Registering to Fundraise in Each State

Fundraising - When to Seek Permission

You’ve decided to start your own non-profit to raise money for a cause you are passionate about. This is great, but there is a vital step you must first take before you can send out your first ask and/or accept the first dollar.

A charity generally is required to register with their state in order to solicit charitable contributions if state law requires. Currently, there are 39 states and the District of Columbia that require charities to register to fundraise.1

As each state has its own fundraising registration requirements, it is important to research the filing requirements (which change frequently), keep a list of the states in which your organization is registering to fundraise and how far along in the registration process your organization is, and ensure fundraising registration deadlines are met.

Every year thereafter,3 your organization is required to renew its fundraising registration with each state in which it is registered and continues to solicit charitable contributions. Most states require a completed renewal form and payment of a fee.

Similar to the initial registration, will need a copy of your organization’s most recently filed Form 990, your most recent audited financial statements (if applicable) and in some states a notarized signature on the renewal form.

A few states allow renewals through a website. Each state has a different deadline to renew, and many states will grant an extension to file if requested in writing by the deadline. It is very important to keep a calendar of the deadlines to renew in each state late fees add up very quickly!

Most states require the following:

  • A completed registration form and payment of a fee
  • The organization’s articles of incorporation and by-laws
  • A list of the organization’s board of directors and officers
  • A copy of the determination letter that the organization received from the IRS
  • The methods the organization intends to use to solicit charitable contributions
  • A copy of the organization’s most recently filed Form 990

Some states also require your organization’s most recent audited financial statements if the revenues exceed a certain threshold, and others require a notarized signature on registration forms. A few states also require your organization to have a registered agent with a valid mailing address within the state in order to register2.

Your organization will receive a letter from each state that approves the fundraising registration application. If the application is lacking in some way, the state will send a letter requesting additional information or documentation. Some states require a registered organization to include a specific disclosure regarding its registration with all solicitations for charitable contributions. Smaller organizations without dedicated staff typically outsource fundraising registration and renewal.

Overall, remember that your organization needs to register to fundraise in a state if it solicits charitable contributions in that state. Whether you ask for money by email, over the phone, by mail, in person, through a website or through a fundraising event, these are all considered soliciting charitable contributions and require your organization to register to fundraise in that state.

If you’re unsure if your organization should register with a particular state, reach out to download our helpful guide or reach out to us today for a free review of what steps you need to take to get your organization  into compliance.

Ellis Carter is a nonprofit lawyer with Caritas Law Group, P.C. licensed to practice in Washington and Arizona. Ellis advises nonprofit and socially responsible businesses on corporate, tax, and fundraising regulations nationwide. Ellis also advises donors with regard to major gifts. To schedule a consultation with Ellis, call 602-456-0071 or email us through our contact form

1The states that do not require a charity to register to solicit are Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Texas (unless raising funds for veterans or public safety), Vermont, and Arizona (unless raising funds for veterans). Additionally, none of the U.S. territories have such a law.

2States that require a registered agent with a local mailing address within their state include Michigan and North Dakota. The District of Columbia also requires it. Some states allow the Secretary of State or a key officer to be named.

3Some require renewal bi-annually. These include Georgia and the District of Columbia. Missouri does not require renewal at all.

Share this post

Scroll to Top
FREE DOWNLOAD

How to Start a Non-Profit Organization

Download our free guide to learn about the many elements needed to run a successful nonprofit organization, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes.