CA AB 488 for U.S. Nonprofits

In 2023, the State of California implemented a new legislation called the California Assembly Bill 488, also known as CA AB 488. This was put into place for online fundraising platforms such as Bright Funds, regulating the solicitation of donations for nonprofit organizations that are not in "good standing" within the state of California.

If the nonprofit conducted business or solicited donations within California or through an online fundraising platform, the legislation would apply to the nonprofit.

How do I know if my nonprofit is impacted?

You can visit the sites linked below to search your nonprofit's EIN or name on the files available for each agency. If your nonprofit appears on any of these named files under each agency, your nonprofit could be impacted from receiving donations on Bright Funds:

• California Attorney General's Charity Registration Report
  • May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes
  • Undetermined
  • Not Operating or In Process of Dissolving
• California Franchise Tax Board
  • Revoked Exempt Organizations List

How can I correct my nonprofit's status?

You will need to reach out to the agency whose list you appear on, directly:

• Reinstating charity status with the Attorney General's Office
• Reinstating charity status with the Franchise Tax Board

I just submitted my update to the agency. Can Bright Funds change my charity's status so we can receive donations again?

Bright Funds is not able to change the status, as the updates are synced with the databases of those government agencies.

Please note, if your nonprofit is confirmed as "Current", it may take 1-2 weeks for the agency's database to update, and reflect on Bright Funds.

For the Attorney General's site, expected dates for an upcoming update on their files can be found at the bottom of the "Charity Registration Reports" section.

Have any questions regarding your nonprofit's eligibility? Please reach out to [e-mail], and we would be happy to help.