Alaska Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions

Last Updated: February 2026

Alaska requires most charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions in the state. However, several exemptions apply. These exemptions are narrower than in many states and are frequently misunderstood by organizations fundraising nationally.

This page explains which organizations may qualify for exemption from Alaska charitable solicitation registration and when registration is still required.

For a broader overview of charitable registration mechanics, see:
How Charitable Registration Works

When Registration Is Normally Required in Alaska

A charitable organization may not solicit contributions in Alaska unless it is registered with the Alaska Department of Law, unless an exemption applies.

Registration generally applies to organizations that:

Solicit Alaska residents
Conduct fundraising events in Alaska
Engage in online fundraising that reaches Alaska donors
Retain paid personnel or third parties in connection with solicitation

National organizations should also review:
Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide

Alaska Charitable Registration Exemptions

Alaska provides several limited exemptions. Importantly, exemption in Alaska does not eliminate registration obligations in other states.

1. Small Organization Exemption ($5,000 Threshold)

An organization may qualify for exemption if:

It does not intend to raise more than $5,000 in contributions during a fiscal year (excluding government grants), or
It does not receive contributions from more than ten persons during the fiscal year.

Key considerations:

The $5,000 and ten-donor limits apply nationwide, not only to Alaska-based fundraising.
All organizational functions — including fundraising — must be performed entirely by volunteers.
If any officer or member receives compensation, the exemption is not available.
The organization must maintain financial records for at least five years demonstrating eligibility.

Because the revenue threshold is low and volunteer-only fundraising is required, this exemption rarely applies to established or growth-stage nonprofits operating across multiple states.

2. Religious Organizations

Churches and other religious organizations that are not required to file an annual information return with the IRS are exempt from Alaska’s charitable registration requirement.

This exemption typically applies to houses of worship and certain integrated auxiliaries.

National ministries and separately incorporated religious nonprofits should evaluate whether their structure or reporting obligations affect exemption eligibility in Alaska or other states.

3. Political Candidates and Political Organizations

Candidates for public office are exempt. Political parties, committees, and similar organizations that file financial disclosures with federal or state election authorities are also exempt.

This exemption does not extend to general charitable organizations that engage in advocacy but are not political committees.

4. Organizations Holding an Alaska Gaming Permit

Organizations that hold a current charitable gaming permit issued under Alaska law are exempt from charitable registration while that permit remains active.

This exemption is specific and does not apply to nonprofits that fundraise through general donations, events, or digital campaigns without a qualifying gaming permit.

What Alaska Does Not Exempt

Unlike many states, Alaska does not provide broad exemptions for:

Educational institutions (as a blanket category)
Fraternal or civic organizations generally
Hospitals
Federated campaigns
Organizations simply because they are small but compensate staff

Additionally, there is no general exemption for organizations below a higher revenue threshold (e.g., $25,000). The Alaska limit is materially lower.

Online Fundraising and Alaska

Alaska’s registration requirement can apply to organizations outside the state if they solicit Alaska residents, including through online fundraising.

Organizations operating nationally should review:

Even if Alaska contributions are modest, exceeding the $5,000 or ten-donor threshold may eliminate exemption eligibility.

Governance and Risk Considerations

Boards and finance leaders should ensure that:

Alaska contribution totals are monitored annually
Volunteer-only fundraising status is documented if relying on exemption
Compensation structures are reviewed for compliance impact
Online fundraising expansion is evaluated before campaigns launch

Failure to register when required can create regulatory and reputational risk.

See:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?

Multi-State Implications

An organization may qualify for exemption in Alaska but still be required to register in many other states.

To understand broader exposure, review:

Evaluating Alaska Exemption Status

Because Alaska’s exemption thresholds are narrow and compensation-sensitive, organizations approaching $5,000 in annual contributions or engaging paid personnel often find registration to be the safer compliance path.

If your organization is fundraising nationally and evaluating Alaska registration or exemption status, you may schedule a consultation