Last Updated: February 2026
Colorado requires charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions in the state. The state applies a broad definition of solicitation and has formally adopted the Charleston Principles for online fundraising analysis.
While Colorado provides several exemptions, they are narrower than many national nonprofits expect — particularly for organizations operating digital fundraising campaigns.
This page outlines Colorado’s exemption framework and related multi-state considerations. For a general overview of registration systems, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Colorado
Registration is required if an organization:
- Solicits contributions in Colorado by any means
- Has contributions solicited in Colorado on its behalf
- Participates in a charitable sales promotion
- Maintains an interactive website that triggers registration under the Charleston Principles
Registration must be completed before solicitation begins.
For broader context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Colorado Charitable Registration Exemptions
Colorado does not require a formal exemption filing. An organization that qualifies may optionally submit an online exemption claim, but it is not mandatory.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
An organization is exempt if:
- It does not intend to, and does not actually, have gross revenue exceeding $25,000 during a fiscal year, and
- It has not contracted with a paid solicitor to solicit in Colorado.
Key points:
- The $25,000 calculation is based on nationwide gross revenue, not Colorado-only fundraising.
- Government grants, grants from other 501(c)(3) organizations, and bona fide membership dues may be excluded from the calculation.
- All other revenue must be included without deduction for expenses.
Organizations that receive contributions from no more than ten people nationwide during a fiscal year may also qualify for exemption.
These exemptions do not apply if a paid solicitor is engaged in Colorado.
For strategic planning guidance, see:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
2. Religious Organizations
Colorado exempts certain tax-exempt religious organizations, including:
- Churches and integrated auxiliaries
- Conventions or associations of churches
- Interchurch organizations
- Religious orders engaged exclusively in religious activities
- Certain mission societies and church-affiliated schools below the college level
However, religious organizations that file IRS Form 990 are not exempt and must register.
3. Political Organizations
The following are exempt:
- Political parties
- Candidates for federal or state office
- Political action committees required to file campaign finance reports
This exemption does not extend to general charitable advocacy organizations.
4. Appeals for a Single Individual
Charitable appeals on behalf of a specific named individual or family in need are exempt.
This exemption is limited to individual hardship appeals and does not apply to general charitable programs.
Online Fundraising and the Charleston Principles
Colorado has formally adopted the Charleston Principles in determining when out-of-state nonprofits must register due to online fundraising activity.
An out-of-state organization with an interactive website must register in Colorado if it:
- Specifically targets Colorado residents, or
- Receives contributions on a “repeated and ongoing” or “substantial” basis from Colorado.
“Repeated and ongoing” generally means 50 or more online contributions in a fiscal year.
“Substantial” generally means $25,000 or 1% of total contributions (whichever is less) in online contributions during a fiscal year.
Organizations operating national digital campaigns should review:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Foreign Qualification Considerations
Out-of-state nonprofits registering in Colorado must also evaluate whether they are required to qualify to transact business in the state and appoint a registered agent.
This is separate from charitable registration and is governed by corporate law.
For more on interstate qualification, see:
Multi-State Registration Complexity
What Colorado Does Not Exempt
Colorado does not provide exemptions for:
- Organizations above the $25,000 nationwide revenue threshold
- Organizations using paid solicitors in the state
- National nonprofits that passively receive contributions from Colorado residents under the Charleston thresholds
Because Colorado’s online standards are clearly defined and actively applied, digital fundraising growth can quickly eliminate exemption eligibility.
Governance and Risk Considerations
Boards and finance committees should:
- Monitor nationwide gross revenue against the $25,000 threshold
- Track online contributions by state
- Evaluate paid solicitor relationships
- Confirm whether religious organizations file IRS Form 990
Noncompliance can result in monetary penalties and reputational risk.
See:What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Multi-State Context
Colorado’s exemption framework illustrates a broader principle: revenue thresholds are typically calculated on a nationwide basis, not state-specific fundraising.
An organization exempt in Colorado may still be required to register in other states — and vice versa.
For a broader overview of exemption categories nationwide:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions Guide
If your organization is evaluating Colorado registration exposure as part of a national fundraising strategy, you may schedule a consultation