Group of individuals at a clothing drive. Decorative image for an informational page about charities.

Public Charities in Connecticut

A public charity that solicits donations in Connecticut be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).

DCP is responsible for administering the Connecticut Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act. Registered charities must file annual financial reports on their income and expenditures. Paid soliciting firms hired by charities are also required to register with the Charities Unit, file a notice of each upcoming solicitation campaign, and submit a post-campaign financial report.

Learn more below about registration requirements for public charities, how to verify a charity, and what to know before you donate.


Verify registration  

eLicense is a public portal to verify credentials in Connecticut. To verify a registration, search the name of the charity, paid solicitor, or solicitation.

What to know before you donate 

Learn more about warning signs of a charity scam what to do before you donate.

Register a charity in CT 

Find out how to register a charitable organization in Connecticut.

File a complaint with us 

Information about how to file a complaint against a charity soliciting in Connecticut. DCP accepts complaints through an online portal, email, mail, or over-the-phone.

For Consumers

For Charities

Learn more about charities

Visit the Attorney General's Office website to learn more about relevant state laws, tips for donors, and best practices for non-profit organizations.
Visit the Attorney General's Office