and
resources.

I am also especially interested in feedback from anyone who has hired an
outside firm to handle their charities registration process. Any
guidance on how to find a firm, what to look for, etc. would be very
helpful.

Any insight you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Amy Hauser
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