Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Missouri are generally required to register with the Missouri Attorney General before engaging in fundraising activities in the state.
Missouri provides several statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders expect, particularly for organizations engaged in public or multi-state fundraising.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Missouri 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 Missouri
A charitable organization must register in Missouri if it:
- Solicits contributions in Missouri; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Missouri.
Registration must generally occur prior to solicitation 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
Missouri Charitable Registration Exemptions
Missouri provides categorical exemptions as well as a limited small-organization exemption.
Some exempt organizations may still need to maintain documentation demonstrating eligibility, even if no filing is required.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($10,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It does not intend to receive and does not actually receive more than $10,000 in total contributions during a fiscal year; and
- All fundraising activities are conducted by unpaid volunteers.
Key considerations:
- The $10,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely Missouri-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of compensated fundraising personnel may eliminate exemption eligibility.
Because the threshold is relatively low, most established nonprofits exceed it quickly.
For planning context:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
2. Religious Organizations
Certain religious organizations are exempt from registration.
This generally includes churches and organizations operated primarily for religious purposes.
Separately incorporated charitable affiliates should evaluate exemption eligibility independently.
3. Educational Institutions
Accredited educational institutions may qualify for exemption.
This typically includes schools, colleges, and universities operating within recognized educational frameworks.
Affiliated foundations may require separate review 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 campaign finance reports are exempt.
This exemption does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
6. Certain Membership Organizations
Organizations that solicit solely from their own members, without public fundraising, may qualify for exemption under limited circumstances.
If public solicitation occurs, registration is generally required.
What Missouri Does Not Exempt
Missouri does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- An exemption for organizations that compensate fundraising personnel
- An exemption solely because the organization is incorporated outside Missouri
Most organizations conducting sustained public fundraising in Missouri must register.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes
Online Fundraising and Missouri
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Missouri residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Missouri, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate Missouri contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Renewal and Reporting Considerations
Registered charities in Missouri 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 Form 990 preparation and annual audit timelines.
For deadline tracking:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Missouri may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Illinois, Kansas, Arkansas, or Tennessee.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Missouri’s $10,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Missouri exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: