Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Louisiana are generally required to register with the Louisiana Attorney General before engaging in fundraising activities within the state.
Louisiana provides specific statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is limited, and certain fundraising structures eliminate exemption availability.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Louisiana charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a national overview, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Louisiana
A charitable organization must register in Louisiana if it:
- Solicits contributions in Louisiana, or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Louisiana.
Registration must be completed prior to solicitation and must be renewed annually.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt solely because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For broader context, see:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Louisiana Charitable Registration Exemptions
Louisiana law provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Some exemptions require filing documentation with the Attorney General to confirm eligibility.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
An organization is exempt if:
- It does not intend to receive, and does not actually receive, more than $25,000 in gross contributions during a fiscal year; and
- All fundraising activities are conducted by unpaid volunteers.
Important considerations:
- The $25,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely Louisiana-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration must occur.
- Use of compensated fundraising staff or professional solicitors eliminates eligibility.
Because the threshold is relatively modest, many national nonprofits exceed it quickly.
For strategic planning:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
2. Religious Organizations
Certain religious organizations are exempt from registration.
This generally includes churches and organizations operated primarily for religious purposes.
Separately incorporated charitable affiliates should evaluate exemption eligibility independently.
3. Educational Institutions
Accredited educational institutions are exempt.
This typically includes schools, colleges, and universities operating within recognized educational frameworks.
Affiliated foundations may require separate analysis.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental bodies are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
5. Political Organizations
Political candidates, political parties, and political committees required to file election disclosures are exempt.
This does not extend to general charitable advocacy organizations.
6. Federated Organizations
Certain organizations that receive funding exclusively through a federated fundraising entity (such as a United Way–type organization) and do not independently solicit contributions may qualify for exemption.
If independent solicitation occurs, registration is generally required.
What Louisiana Does Not Exempt
Louisiana does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- An exemption for organizations that compensate fundraising personnel
- An exemption for national nonprofits solely due to out-of-state incorporation
Organizations conducting sustained public fundraising in Louisiana are typically required to register.
Online Fundraising and Louisiana
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Louisiana residents,
- Conducts digital or email campaigns targeting Louisiana, or
- Uses national fundraising platforms that generate Louisiana contributions,
registration is typically required unless a clear exemption applies.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Renewal and Reporting Considerations
Louisiana requires annual renewal and financial reporting for registered charities.
Audit requirements may apply depending on contribution levels.
Finance leaders should coordinate charitable registration compliance with Form 990 preparation and audit timelines to avoid renewal delays.
For governance guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Louisiana may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, or Alabama.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Louisiana’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Louisiana exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: