A comprehensive directory of nonprofit fundraising registration rules across all U.S. jurisdictions
Organizations that solicit charitable contributions are often required to register before fundraising in many states. Because each jurisdiction establishes its own thresholds, forms, renewal schedules, and exemption criteria, nonprofits operating beyond a single state must understand and track multiple regulatory frameworks simultaneously.
This directory provides a centralized reference to help organizations determine where registration may be required and how state requirements differ.
How to Use This Directory
- Select a state below to review detailed registration, exemption, and renewal information.
- Each state page includes filing procedures, fees, required documents, and ongoing compliance obligations.
- If your organization solicits donations online or conducts national campaigns, you may need to review multiple states even if you do not have a physical presence.
Need assistance managing multi-state filings? Many organizations choose to outsource registration and renewal tracking to specialized providers such as Ironwood Registrations.
Quick Overview: Why State Registration Matters
State charitable solicitation laws are designed to:
- Protect donors from misleading fundraising practices
- Ensure transparency through financial reporting
- Provide public access to charity registration status
Failure to register when required can lead to penalties, delayed campaigns, or reputational risk.
Common Registration Triggers
Registration obligations are commonly triggered when an organization:
- Solicits donations from residents of a state
- Conducts fundraising events or campaigns within a state
- Uses professional fundraisers or commercial co-venture partners
- Maintains an office, staff, or operational presence
Because definitions of “solicitation” vary, organizations should confirm requirements in each jurisdiction where outreach occurs.
State Directory
Select a state to view full requirements:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What You’ll Find on Each State Page
Every state profile in this directory includes:
- Whether registration is required before solicitation
- Governing agency and filing office
- Initial application process
- Fees and processing expectations
- Exemption categories
- Renewal deadlines and reporting obligations
- Links to official forms and agency resources
This standardized structure allows organizations to compare compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Planning for Multi-State Fundraising
Organizations expanding geographically should:
- Identify all jurisdictions where donors may be solicited
- Confirm exemption eligibility where applicable
- Align renewal schedules with fiscal year reporting
- Monitor changes to state-specific thresholds and documentation requirements
For nonprofits operating in several states, administrative workload can increase significantly as the number of registrations grows.
Operational Note: Organizations managing multiple registrations often engage experienced compliance partners—such as Ironwood Registrations—to coordinate filings, track renewal deadlines, and reduce administrative burden.
Related Compliance Resources
- Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
- Charitable Solicitation Exemption Comparison
- “Do We Need to Register?” Decision Framework
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements change periodically, and organizations should confirm current obligations with the appropriate state agency or qualified compliance professional.