Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Georgia are generally required to register with the Georgia Secretary of State before engaging in fundraising activities within the state.
Georgia provides specific statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume, and certain fundraising structures eliminate eligibility.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Georgia charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a broader overview of state registration frameworks, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Georgia
A charitable organization must register in Georgia if it:
- Solicits contributions in Georgia by any means; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Georgia by others.
Registration must be completed prior to solicitation and must be renewed annually.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt simply because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For multi-state context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Georgia Charitable Registration Exemptions
Georgia provides both categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Some exempt organizations must still file documentation claiming exemption status.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It does not intend to receive, and does not actually receive, more than $25,000 in contributions during a fiscal year; and
- All fundraising activities are conducted by unpaid volunteers.
Important considerations:
- The $25,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely Georgia-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration must occur.
- Use of paid solicitors or compensated fundraising personnel disqualifies the organization from this exemption.
Organizations relying on this exemption should closely monitor contribution levels throughout the fiscal year.
For broader planning considerations:
How Many States Must My Nonprofit Register In?
2. Religious Organizations
Certain religious organizations are exempt from registration.
This generally includes churches and organizations operated primarily for religious purposes.
However, separately incorporated charitable affiliates or religious organizations engaging in broader public fundraising should evaluate exemption eligibility independently.
3. Educational Institutions
Educational institutions may qualify for exemption.
This typically includes schools, colleges, and universities operating within recognized educational frameworks.
Affiliated foundations should review exemption eligibility carefully, as separate registration may be required depending on structure and fundraising activity.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental entities are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
5. Political Organizations
Political candidates, political parties, and political committees required to file election disclosures are exempt.
This exemption does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
6. Certain Federated or Parent Organizations
In limited circumstances, chapters or affiliates may rely on a parent organization’s registration if filings are consolidated appropriately.
However, independent solicitation or separate corporate status may require standalone registration.
What Georgia Does Not Exempt
Georgia does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- An exemption for organizations that compensate fundraising personnel
- An exemption for national nonprofits solely due to out-of-state incorporation
Because the revenue threshold is relatively modest, many national nonprofits exceed it quickly.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Online Fundraising and Georgia
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Georgia residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Georgia, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate Georgia contributions,
registration is typically required unless a clear exemption applies.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Renewal and Financial Reporting Considerations
Registered charities in Georgia must renew annually and file required financial information.
Audit or review requirements may apply depending on contribution levels.
Finance leaders should coordinate charitable registration compliance with annual Form 990 preparation to avoid renewal delays.
For deadline tracking:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines by State
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Georgia may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Georgia’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Georgia exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: