Last Updated: May 2024

Legatus Members and staff must adhere to Legatus International’s policy prohibiting charitable or political solicitation/fundraising at Legatus meetings, conferences, and Chapter events, as well as through email or any other form of direct contact with a Member. This policy is intended to:

1. Further the Legatus mission by allowing Members to focus on studying, living, and spreading the Catholic faith without financial solicitation pressures.
2. Protect Legatus International’s tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization.

This document clarifies Legatus policy and provides examples of permissible and impermissible activities.

Bylaw Limitations of Activities

The Legatus International Bylaws (amended and restated January 27, 2022) provide:

1. The Organization shall not endorse any political cause or contribute to any charitable cause other than those of the Holy See, as approved by the International Board of Governors.
2. The Organization shall not devote a substantial part of its activities and funds to carrying on propaganda or attempting to influence legislation.
3. No form of solicitation shall be allowed at any Legatus Chapter meeting, conference, or event.

Policy Statement

This Non-Solicitation Policy prohibits charitable or political solicitation/fundraising at Legatus meetings, conferences, and Chapter events, as well as through email or direct contact with Members. The only permissible promotions at Legatus events are:

• Legatus’ endowment fund
• Legatus magazine advertisements
• Legatus International event sponsorships

Legatus shall not use its funds to carry on propaganda or attempt to influence legislation.

Permissible Activities

Special consideration may be granted within a Chapter for:

• Soliciting contributions for an annual gift (e.g., Christmas) for a Chapter Administrator or Chaplain.
• A gift in honor of a Chaplain’s date of ordination.

These exceptions do not require prior approval from the International Board of Governors. No other exceptions are authorized.

Guidelines for Different Groups

Networks

• May not solicit money for any reason.
• May not solicit sponsorships for organizations, ministries, or causes.
• May not post anything related to political activity or candidate support.
• Must adhere to the Networks Information Privacy Policy.

Summit Exhibitors & Vendors

• May not solicit money in writing or verbally.
• May not engage in political discussions or display materials related to political activity.
• May distribute materials only if they do not solicit donations or financial statements.
• Vendors selling goods are exempt from this restriction.

Magazine Advertisers

• May not solicit money, request donations, or publish financial statements.
• May include a QR code linking to their general website.
• May provide a link for voluntary mailing list sign-ups.

Speakers

• May not solicit money in their presentations.
• May sell books at Legatus events, provided the book relates to the event’s presentation.
• May not obtain or contact a list of Legatus Members.

Members

• May not directly solicit donations of time or money from other Members or at Legatus events.
• May not distribute materials at Legatus events.
• May not speak from the podium about issues or ministries unless they are the event’s main speaker.
• May pursue personal discussions outside of Legatus events.

Mailing Lists

• Members may not use Chapter, Regional, or International mailing lists for charitable or political solicitations.
• Members running for political office may not use these lists for campaign purposes.
• Unauthorized sharing of Member contact information is prohibited and may result in membership termination.
• Exception: A Member may proactively grant another Member or Legatus employee permission to add them to a fundraising mailing list.

Procedures for Policy Enforcement

International Office

• The International Office will provide this policy to new Members upon acceptance.
• The Membership application will reference this policy.
• An annual copy of this policy will be mailed/emailed to each Chapter President.

Local Chapter

• At the beginning of each fiscal or calendar year, the Chapter President will remind Members that mailing lists may not be used for fundraising or political activity.
• The Program Chair or Chapter Administrator will provide all speakers with the following notification:

  “Legatus is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization of Catholic CEOs and their spouses organized for studying, living, and spreading the Faith. Legatus Bylaws strictly prohibit Members and speakers from soliciting funds for any purpose. This includes financial support for charitable or political causes. Please refrain from discussing or distributing materials that solicit funds from Members. We appreciate your respect for this policy.”

• Chapter Officers will monitor compliance and address violations immediately. Any infraction will be communicated both verbally and in writing, with the Regional Vice President being notified.