In Pennsylvania, nonprofits such as youth advocate programs, food banks, cancer research organizations, and veteran groups are not currently permitted to fundraise by selling raffle tickets online. As a society, we now rely less on cash and checks in favor of credit cards and mobile payment options. As such, allowing online fundraising would increase accessibility and convenience for a multitude of nonprofit organizations located throughout the Commonwealth.
 
To support this process, I intend to introduce legislation that would allow Pennsylvania nonprofits to hold online raffles for fundraising purposes. Currently, 25 states allow nonprofits to fundraise online, including every state bordering the Commonwealth, with the exception of New Jersey. Additionally, six other states are planning to follow suit and begin allowing online fundraising activities. I believe that Pennsylvania nonprofits deserve the same opportunities.
 
Online fundraising allows for advertisements to bring awareness to nonprofit missions while interested individuals have an opportunity to donate in their preferred fashion at that time. This legislation would allow our nonprofits to grow, as it evens the playing field, providing additional opportunities to our constituents and community organizations.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation, so that we can enable our nonprofits to better carry out their missions and serve our communities through extending their fundraising capabilities. 
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0085: P.L.1262, No.156