Code of Maryland Regulations (Last Updated: April 6, 2021) |
Title 01. Executive Department |
Subtitle 02. SECRETARY OF STATE |
Chapter 01.02.04. Charitable Organizations: Substantive Regulations |
Sec. 01.02.04.01. Definitions
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A. Terms defined in Business Regulation Article, §6-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall have the same meaning for the purposes of these regulations as they do in the Act.
B. Terms defined in these regulations shall have the same meaning for the purposes of the Act as they do in these regulations.
C. "Act" means Business Regulation Article, Title 6, Annotated Code of Maryland.
D. Repealed.
E. Repealed.
F. Bona Fide Religious Organization.
(1) "Bona fide religious organization" means an organization established for religious purposes or an organization which serves religion by the fostering of religion, including the moral and ethical aspects of particular faith.
(2) "Bona fide religious organization" includes an organization whose members or congregation are the primary source of revenue and whose purpose is an integral part of the membership's or congregation's mission.
G. "Charitable purpose" means any charitable, benevolent, philanthropic, patriotic, or eleemosynary purpose for religion, health, education, social welfare, arts and humanities, and civic and public interests.
H. "Day" means calendar day.
I. "Feasibility study" means a study made by or on behalf of a charitable organization, before the undertaking of a fund-raising activity, for the purpose of determining whether the organization should undertake the activity. It does not include purchasing, preparing, testing, or revising mailing lists of potential contributors, or embarking on a new campaign different from previous campaigns.
J. "Membership" means that for the payment of fees, dues, assessments, and similar obligations, an organization provides services and confers a bona fide right, privilege, professional standing, honor, or other direct benefit, in addition to the right to vote, elect officers, or hold office. It does not include those persons who are granted a membership solely on the basis of making a contribution as a result of solicitation. In the case of an accredited school, college, or university, the students, alumni, their parents, past and present board members, and school personnel shall be considered members of the organization.
K. "Organization" means a charitable organization.
L. "Private foundation affiliated with a State agency" means a charitable organization which engages in activities for the benefit of the State agency or to further the purposes of the State agency, or both, through the use of contributions solicited from the public.
M. "Religious purpose" means maintaining or propagating religion or supporting public religious services, according to the rites of particular denominations.
N. "Secretary" means the Maryland Secretary of State.