Last Updated: February 2026
Mississippi requires charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions in the state. The state also applies modern online fundraising standards derived from the Charleston Principles, making Mississippi an important compliance jurisdiction for nationally active nonprofits.
For organizations conducting multi-state fundraising, Mississippi should be treated as a core registration state requiring proactive monitoring and centralized compliance oversight.
For broader national context, see:
When Registration Is Required in Mississippi
A nonprofit must register with the Mississippi Secretary of State before soliciting contributions in the state.
Registration is generally required if an organization:
- Solicits donations from Mississippi residents
- Conducts fundraising campaigns directed into the state
- Uses professional fundraisers or solicitors
- Conducts online fundraising that results in contributions from Mississippi donors
Mississippi has adopted elements of the Charleston Principles to determine when out-of-state organizations must register due to online fundraising activity. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
For broader digital fundraising considerations, see:
- Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
- Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Initial Registration Overview
Registration must be completed prior to beginning solicitation activity.
Typical filing components include:
- Charitable organization registration application
- IRS determination letter
- Governing documents
- IRS Form 990 or financial statements
- Officer and director information
- Disclosure of professional fundraisers
- Filing fee
Mississippi requires both in-state and out-of-state nonprofits to register if they solicit contributions within the state.
For registration timing strategy:
Exemptions
Mississippi provides several exemptions, though most mid-sized and large nonprofits must still register.
Common exemptions include:
- Religious organizations
- Educational institutions
- Governmental entities
- Very small organizations below defined contribution thresholds
- Organizations soliciting only from members
Because exemption thresholds are relatively low, most national nonprofits fundraising across multiple states must register.
For broader exemption strategy:
Annual Renewal Requirements
Mississippi requires annual renewal of charitable registration.
Renewal generally requires:
- Updated registration information
- IRS Form 990
- Financial statements if applicable
- Filing fee
The renewal cycle is typically based on the organization’s fiscal year.
For coordinated multi-state renewal planning:
Audit and Financial Reporting Considerations
Mississippi may require additional financial reporting documentation based on revenue thresholds.
Organizations with higher fundraising revenue may need to provide audited financial statements prepared by an independent CPA.
These thresholds apply to total organizational contributions, not Mississippi-specific fundraising.
For broader audit coordination:
Disclosure Requirements
Mississippi does not impose a universal statewide charitable solicitation disclosure statement comparable to certain other jurisdictions.
However, disclosure and reporting obligations apply when professional fundraisers or commercial co-venturers are involved.
For a national comparison:
Professional Fundraisers and Commercial Co-Ventures
Mississippi regulates third-party fundraising relationships.
Organizations engaging:
- Professional solicitors
- Fundraising counsel
- Commercial co-venturers
must comply with contract filing and reporting requirements.
See:
Governance and Risk Considerations
Mississippi 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:
- What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
- Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Mississippi in a National Compliance Strategy
Mississippi is a core registration state due to its:
- Mandatory registration requirement
- Adoption of online fundraising enforcement standards
- Annual renewal obligations
- Oversight of professional fundraising activity
Organizations fundraising nationally should include Mississippi within centralized compliance tracking systems.
For structured planning:
If your organization is fundraising in Mississippi as part of a multi-state strategy, coordinated compliance oversight can reduce administrative burden and governance risk.