Adam J. Sholes, Special Assistant Attorney General

The Charitable Trusts Unit implements the Attorney General's
statutory and common law responsibilities to represent the public interest with
respect to charities and to enforce the proper administration of charitable
trusts in Rhode Island. (R.I. Gen. L. § 18-9-1, et seq.)

The Attorney General must be provided with notice with respect
to all court proceedings, which affect charitable trusts in the state of Rhode
Island. Such matters may include cy-pres proceedings, petitions to amend charitable
trusts, petitions to amend the articles of organization or by-laws of a non-profit
corporation, and other cases of equity. The Administrator of the Charitable Trusts Unit
reviews all such matters and participates in petitions and other litigation.

All Rhode Island charitable trusts are required to register
with the Attorney General. The Unit is responsible for maintaining a register
of all charitable trusts. Additionally, charitable trusts are required to file
annual reports (Federal Tax Return or Rhode Island Annual Report Form). These
reports are maintained by the Unit and are available to the public.

Finally, the recently enacted Hospital Conversion Act gave
the Attorney General statutory regulatory responsibility for changes in control
of hospitals, over and above the common law responsibilities, which the Office
already possessed. The Unit therefore participates in matters relating to affiliations,
mergers, acquisitions, changes in control, and other transactions concerning
hospitals. (R.I. Gen. L. § 23-17.14, et seq.)

Charitable Trusts Forms:

• Charitable Trust Instructions
• Charitable Trust Registration Statement
• Fiduciary Responsibilities of Trustees and Penalties
• Annual Report for Charitable Trusts
• Charitable Trust Termination Statement
• Request to Inspect and/or Copy Records
• Request for a Waiver of Penalty Fees