Last Updated: February 2026
The District of Columbia requires most charitable organizations to obtain a charitable solicitation registration before fundraising in the District. Registration is structured as a charitable solicitation Basic Business License (BBL).
Unlike many states, the District provides relatively limited exemptions. Organizations operating nationally should evaluate DC carefully—particularly because applying for federal grants in Washington, DC can trigger registration requirements.
If you are unfamiliar with how state charitable registration frameworks operate more broadly, see our overview:
How Charitable Registration Works
Who Must Register in the District of Columbia?
An organization must obtain a charitable solicitation registration (BBL) before soliciting charitable contributions in the District.
Importantly, “solicitation” in DC includes applying for government grants or other funding for charitable purposes within the District. This is broader than many states and often surprises national nonprofits.
Out-of-state nonprofits must also:
- Obtain authority to do business in the District
- Register with the DC tax authority
- Appoint a registered agent
These additional requirements significantly increase compliance complexity.
For broader multi-state context, see:
Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
District of Columbia Registration Exemptions
The District provides only a small number of exemptions. Most national nonprofits will not qualify.
1. Small Organization Threshold (Limited)
An organization is exempt if:
- It receives less than $25,000 in contributions annually (adjusted annually for inflation), and
- All fundraising activities are conducted solely by volunteers.
If compensation is paid for fundraising activity, the exemption does not apply.
This threshold is evaluated carefully, and organizations exceeding it must register promptly.
For a broader discussion of small-charity exemptions nationwide, see:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
2. Religious Organizations
Tax-exempt churches, religious corporations, and organizations under the supervision and control of a church are exempt from registration.
However, registration may be required if the organization conducts nonreligious activities such as:
- Operating a daycare center
- Running a thrift shop
- Operating a soup kitchen
- Conducting other regulated public-facing activities
Religious organizations with operational activities beyond core religious functions should evaluate carefully.
3. Educational Institutions (Limited)
Schools and universities under the supervision and control of a church or religious corporation are exempt.
Public educational institutions are generally not required to register due to jurisdictional limitations.
4. Membership Organizations
Organizations that solicit exclusively from their own members and not from the general public are exempt.
If public-facing fundraising occurs, registration is typically required.
5. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is specifically exempt.
What DC Does Not Exempt
The District does not provide:
- A broad exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- A general exemption for grant-only fundraising
- A general exemption for national nonprofits
- A large revenue-based exemption
Because DC treats grant applications as solicitation, even nonprofits that do not conduct public fundraising campaigns may still be required to register.
For risk considerations, see:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Additional Compliance Considerations for Out-of-State Nonprofits
Organizations not formed in the District must typically:
- Obtain a Certificate of Authority to transact business in DC
- Register with the Office of Tax and Revenue
- Complete additional tax registration filings
- Maintain a registered agent in the District
These layered requirements make DC one of the more administratively complex jurisdictions for national nonprofits.
For planning considerations, see:
Multi-State Registration Complexity
https://www.ironwoodregistrations.com/resources/multi-state-charitable-registration-complexity/
Strategic Takeaways for National Nonprofits
The District of Columbia:
- Provides limited exemptions
- Includes government grant applications within the definition of solicitation
- Requires additional corporate and tax filings for foreign entities
- Imposes significant late fees for failure to renew
Organizations fundraising nationally or applying for federal grants should evaluate DC early in their compliance planning process.
If you are unsure whether your organization qualifies for exemption in DC or must register, we recommend reviewing your fundraising profile and grant activity holistically.