Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in New Jersey are generally required to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs before engaging in fundraising activities.
New Jersey provides several statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is limited and highly dependent on revenue levels, organizational structure, and whether professional fundraisers are involved.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from New Jersey charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a national overview of charitable registration systems, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in New Jersey
A charitable organization must register in New Jersey if it:
- Solicits contributions from New Jersey residents; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in New Jersey.
Registration is required prior to or in connection with 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 by State
New Jersey Charitable Registration Exemptions
New Jersey provides categorical exemptions as well as a limited small-organization exemption.
Importantly, organizations that qualify for exemption do not need to submit a separate exemption application in New Jersey. However, they must ensure they clearly meet statutory criteria.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($10,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- Its gross contributions during the fiscal year do not exceed $10,000;
- It operates as a fully volunteer organization with no paid staff; and
- It does not hire professional fundraisers.
Key considerations:
- Membership dues and similar payments are excluded from the $10,000 calculation.
- Government grants and contracts are also excluded from the $10,000 threshold.
- If the organization exceeds $10,000 in gross contributions or hires a professional fundraiser, registration is required.
Because the threshold is relatively low, most established nonprofits fundraising in multiple states will exceed it.
For planning context:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
2. Religious Organizations
Organizations established for religious purposes are exempt from registration.
In addition, organizations established for charitable purposes that are affiliated with, supervised by, or controlled by a religious organization (such as a religious school) may qualify for exemption.
Separately incorporated affiliates should review eligibility carefully.
3. Educational Institutions
Accredited educational institutions are exempt.
Institutions that confine their solicitations to:
- Students
- Alumni
- Faculty
- Trustees
- Their families
may also qualify for exemption.
Libraries registered by the New Jersey Department of Education are exempt as well.
Affiliated foundations should independently evaluate exemption eligibility.
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 disclosures are exempt.
This exemption does not extend to Section 501(c)(3) advocacy organizations.
Professional Fundraisers and Exemption Limitations
Even where a nonprofit might otherwise qualify for exemption, engaging a professional fundraiser typically eliminates eligibility under the small-organization exemption.
For additional context:
Using Professional Fundraisers or Solicitors
Online Fundraising and New Jersey
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from New Jersey residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting New Jersey, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate New Jersey contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
Online fundraising often triggers multi-state obligations.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
What New Jersey Does Not Exempt
New Jersey does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- A broad exemption for organizations exceeding $10,000 in contributions
- An exemption for organizations with paid staff
- An exemption solely due to out-of-state incorporation
Most nonprofits fundraising publicly in New Jersey must register.
For related risk considerations:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in New Jersey may still be required to register in neighboring states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or Connecticut.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed New Jersey’s $10,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating New Jersey exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: