Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Virginia are generally required to register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs, before engaging in fundraising activity in the Commonwealth.
Virginia provides several statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility depends on revenue thresholds, organizational structure, and whether professional fundraisers are involved.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Virginia 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 Virginia
A charitable organization must register in Virginia if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in Virginia; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Virginia.
Registration must generally be completed 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
Virginia Charitable Registration Exemptions
Virginia provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Organizations claiming exemption must file an exemption request with VDACS and receive confirmation.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It does not intend to solicit and does not actually receive more than $25,000 in contributions during a calendar year; and
- All solicitation activities are conducted by unpaid volunteers; and
- No part of the organization’s net earnings inures to the benefit of any officer, member, or professional fundraiser.
Key considerations:
- The $25,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely Virginia-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration is required.
- Use of paid fundraisers generally eliminates eligibility.
- Organizations exceeding the threshold must register promptly.
Because the threshold is relatively modest, most multi-state nonprofits exceed it quickly.
For strategic planning context:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
2. Religious Organizations
Certain religious organizations are exempt from registration.
This generally includes churches and other religious bodies that are primarily supported by their congregations.
Separately incorporated affiliates, schools, or charitable programs may need to evaluate exemption eligibility independently.
3. Educational Institutions
Accredited educational institutions are exempt.
This exemption typically includes schools, colleges, and universities with a defined curriculum, faculty, and student body.
Affiliated foundations may not automatically qualify and should independently assess registration requirements.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental entities are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
5. Political Organizations
Political candidates and committees required to file campaign finance disclosures are exempt.
This exemption does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
6. Membership Organizations Soliciting Only Members
Certain organizations that solicit solely from their own membership may qualify for exemption, provided no public solicitation occurs.
Audit and Financial Reporting Considerations
Virginia imposes financial reporting requirements on registered charities, including audit or review obligations at higher revenue thresholds.
Organizations approaching Virginia’s audit trigger levels should coordinate:
- Registration filings
- Form 990 preparation
- CPA engagement timelines
For renewal and reporting timing:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines
Online Fundraising and Virginia
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Virginia residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Virginia, or
- Uses national fundraising platforms that generate Virginia contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
Online fundraising frequently creates multi-state exposure.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
What Virginia Does Not Exempt
Virginia 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 Virginia
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in Virginia must register.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Virginia may still be required to register in neighboring states such as North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, Tennessee, or the District of Columbia.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Virginia’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Virginia exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: