Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Pennsylvania are generally required to register with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations before engaging in fundraising activity.
Pennsylvania provides limited statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility depends on contribution levels, organizational structure, and whether professional fundraisers are involved.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
A charitable organization must register in Pennsylvania if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in Pennsylvania; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Pennsylvania.
Registration must generally occur 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
Pennsylvania Charitable Registration Exemptions
Pennsylvania provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Organizations claiming exemption may be required to file documentation confirming eligibility.
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 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 Pennsylvania-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of professional fundraisers generally eliminates eligibility.
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 independently evaluate exemption eligibility.
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.
Audit Thresholds and Financial Reporting
Even exempt organizations should understand Pennsylvania’s financial reporting framework.
Registered charities must file annual reports, and audit requirements apply at higher revenue thresholds.
Pennsylvania is considered a moderately complex state from a compliance perspective.
For renewal deadlines and reporting context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines by State
Online Fundraising and Pennsylvania
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Pennsylvania residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Pennsylvania, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate Pennsylvania 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
What Pennsylvania Does Not Exempt
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in Pennsylvania must register.
For related risk considerations:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Pennsylvania may still be required to register in neighboring states such as New York, New Jersey, Maryland, or Ohio.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Pennsylvania’s threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Pennsylvania exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: