Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in West Virginia are generally required to register with the West Virginia Secretary of State before engaging in fundraising activity in the state.
West Virginia provides several statutory exemptions. However, exemption eligibility is narrow and often misunderstood by organizations fundraising regionally or nationally.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from West 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 West Virginia
A charitable organization must register in West Virginia if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in West Virginia; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in West Virginia.
Registration must generally be completed before 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
West Virginia Charitable Registration Exemptions
West Virginia provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Organizations claiming exemption must file documentation with the Secretary of State confirming eligibility.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($50,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It does not receive more than $50,000 in gross contributions during a fiscal year; and
- All solicitation activities are conducted by unpaid volunteers; and
- It does not use professional fundraisers.
Key considerations:
- The $50,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely West Virginia-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of compensated fundraising personnel generally eliminates eligibility.
Because the threshold is moderate, 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 religious bodies operated primarily for religious purposes.
Separately incorporated charitable 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 assess registration obligations.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental entities are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
5. Political Organizations
Political candidates and political committees required to file campaign finance disclosures are exempt.
This exemption does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
Audit and Financial Reporting Considerations
Registered charities in West Virginia must renew annually and submit required financial documentation.
Audit or review requirements may apply at higher contribution levels.
Finance leaders should coordinate charitable registration compliance with Form 990 preparation and annual audit timelines.
For renewal timing:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines by State
Online Fundraising and West Virginia
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from West Virginia residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting West Virginia, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate West 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 West Virginia Does Not Exempt
West Virginia does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- An exemption solely because the organization is headquartered outside West Virginia
- A broad exemption for organizations exceeding the $50,000 threshold
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in West Virginia must register.
For related risk considerations:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in West Virginia may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, or Ohio.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed West Virginia’s threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating West Virginia exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: