CHICAGO — The state of Illinois has filed two lawsuits against Chicago-based professional fundraisers who allegedly practiced illegal fundraising and violated the state's Solicitation for Charity Act.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan recently announced her filing of the two lawsuits in Cook County Circuit Court against Community Guide Magazines Inc., (CGM) and Supplemental Security Foundations Inc., (SSF).
“These fundraisers are engaged in illegal fundraising,” Madigan said in a news release. “They kept the majority of money they collected instead of giving it to the charity they claim to be raising it for. People who want to donate to a charity should contact the charity directly if they want to ensure their entire contribution benefits the charity.”
In her lawsuits, Madigan alleges CGM hired professional solicitors who had felony convictions, which violates the Solicitation for Charity Act. Madigan also alleges SSF made misleading representations to potential donors. She also says SSF solicitors did not disclose that they were paid professionals, which also violates the Solicitation for Charity Act.
Through the legal action, Madigan seeks to ban both companies from soliciting in Illinois and is requesting an accounting of all their funds raised and forfeiture of compensation.