Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that raise funds from Colorado residents must typically complete state charitable registration before beginning any solicitation activity. Colorado has a relatively streamlined filing process compared to many states, but it still requires annual reporting and careful tracking of online fundraising activity.
If your organization is fundraising in multiple jurisdictions, coordinated compliance management can significantly reduce administrative burden.
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Explore All Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements by State
Colorado Charitable Registration — At-a-Glance
Filing Authority:
Colorado Secretary of State — Charitable Solicitations Program
Registration Required Before Soliciting:
Yes. Organizations must complete registration prior to requesting donations in the state.
Registration Method:
Online filing system only
Initial Registration Fee:
$10
Registration Term:
Valid for one year
Annual Renewal Required:
Yes
Annual Financial Report Required:
Yes (submitted through the online portal)
Renewal Due Date:
Approximately 4½ months after fiscal year end
Extensions:
Available if IRS Form 990 extension is filed
Who Must Register in Colorado
Most charitable organizations must register if they:
- Directly solicit contributions from Colorado residents
- Allow another organization or professional fundraiser to solicit on their behalf
- Participate in a commercial co-venture or charitable sales promotion
Colorado applies internet fundraising guidance consistent with the Charleston Principles. An out-of-state organization may still need to register if online fundraising activity demonstrates repeated or targeted engagement with Colorado donors. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
Organizations operating nationally or conducting digital campaigns should evaluate Colorado obligations early to avoid enforcement risk.
Initial Registration Process
Initial registration is completed through the Secretary of State’s online system.
Typical steps include:
- Creating an online account
- Completing a registration statement
- Providing organizational leadership information
- Certifying the filing electronically
Colorado’s system does not generally require extensive document uploads at the initial stage, which simplifies onboarding compared with many states. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
Additional Requirements for Out-of-State Nonprofits
If a nonprofit is organized outside Colorado but is actively conducting charitable activities within the state, it may also need to:
- Obtain authority to transact business in Colorado
- Appoint a registered agent for service of process
This corporate qualification requirement is separate from charitable solicitation registration.
Exemptions From Registration
Certain organizations are not required to register, including:
- Very small nonprofits below specified revenue thresholds
- Religious organizations and certain church-affiliated entities
- Political organizations and candidate committees
- Appeals conducted for a specific individual
Even when exempt, organizations must still carefully evaluate whether compensation arrangements, paid fundraising, or revenue levels eliminate exemption eligibility. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
A voluntary exemption claim may be submitted through the online system.
Annual Renewal and Reporting Requirements
Colorado registrations must be renewed each year.
Renewal typically includes:
- Annual Financial Report submission
- Updated organizational information
- Disclosure of professional fundraising relationships if applicable
Due Date:
Approximately 4½ months after the organization’s fiscal year end.
Extensions:
A short extension is generally available when a federal Form 990 extension has been obtained, with an additional extension possible through the state’s online system. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
Late Fees:
Colorado may assess penalties for delinquent filings.
Online Fundraising and Colorado Registration Triggers
Colorado evaluates whether a nonprofit’s website:
- Accepts donations electronically, and
- Demonstrates ongoing or targeted fundraising activity within the state
Organizations receiving repeated or significant online contributions from Colorado donors may be required to register even without physical presence. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
This is a frequent compliance gap for nationally fundraising nonprofits.
Managing Multi-State Compliance
If your organization is soliciting across multiple states, coordinating filings, renewals, and reporting requirements can become complex quickly.
Learn More About Multi-State Fundraising Compliance
View Renewal Deadlines Across All States
Review Exemption Eligibility Nationwide
Get Help With Colorado and Nationwide Filings
Ironwood Registrations supports nonprofits managing multi-state charitable registration, annual renewals, and coordinated compliance strategy.
Or contact us directly to discuss your organization’s filing footprint and timeline.