Skip to content

Minnesota Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide

Last Updated: February 2026

Minnesota requires most charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions in the state. The state also imposes annual financial reporting obligations and audit thresholds that make Minnesota an important compliance jurisdiction for nationally active nonprofits.

For organizations conducting multi-state fundraising, Minnesota should be treated as a core registration state requiring ongoing monitoring and centralized compliance tracking.

For broader national context, see:

When Registration Is Required in Minnesota

A nonprofit must register with the Minnesota Attorney General before soliciting contributions in the state.

Registration is generally required if an organization:

  • Solicits donations from Minnesota residents
  • Conducts online fundraising accessible to Minnesota donors
  • Uses professional fundraisers or solicitors
  • Conducts mail, email, or advertising campaigns directed into the state

These requirements apply to both in-state and out-of-state nonprofits.

For digital fundraising considerations, see:

Initial Registration Overview

Minnesota requires registration prior to beginning solicitation activities.

Typical filing components include:

  • Charitable organization registration form or URS
  • IRS determination letter
  • Governing documents
  • IRS Form 990 or financial statements
  • Officer and director information
  • Disclosure of professional fundraisers
  • Filing fee

The filing fee is relatively modest compared to many states.

Minnesota does not require appointment of a registered agent for charitable registration purposes. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…

For registration timing strategy:

Exemptions

Minnesota provides several exemptions, though most mid-sized and large national nonprofits will not qualify.

Common exemptions include:

  • Religious organizations
  • Accredited educational institutions
  • Membership organizations soliciting only from members
  • Certain private foundations
  • Very small organizations raising less than $25,000 annually and operating entirely with volunteers nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…

Because the small-charity exemption is narrow, most national nonprofits must register.

For broader exemption strategy:

Annual Reporting Requirements

Minnesota does not require an annual “renewal registration,” but it does require an annual financial report.

The report must be filed each year with the Attorney General. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…

Due Date

The annual report is due 6½ months after the end of the organization’s fiscal year. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…

Late filings may result in penalties.

For multi-state calendar coordination:

Audit and Financial Reporting Thresholds

Minnesota requires audited financial statements when annual revenue exceeds defined thresholds.

Organizations with revenue exceeding approximately $750,000 typically must submit audited financial statements prepared by an independent CPA. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…

These thresholds apply to total organizational revenue, not Minnesota-specific fundraising.

For broader audit planning:

Disclosure Requirements

Minnesota does not impose a universal charitable solicitation disclosure statement comparable to certain states such as Florida or New York.

However, disclosure and reporting obligations apply when professional fundraisers are involved.

For a national comparison:

Professional Fundraisers and Commercial Co-Ventures

Minnesota regulates third-party fundraising relationships.

Organizations engaging:

  • Professional solicitors
  • Fundraising counsel
  • Commercial co-venturers

must comply with additional reporting and contract disclosure requirements.

See:

Governance and Risk Considerations

Minnesota maintains publicly searchable charity records. Noncompliance may:

  • Affect grant due diligence
  • Raise board oversight concerns
  • Create inconsistencies in Form 990 reporting
  • Impact fundraising platform certifications

For broader risk analysis:

Minnesota in a National Compliance Strategy

Minnesota is considered a core compliance jurisdiction due to its:

  • Mandatory registration requirement
  • Annual financial reporting obligations
  • Audit thresholds
  • Oversight of professional fundraising activity

Organizations fundraising nationally should include Minnesota within centralized compliance tracking systems.

For structured planning:

If your organization is fundraising in Minnesota as part of a multi-state strategy, coordinated compliance oversight can reduce administrative burden and governance risk.

Schedule a Consultation