Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Kansas are generally required to register with the Kansas Secretary of State before beginning fundraising activities in the state.
Kansas provides specific statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many organizations expect, and certain fundraising structures eliminate eligibility.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Kansas charitable solicitation registration and when registration is still required.
For an overview of charitable registration frameworks nationwide, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Kansas
A charitable organization must register in Kansas if it:
- Solicits contributions in Kansas, or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Kansas.
Registration must be completed before solicitation begins.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt simply because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For broader multi-state context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Kansas Charitable Registration Exemptions
Kansas provides several exemption categories. Some exemptions require filing a written request for confirmation; others apply by operation of law.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($10,000 Threshold)
An organization is exempt if:
- It does not intend to receive, and does not actually receive, more than $10,000 in contributions during a fiscal year; and
- All fundraising activities are conducted by unpaid volunteers.
Key considerations:
- The $10,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not just Kansas-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration must occur promptly.
- The use of paid solicitors or compensated fundraising staff disqualifies the organization from this exemption.
Because the threshold is relatively low, many multi-state nonprofits exceed it quickly.
2. Religious Organizations
Certain religious organizations are exempt from registration.
This generally includes churches and related religious entities organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes.
However, separately incorporated charitable affiliates should evaluate exemption eligibility carefully.
3. Educational Institutions
Accredited educational institutions are exempt.
This typically includes schools, colleges, and universities that meet statutory accreditation standards.
Affiliated foundations may require separate analysis.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental entities are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
5. Political Organizations
Political parties, candidates, and political committees required to file reports under election law are exempt.
This does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
6. Federated Organizations
Certain organizations that receive funds exclusively through a federated fundraising organization (such as a United Way–type entity) may qualify for exemption if they do not independently solicit contributions.
If independent solicitation occurs, registration is generally required.
What Kansas Does Not Exempt
Kansas does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- A broad revenue-based exemption above $10,000
- An exemption for organizations that compensate fundraising personnel
- An exemption for national nonprofits simply because they are headquartered elsewhere
Organizations conducting sustained or online fundraising that reaches Kansas residents are typically required to register.
For related guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Renewal and Reporting Considerations
Kansas requires annual renewal and financial reporting for registered charities.
Audit or review requirements may apply depending on contribution levels.
Finance leaders should coordinate registration compliance with financial statement preparation to avoid renewal delays.
For governance considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Kansas may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, or Colorado.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Kansas’s relatively low $10,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Kansas exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: