Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Maryland are generally required to register with the Maryland Secretary of State before engaging in fundraising activities in the state.
Maryland provides specific exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume, and certain fundraising activities eliminate exemption eligibility.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Maryland charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a national overview of charitable registration frameworks, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Maryland
A charitable organization must register in Maryland if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in Maryland by any means, or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Maryland.
Registration must generally be completed before solicitation begins and must be renewed annually.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt solely because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For broader context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements by State
Maryland Charitable Registration Exemptions
Maryland provides both categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Some exempt organizations may still be subject to filing or reporting requirements depending on their structure and revenue levels.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It receives less than $25,000 in charitable contributions during a fiscal year; and
- It does not compensate any person to solicit or receive charitable contributions.
Important considerations:
- The $25,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely Maryland-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of professional solicitors or compensated fundraising staff eliminates eligibility.
Organizations relying on this exemption should monitor contribution levels carefully.
For broader planning guidance:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
2. Religious Organizations
Religious organizations are exempt from registration.
This generally includes churches and related religious entities.
However, separately incorporated charitable affiliates may require independent analysis.
3. Educational Institutions
Certain educational institutions are exempt.
This typically includes schools, colleges, and universities operating within recognized educational frameworks.
Affiliated foundations should evaluate exemption eligibility separately.
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 does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
6. Certain Membership Organizations
Organizations that solicit solely from their own membership may qualify for exemption under limited circumstances.
If public solicitation occurs, registration is generally required.
What Maryland Does Not Exempt
Maryland 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 simply because they are headquartered outside Maryland
Because the revenue threshold is relatively modest, many national nonprofits exceed it quickly.
Online Fundraising and Maryland
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Maryland residents,
- Conducts targeted digital campaigns into Maryland, or
- Uses national fundraising platforms that generate Maryland contributions,
registration is typically required unless a clear exemption applies.
For digital fundraising analysis:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Renewal and Reporting Considerations
Maryland requires annual renewal and financial reporting for registered charities.
Audit or review requirements may apply depending on contribution levels.
Finance leaders should coordinate charitable registration compliance with Form 990 preparation and financial statement timelines.
For governance guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Maryland may still be required to register in neighboring jurisdictions such as Virginia, Delaware (which does not require registration), Pennsylvania, or the District of Columbia.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Maryland’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Maryland exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: