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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
State Files Lawsuit Over Nonprofit Compliance
Tennessee's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against the Tennessee Foster Care Association, demanding payment of a $15,000 fine for soliciting donations without proper registration. The legal action was initiated on Friday in Davidson County Chancery Court, according to court records.
Alleged Violations of Nonprofit Registration Requirements
The lawsuit asserts that the Tennessee Foster Care Association, a foster care nonprofit, continued to raise funds after its nonprofit registration expired at the end of 2022. Tennessee law requires all nonprofits that plan to solicit donations to file a registration statement annually with the Secretary of State’s office. The court filing also claims the association ignored multiple warnings from state officials regarding nonprofit registration.
Details of the Fine and Fundraising Violations
After the organization’s registration lapsed, the state imposed a $15,000 fine for unregistered fundraising activities. Despite being notified of this penalty, the lawsuit states that the Tennessee Foster Care Association chose not to contest the fine but has yet to pay the amount owed. The association is accused of continuing to seek donations beyond the legal deadline for registration, in direct violation of state fundraising regulations and donation solicitation law.
Relief Sought by State Authorities
In its court filing, Tennessee is seeking not only enforcement of the outstanding charity fine, but also asks the Davidson County Chancery Court to grant any further relief considered necessary to the Secretary of State. The case underscores the state’s intention to uphold Tennessee nonprofit law and ensure organizations comply with fundraising rules.
Nonprofit Compliance and Legal Ramifications
This action highlights the importance of nonprofit compliance with state-specific regulations. Organizations that intend to solicit donations must adhere to annual nonprofit registration requirements, as outlined in Tennessee nonprofit law. Fundraising violations such as failure to register can result in substantial fines and legal action including chancery court lawsuits. The resolution of this case may serve as a reminder for all nonprofits to prioritize compliance and follow all fundraising regulations if they wish to solicit contributions within Tennessee.
Source: wkrn.com.
