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North Dakota Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements

Last Updated: February 2026

Nonprofits that solicit charitable contributions in North Dakota are generally required to register with the state before fundraising activities begin. Registration is administered through the Secretary of State.

Organizations planning national or multi-state campaigns should confirm North Dakota compliance requirements before soliciting residents.

At-a-Glance

State Registration Required: Yes
Filing Office: North Dakota Secretary of State
Registration Term: One year
Renewal Required: Yes
Estimated Registration Processing Time: Typically several weeks, depending on completeness of filing and supporting documentation
Foreign Entity Qualification Required: Yes, for organizations incorporated outside North Dakota

When Registration Is Required

Charitable organizations must register prior to soliciting contributions from North Dakota residents through:

  • Online fundraising
  • Direct mail campaigns
  • Email solicitations
  • Events or in-state activities

If your organization is not incorporated in North Dakota, you must also obtain authority to transact business in the state and appoint a registered agent.

Organizations frequently overlook this step during national expansion, which can delay or invalidate solicitation authority.

Initial Registration Process

Initial registration is submitted through the North Dakota Secretary of State.

Typical filing components include:

  • Charitable registration application
  • Organizational governing documents
  • IRS determination letter
  • Most recent Form 990 or financial reporting
  • Officer and director information
  • Copies of professional fundraiser agreements (if applicable)

Out-of-state nonprofits must:

  • File a foreign entity authorization application
  • Designate a registered agent located in North Dakota

Incomplete submissions or missing corporate authorization often extend approval timelines.

Managing registrations in multiple states? Contact Ironwood Registrations for coordinated filings.

Registration Term and Renewals

Registration remains active for approximately one year.

Organizations must:

  • Renew annually
  • Update financial reporting
  • Report organizational changes as required

Failure to renew on time may result in loss of solicitation authority.

For organizations fundraising across multiple jurisdictions, coordinating anniversary-based renewal cycles can become administratively complex.

Financial Reporting & Audit Considerations

North Dakota may require submission of financial information as part of the registration or renewal process.

For organizations with higher contribution levels or revenue, the state may request:

  • IRS Form 990 series filings
  • Independent financial statements when applicable

Because reporting expectations can change based on organizational size and fundraising activity, larger nonprofits conducting national campaigns typically maintain audit-ready financials across all registered states.

If your organization is approaching significant growth in contributions, it is advisable to review multi-state financial reporting obligations proactively.

Foreign Nonprofit Considerations

Organizations incorporated outside North Dakota must:

  • Obtain authority to conduct activities within the state
  • Maintain a registered agent with a physical North Dakota address

Failure to complete corporate qualification before filing the charitable registration may delay approval.

Exemptions

Certain organizations may qualify for exemption from registration based on structure or fundraising activity. Common exemption categories can include:

  • Religious organizations
  • Certain educational institutions
  • Organizations with minimal fundraising activity

Even when exempt, some organizations may still be required to submit exemption documentation before soliciting.

Enforcement and Compliance Risk

Soliciting without registration may expose organizations to:

  • Administrative penalties
  • Required corrective filings
  • Delays in ongoing campaigns

For nonprofits fundraising nationally, North Dakota is often included early in the registration sequence due to its corporate authorization requirements for foreign entities.

Additional Resources

Need Help Registering?

If your organization is expanding fundraising into North Dakota or managing multi-state compliance obligations, coordinated registration planning can significantly reduce administrative burden.

Schedule a Consultation

Or contact our team directly