MARVIN MANDEL, Governor

4105

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

WHEREAS, Allegations have been made in published
reports that certain organizations which conduct
fund raising activities, or otherwise solicit
contributions from the public for various charitable
purposes, have had inordinately high administrative
and other expenses, and that, as a result, a
relatively small proportion of the contributions
collected have actually been used for the intended
charitable purpose; and

WHEREAS, Private philanthropy has always been, is    now,

and will continue to be vital in serving the

humanitarian needs of the people of this nation     and
State; and

WHEREAS, If private philanthropy is to continue to play
its necessary role, the public must be assured that
its donations will, in fact, go for intended
charitable purposes; and

WHEREAS, Although there will always be some
administrative expense incurred in carrying on
charitable fund raising activities, the State has a
responsibility to ensure that there is no abuse in
soliciting charitable contributions, and that the
causes and institutions sought to be benefited
actually receive the benefits of the contributions;
and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly has attempted to regulate
charitable fund raising activities by the enactment
of various statutes, such as Section 103A to 103D of
Article 41 and Sections 2 82 to 289 of Article 56 of
the Annotated Code of Maryland, setting forth
certain reporting and disclosure requirements; and

WHEREAS, It appears that further regulation may be
necessary in order for the State to prevent abuse in
this area;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARVIN MANDEL, GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND,
BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN HE BY ARTICLE
II, SECTION 24, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND AND
BY ARTICLE 41, SECTION 15C OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF
MARYLAND, HEREBY PROMULGATE THE FOLLOWING ORDER,
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

1. The Governor's Commission on Charitable
Organizations is established and consists of
the following persons, each to serve at the