The Shadow
Richmond, Va. (VR) – Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Virginia can now file their required registration documentation online. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs (OCRP), which administers the charitable solicitations program, launched the new digital platform, Evoke, this month as part of an ongoing commitment to government efficiency and empowering consumers.
All charitable organizations that intend to solicit contributions within the Commonwealth of Virginia or have funds solicited on their behalf, unless exempt under Virginia law, are required to register with OCRP. More than 13,000 charities, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsels are registered to solicit contributions in the Commonwealth. Previously, registration had to be filed on paper, and the charities’ records could be requested by contacting VDACS. In the Evoke platform, charities can now file their registration documents electronically, and the records will also be available in the online database for members of the public to easily access and search.
The Evoke platform came online in time for National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7, which seeks to raise awareness and amplify resources for consumers to learn more about how they are protected from fraud and errors. The new online system furthers VDACS’ commitment to government efficiency and empowering consumers. As all charitable solicitation records become available in the online database, consumers will be able to readily access information about a charity before deciding whether to donate funds to the organization. Using Evoke will reduce registration processing time, enable charities to easily track their status, and OCRP staff expect that it will reduce instances of overpayments and improve rates of application completion, reducing the need for follow-up from OCRP staff.
“VDACS continues to modernize its technology and procedures to better serve residents of the Commonwealth,” said VDACS Commissioner Charles Green. “This online platform will be put to use across a range of VDACS programs in the future, making services more efficient and easier to use.”
Before its next renewal date, each charity will receive direct communication from OCRP regarding how to use Evoke to file online. For more information, visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov/food-charitable-solicitation.shtml.
