Last Updated: February 2026
Most charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Illinois must register with the Illinois Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Bureau before beginning fundraising activity in the state.
Illinois provides several statutory exemptions. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume, and certain exempt organizations may still have filing obligations.
This page outlines who qualifies for exemption from Illinois charitable solicitation registration and when registration is still required.
For a broader overview of charitable registration systems nationwide, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Illinois
Registration is generally required if an organization:
- Solicits contributions in Illinois by any means,
- Conducts fundraising events in Illinois, or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Illinois.
Registration must typically be completed before solicitation begins.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt simply because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For multi-state context, see:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements by State
Illinois Charitable Registration Exemptions
Illinois provides both categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Importantly, some exempt organizations must still file an annual financial report even if full registration is not required.
1. Religious Organizations
Religious organizations are exempt from registration.
This generally includes churches and integrated auxiliaries organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes.
However, religious-affiliated nonprofits operating independent charitable programs may require further review depending on structure and activities.
2. Educational Institutions
Educational institutions are exempt if they meet statutory criteria, including recognized accreditation or government oversight.
Affiliated foundations may not automatically qualify and should be evaluated separately.
3. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental bodies are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
4. Political Organizations
Political committees, candidates, and parties required to file disclosures under election law are exempt.
This does not extend to general charitable advocacy organizations.
5. Small Organization Exemption ($15,000 Threshold)
Illinois provides a limited exemption for organizations that:
- Raise less than $15,000 in gross contributions during a fiscal year, and
- Do not compensate any person primarily to conduct solicitations.
Key considerations:
- The contribution threshold applies to total revenue, not solely Illinois-based donations.
- If contributions exceed $15,000, full registration is required.
- Use of paid fundraising professionals eliminates eligibility.
Organizations relying on this exemption should monitor revenue closely and document volunteer-only fundraising status.
For broader planning considerations, see:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
Annual Financial Reporting — Even If Exempt
Unlike some states, Illinois may still require certain exempt organizations to file annual financial reports with the Attorney General.
Exemption from registration does not necessarily eliminate all reporting obligations.
Finance teams should evaluate:
- Whether an annual report is required
- Whether audit thresholds apply
- Whether professional fundraisers trigger additional filings
See:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Online Fundraising and Illinois
Illinois applies charitable registration requirements broadly.
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Illinois residents,
- Conducts email campaigns targeting Illinois, or
- Uses national donation platforms that result in Illinois contributions,
registration is likely required unless a clear exemption applies.
For national nonprofits operating online:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
What Illinois Does Not Exempt
Illinois does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- A broad revenue-based exemption above $15,000
- An exemption for organizations compensating fundraising personnel
- A general exemption for national nonprofits
Because the small-organization threshold is relatively low, many multi-state nonprofits exceed it quickly.
Governance and Risk Considerations
Boards and finance leaders should:
- Monitor annual contribution totals against the $15,000 threshold
- Evaluate compensation arrangements tied to fundraising
- Confirm whether annual financial reporting remains required
- Review online solicitation exposure
Failure to register or file required reports can result in enforcement action and penalties.
See:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Illinois may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Missouri and Wisconsin.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Illinois’s $15,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption analysis:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Illinois exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: