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Charitable Solicitations Registration Overview and Services

Multi-State Fundraising Compliance

Charitable Solicitations Registration

Register for charitable solicitations to start fundraising the right way — in every state where you solicit donations.

IRS-Licensed Professionals
50-State Coverage
Thousands of Clients Served

MULTI-STATE FUNDRAISING COMPLIANCE

Register for Charitable Solicitations to Start Fundraising

Before tackling the complexities of nonprofit marketing strategies or bookkeeping, your organization must comply with the necessary state solicitation requirements. After all, the first step is making sure you’ve completed your charitable solicitations registration.

Our expert registration and renewal service puts your nonprofit in a position to raise the money it needs to thrive. You can trust Foundation Group to keep your nonprofit in good standing and ready to fundraise the right way.

Start Your Charitable Solicitation Registration Today!

THE BASICS

What Is Charitable Solicitations Registration?

Charitable solicitations registration is a state-level filing that most nonprofits must complete before asking the public for donations. Each state regulates fundraising within its borders, usually through the attorney general’s office or the secretary of state, and registration lets that state oversee the charities that raise money from its residents.

It is separate from your 501(c)(3) status, and it generally has to be renewed on a recurring basis. Foundation Group handles your registrations and renewals for you — in a single state, every state, or somewhere in between.

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Charitable solicitations registration is for you if:

  • You ask for donations in more than one state, whether by mail, phone, email, social media, or online
  • You raise money through fundraising events, product sales, or participation fees
  • You aren’t sure which states require you to register, or whether an exemption applies to you
  • You’ve been fundraising and aren’t certain your state registrations are current
  • You’d rather have a team handle your registrations and renewals than track every state’s rules yourself

Ready to get registered?

Let's Do It

Foundation Group’s Charitable Solicitations Registration and Renewal Services

40 states require 501(c)(3) nonprofits to register prior to soliciting donations. Our Compliance Specialists are experts in state fundraising registration and renewals, working with thousands of clients each year. Whether you are fundraising in a single state, every state, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered.

Map of the states that require charitable solicitation registration 40 states are shaded to show they require nonprofits to register before soliciting donations. Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming are shaded gray because they do not currently require registration.
Registration RequiredNot Currently Required

States not currently requiring registration: Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming.

A smarter way to stay compliant: most clients find it makes more sense to bundle fundraising registration into a SureComply™ membership rather than buying it à la carte — SureComply™ bundles your ongoing Form 990 preparation together with your state registration and renewals, often at a better overall value. Ask your specialist about SureComply™ when you request your consultation below.

THREE SIMPLE STEPS

Charitable solicitations registration, done right, the first time.

Foundation Group’s Compliance Specialists work with thousands of clients each year on state fundraising registration and renewals. We make it simple.

1

You Tell Us Where You Fundraise

Share where you solicit donations and how you raise money — events, online giving, mail, or product sales. A Foundation Group compliance specialist reviews your situation so there’s no guesswork about which states apply.

2

We Prepare and File Your Registrations

We prepare your state registrations and file them for you — accurately, and in each state you need.

3

We Keep You Renewed

Registration isn’t one-and-done. We handle your renewals so your nonprofit stays in good standing and ready to fundraise.

YOUR TRUSTED GUIDE

Path Forward

Path Forward™ is the guidance system woven into everything we do. For charitable solicitations registration, that means helping you understand exactly where your organization stands, what still needs to happen, and what deserves your attention next.

From your first registration through every renewal, we keep you informed with clear reporting, practical guidance, and a team that understands the nonprofit landscape. You get more than paperwork handled — you get a clearer view of your organization and experienced guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

Talk to Our Team

Foundation Group team consulting with a client

WHY NONPROFITS TRUST FOUNDATION GROUP

Years Serving Nonprofits

30+Three decades of exclusive focus on 501(c) tax-exempt compliance. This is all we do — not as a side practice, but as our sole expertise.

Enrolled Agents

PROSEvery form we prepare is overseen by IRS-licensed Enrolled Agents — the highest federal credential for tax representation nationwide.

Nonprofits Served

50k+Tens of thousands of 501(c) organizations have trusted us with their compliance — from first filing to annual returns, year after year.

NOT SURE WHERE YOU STAND?

Multi-State Fundraising Has a Lot of Moving Parts. We Already Know Them All.

Here’s what most nonprofits don’t realize until they’re already out of compliance:

  • Which states require registration — 40 do, 10 don’t, and the rules differ by state.
  • That 501(c)(3) status doesn’t let you fundraise everywhere — state registration is a separate requirement.
  • That online fundraising can trigger registration — a donate button can reach donors in states you’ve never visited.
  • That most registrations must be renewed — often every year, and missed deadlines can mean late fees.
  • What happens if you fundraise without registering — penalties vary by state and can include fines.
Get Expert Help Now

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Charitable Solicitations Registration

What is charitable solicitation registration?
Charitable solicitation registration is a state-level filing that most nonprofits must complete before asking the public for donations. Each state regulates fundraising within its borders, usually through the attorney general’s office or the secretary of state, and registration lets that state oversee the charities that raise money from its residents. It is separate from your federal tax exemption and generally has to be renewed on a recurring basis.
Is my nonprofit required to register for charitable solicitation?
Most likely, yes — most states require nonprofits to register prior to soliciting contributions or conducting any fundraising activity. This state-by-state regulation means that your organization has to register in every state where it solicits donations, not just its home state. However, some organizations may be exempt depending on their location, purpose, or other factors. If you are not sure where you need to register, a Foundation Group compliance specialist can help you sort it out.
Do I have to register in every state where I solicit donations?
Often, yes - but not always. Registration in your home state does not cover fundraising in other states, because each state regulates solicitation of its own residents. If you ask for donations in more than one state, you generally need to register in each of them, and you generally do not need to register in states where you do not solicit. Whether you are fundraising in a single state, every state, or somewhere in between, Foundation Group can handle the filings and whether you need to file in specific jurisdictions.
Which states require charitable solicitation registration?
40 states currently require 501(c)(3) nonprofits to register before soliciting donations. The states that do not currently require registration are Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. Requirements, exemptions, and thresholds differ by state and change over time, so confirm the rules for each state where you fundraise before you begin. The IRS maintains an overview of initial state registration requirements.
What counts as charitable solicitation?
Virtually all forms of revenue generation will trigger a registration requirement, including person-to-person solicitation, fundraising events, product sales, and participation fees. Asking for donations by mail, phone, email, social media, or through a website donation page can all count as well. The official definition of solicitation is detailed in the Charitable Solicitations Model Act, which serves as a guideline for state-by-state donation regulation.
Does fundraising online require registration?
Online fundraising can require registration: many states treat online appeals, such as a donate button, an email campaign, or a crowdfunding page, as soliciting in their state when they reach that state’s residents. States interpret this differently, and some read a donation button broadly, so an online-only fundraising effort can still create registration requirements outside your home state. A compliance specialist can help you work out which states apply to your online giving.
Does 501(c)(3) status mean I can fundraise in any state?
No — 501(c)(3) status is federal tax exemption granted by the IRS, while charitable solicitation registration is a separate state requirement triggered by asking for donations. In fact, many states ask for a copy of your IRS determination letter as part of registration. If you have not yet received your federal exemption, SureStart™ formation services handle the state filings and your IRS application.
What documents do I need to register for charitable solicitation?
Requirements vary by state, but most registrations ask for the state’s application form, your organizing documents (articles of incorporation and bylaws), your IRS determination letter, a recent Form 990, a list of officers and directors, and a filing fee. Some states also ask about your fundraising activities or require audited financial statements, depending on your size. We work with you to assemble what each state requires.
How often do I need to renew my charitable solicitation registration?
Most states require renewal every year, and some require it every two years. Renewal deadlines are often tied to your organization’s fiscal year-end and typically require your latest Form 990 and a renewal fee. Missing a deadline can mean late fees and a lapsed registration, which is why many nonprofits hand renewals to a compliance partner. Foundation Group’s renewal service helps you stay on top of every deadline.
How much does charitable solicitation registration cost?
State filing fees vary widely from state to state, and some states base the fee on your organization’s revenue or contributions. Multi-state registration adds up because each state sets its own fee and requirements. To get a quote based on the states where you fundraise, contact a Foundation Group specialist.
What happens if I solicit donations without registering?
Penalties vary by state and can include fines, late fees, orders to stop soliciting, and legal action against the organization and its officers. Learn more about the penalties for failing to register. If you have already been fundraising without registering, reach out to a specialist — the sooner you register, the better.
Can I buy charitable solicitations registration on its own, or do I need SureComply™?
You can order charitable solicitations registration and renewal on its own. Many nonprofits choose a SureComply™ membership instead because it bundles state fundraising registration with annual Form 990 preparation and expert consultation, which is often the better overall value. Your specialist can walk you through both options so you choose what fits your fundraising.
Why should I use Foundation Group’s services?
As one of the nation’s leading providers of charitable solicitations registration and renewal services for over three decades, we have the knowledge and experience you need to navigate the complex task of multi-state compliance. Our Compliance Specialists work with thousands of clients each year, and the penalties for failing to register are serious — trust our team to keep your nonprofit in good standing so you can keep fundraising with confidence.

GET STARTED

Need Charitable Solicitations Registration?

Fill out the form below and we will get in touch shortly. The more information you provide, the better equipped our specialist will be to answer your specific question. Your information is always safe with us.

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  • What is your role in the organization?
  • Please select the state in which your nonprofit is incorporated.
  • Please select the category that best describes your organization.
  • Use this space to provide us with a little more information about your organization's purpose and/or programs(s).
  • This would typically be sent by your state's Attorney General's office or the Division of Charities.

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