Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Maine are generally required to register with the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation before engaging in fundraising activity in the state.
Maine provides specific statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume, and certain fundraising structures eliminate eligibility.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Maine charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a national overview, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Maine
A charitable organization must register in Maine if it:
- Solicits contributions in Maine by any means, or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Maine.
Registration must generally be completed prior to solicitation and must be renewed annually.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt simply because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For broader context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Maine Charitable Registration Exemptions
Maine law provides several categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Some exempt organizations must file an exemption claim or documentation confirming eligibility.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption 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.
Key considerations:
- The $25,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely Maine-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration must occur.
- Use of compensated fundraising personnel or professional solicitors eliminates eligibility.
Organizations relying on this exemption should monitor revenue levels carefully.
For planning considerations:
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 review.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental entities 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
Organizations that receive funding exclusively through a federated fundraising organization and do not independently solicit contributions may qualify for exemption.
If independent solicitation occurs, registration is generally required.
What Maine Does Not Exempt
Maine 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 Maine are typically required to register.
Online Fundraising and Maine
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Maine residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Maine, or
- Uses national fundraising platforms that generate Maine contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
For digital compliance analysis:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Renewal and Reporting Considerations
Maine requires annual renewal and financial reporting for registered charities.
Audit requirements may apply depending on contribution levels.
Finance teams should coordinate charitable registration compliance with annual Form 990 preparation to avoid delays.
For governance guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Maine may still be required to register in neighboring states such as New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Vermont.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Maine’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Maine exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: