Last Updated: February 2026
North Dakota requires most charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions from residents of the state. While administratively less complex than some jurisdictions, North Dakota maintains annual renewal requirements and regulates professional fundraising activity, making it an important component of a multi-state compliance strategy.
For broader national context, see:
When Registration Is Required in North Dakota
A nonprofit must register with the North Dakota Secretary of State before soliciting charitable contributions in the state.
Registration is generally required if an organization:
- Solicits donations from North Dakota residents
- Conducts online fundraising accessible to North Dakota donors
- Uses professional fundraisers or solicitors
- Conducts direct mail, email, or advertising campaigns directed into the state
These requirements apply to both North Dakota-based and out-of-state nonprofits.
For digital fundraising implications, 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 application
- IRS determination letter
- Governing documents
- IRS Form 990 or financial statements
- Officer and director information
- Disclosure of professional fundraising relationships
- Filing fee
For registration timing strategy:
Exemptions
North Dakota provides several exemptions, though most mid-sized and large nationally fundraising 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 relatively narrow, most nonprofits fundraising across multiple states must register.
For broader exemption strategy:
Annual Renewal Requirements
North Dakota requires annual renewal of charitable registration.
Renewal generally requires:
- Updated registration information
- IRS Form 990
- Financial statements when applicable
- Filing fee
Renewal deadlines are typically tied to the organization’s fiscal year.
For coordinated multi-state renewal planning:
Financial Reporting Considerations
North Dakota may require additional financial documentation depending on contribution levels.
Organizations with higher fundraising revenue may need to submit audited financial statements prepared by an independent CPA.
These thresholds apply to total organizational revenue, not state-specific fundraising.
For broader audit coordination:
Disclosure Requirements
North Dakota does not impose a universal charitable solicitation disclosure statement comparable to certain other jurisdictions.
However, disclosure obligations may apply when professional fundraisers are involved.
For a national comparison:
Professional Fundraisers and Commercial Co-Ventures
North Dakota regulates third-party fundraising relationships.
Organizations engaging:
- Professional solicitors
- Fundraising counsel
- Commercial co-venturers
must comply with additional contract filing and reporting requirements.
See:
Governance and Risk Considerations
North Dakota maintains publicly accessible charity records. Noncompliance may:
- Affect grant due diligence
- Raise board oversight concerns
- Create Form 990 disclosure inconsistencies
- 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
North Dakota in a National Compliance Strategy
North Dakota is considered a standard registration state due to its:
- Mandatory registration requirement
- Annual renewal obligations
- Oversight of professional fundraising activity
Organizations fundraising nationally should include North Dakota within centralized compliance tracking systems.
For structured planning:
If your organization is fundraising in North Dakota as part of a multi-state strategy, coordinated compliance oversight can reduce administrative burden and governance risk.