Columbus, OH · Franklin County
Professional Fundraiser Application
This application is for organizations and individuals seeking a Columbus professional fundraiser license, with information about the applicant, fundraising personnel, organization, and planned solicitation activities.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Columbus uses this application to collect details from organizations or individuals seeking a professional fundraiser license. Applicants identify the organization and its personnel, describe their fundraising plan, answer questions about convictions and registration, and provide supporting documents such as contracts and, when applicable, articles of incorporation or a results of activity form. The packet also lists application and license fees and requires the applicant to swear that the submitted information is true.
Who needs it
Organizations or individuals applying for a new Columbus professional fundraiser license or renewing an existing license should complete this packet.
Why it needs a notary
The applicant signs the sworn statement before a notary or an agent of the Director of Building and Zoning Services, who completes the sworn-to-before-me jurat.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Application Packet
Get the Columbus Professional Fundraiser Application Packet and review its information sheet and application requirements.
- 2
Complete The Application
Fill in the applicant, organization, personnel, registration, and fundraising-plan sections, and gather the supporting documents that apply.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Schedule a session with a commissioned online notary for the applicant’s sworn statement.
- 4
Sign On Video
Sign the application during the online session and complete the sworn-to-before-me jurat.
- 5
Submit To The City
Follow the City of Columbus instructions to submit the completed packet, supporting documents, and applicable fees.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Columbus. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I complete the Columbus professional fundraiser application?
- Complete the applicant, organization, personnel, and fundraising-plan sections, attach the documents that apply to your application, and sign the sworn statement before a notary or an agent of the Director of Building and Zoning Services.
- Do I need to sign this application in front of a notary?
- Yes. The application includes a sworn statement and a jurat stating that it is sworn to and subscribed in the notary’s or agent’s presence. The applicant signs before that official.
- Can I use a commissioned online notary for this form?
- Ohio law authorizes online notarization by a commissioned online notary. Because this is a city license application, confirm with the city or village if unsure whether it will accept an online-notarized copy.
- What supporting documents may I need to submit?
- The information sheet lists fundraising contracts and a bond form as required items. Articles of incorporation are required for new applicants, while the results of activity form is required for renewal applicants.