Note: These requirements apply to the company running a charitable sales promotion with a nonprofit partner. Nonprofits may have separate compliance obligations not covered here.
In South Carolina, a "Commercial co-venturer" means a person that regularly and primarily engages in trade or commerce for profit that, for the benefit of a charitable organization, may raise funds by advertising that the purchase or use of goods, services, entertainment, or other thing of value benefits the charitable organization, if it is offered at a price comparable to similar goods or services in the market.
South Carolina requires co-venturers to register before engaging in any charitable sales activity – and to renew that registration each year they continue fundraising. While the process is paper-based, it’s a foundational step that signals your intent to operate transparently under state law.
Before launching a campaign, South Carolina requires co-venturers to submit both a Notice of Solicitation and copies of their contracts with charitable partners. This filing gives the state early insight into how funds will be raised and helps ensure that all parties are aligned before any promotional activity begins.
After a campaign concludes, South Carolina requires co-venturers to file a Joint Financial Report detailing the results. This report, completed with the charitable partner, ensures transparency around revenue and expenses and helps the state confirm that contributions were properly managed and disbursed.
To remain compliant, South Carolina co-venturers must renew their registration each year. The renewal uses the same form as the initial registration and helps the state keep current records of active fundraising partnerships. Timely renewal is essential to avoid lapses in authorization.
South Carolina takes a thorough approach to regulating commercial co-ventures, requiring upfront registration, advance contract filings, and detailed joint financial reporting. While the process is mail-based, each step plays a clear role in ensuring transparency and protecting charitable partners. Co-venturers should build compliance into their campaign timelines to avoid delays and maintain good standing with the state.
