Last Updated: February 2026
Missouri requires charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions in the state. The state also requires annual reporting and regulates professional fundraising activity, making Missouri an important compliance jurisdiction for nationally active nonprofits.
For organizations conducting multi-state fundraising, Missouri should be treated as a core registration state requiring ongoing monitoring and centralized compliance oversight.
For broader national context, see:
When Registration Is Required in Missouri
A nonprofit must register with the Missouri Attorney General before soliciting contributions in the state.
Registration is generally required if an organization:
- Solicits donations from Missouri residents
- Conducts online fundraising accessible to Missouri donors
- Uses professional fundraisers or solicitors
- Conducts mail, email, or advertising campaigns directed into Missouri
These requirements apply to both Missouri-based and out-of-state nonprofits.
For online 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 activities.
Typical filing components include:
- Charitable organization registration statement
- IRS determination letter
- Governing documents
- IRS Form 990 or financial statements
- Officer and director information
- Disclosure of professional fundraisers
- Filing fee
Missouri uses a relatively straightforward registration process compared to many larger states.
For timing strategy, see:
Exemptions
Missouri provides several exemptions, though most mid-sized and large nonprofits must still register.
Common exemptions include:
- Religious organizations
- Educational institutions
- Governmental entities
- Organizations raising below defined contribution thresholds
- Membership organizations soliciting only from members
Because exemption thresholds are limited, most nationally fundraising nonprofits must register.
For broader exemption strategy:
Annual Renewal Requirements
Missouri requires annual renewal of charitable registration.
Renewal generally requires:
- Updated registration information
- IRS Form 990
- Financial statements when 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
Missouri may require audited financial statements when organizations exceed defined revenue thresholds.
These thresholds apply to total organizational contributions, not Missouri-specific fundraising.
For broader audit coordination:
Disclosure Requirements
Missouri does not impose a universal statewide charitable solicitation disclosure statement comparable to certain other jurisdictions.
However, disclosure and reporting requirements apply when professional fundraisers or commercial co-venturers are involved.
For a national comparison:
Professional Fundraisers and Commercial Co-Ventures
Missouri 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
Missouri 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
Missouri in a National Compliance Strategy
Missouri is considered a core compliance state due to its:
- Mandatory registration requirement
- Annual renewal obligations
- Oversight of professional fundraising activity
Organizations fundraising nationally should include Missouri within centralized compliance tracking systems.
For structured planning:
If your organization is fundraising in Missouri as part of a multi-state strategy, coordinated compliance oversight can reduce administrative burden and governance risk.