Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Ohio are generally required to register with the Ohio Attorney General before engaging in fundraising activity in the state.
Ohio provides limited statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume, and most organizations conducting public fundraising in Ohio must register.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Ohio 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 Ohio
A charitable organization must register in Ohio if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in Ohio; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Ohio.
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
Ohio Charitable Registration Exemptions
Ohio provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Some exempt organizations may still be required to file documentation claiming exemption status.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It receives less than $25,000 in gross contributions during a fiscal year; and
- It does not compensate any person primarily to conduct solicitations.
Key considerations:
- The $25,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely Ohio-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of professional fundraisers generally eliminates eligibility for this exemption.
Because the threshold is modest, many multi-state 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 affiliates should evaluate exemption eligibility independently.
3. Educational Institutions
Accredited educational institutions may qualify for exemption.
Affiliated foundations or supporting organizations may not automatically qualify and should independently review registration obligations.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental entities are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
5. Political Organizations
Political candidates, political committees, and political parties required to file campaign finance disclosures are exempt.
This exemption does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
Online Fundraising and Ohio
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Ohio residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Ohio, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate Ohio contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
Online fundraising frequently triggers multi-state compliance obligations.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Renewal and Financial Reporting Considerations
Registered charities in Ohio 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 State Renewal Deadlines
What Ohio Does Not Exempt
Ohio does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- A broad exemption for organizations exceeding the $25,000 threshold
- An exemption solely because the organization is headquartered outside Ohio
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in Ohio must register.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Ohio may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, or Kentucky.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Ohio’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Ohio exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: