Public Charities Unit – Hartford, CT

DCP Public Charities Unit

The Public Charities Unit, a division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), is located at 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 801. This office is responsible for administering the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, ensuring transparency and accountability in the nonprofit sector. Its primary mission is to protect the public from charity fraud and ensuring that donations are used for their intended purposes. Organizations soliciting funds in Connecticut, as well as paid solicitors and fundraising counsel, must register with this unit.

• Registration: The unit processes annual registrations and financial reports for thousands of charitable organizations operating within the state.
• Enforcement: Staff investigate complaints regarding unethical fundraising practices, misuse of funds, and unregistered solicitation, working closely with the Office of the Attorney General.
• Public Resources: The unit provides an online lookup tool allowing donors to verify if a charity is properly registered and to view its financial history before donating.

Regulatory Services

The office is situated in the state government complex on Columbus Boulevard. While many filings can be completed online via the state’s e-licensing portal, the physical office accepts specialized inquiries. Visitors must check in at the security desk in the lobby. The unit advises all donors to ‘Check Before You Give’ to avoid scams, especially during disaster relief efforts or holiday seasons. The building is accessible via major highways and offers paid parking in the attached Morgan Street Garage.