Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Massachusetts are generally required to register with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division before engaging in fundraising activities in the state.
Massachusetts provides limited exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume, and most organizations engaged in public fundraising must register.
This page outlines who may qualify for exemption from Massachusetts charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a national overview, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Massachusetts
A charitable organization must register in Massachusetts if it:
- Solicits contributions from Massachusetts residents, or
- Holds assets for charitable purposes in Massachusetts.
Registration is required prior to or concurrent with solicitation and must be renewed annually.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt solely because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For multi-state context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements by State
Massachusetts Charitable Registration Exemptions
Massachusetts does not provide a broad revenue-based exemption comparable to many other states. Instead, exemptions are primarily categorical.
1. Religious Organizations
Religious organizations are generally exempt from registration.
This typically includes churches and religious entities that are organized and operated primarily for religious purposes.
Separately incorporated charitable affiliates should evaluate exemption eligibility independently.
2. Educational Institutions
Certain educational institutions may qualify for exemption, particularly public educational institutions and some religiously affiliated schools.
Private nonprofit schools and foundations should confirm eligibility carefully, as exemption is not automatic.
3. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental bodies are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
4. Certain Internal Membership Organizations
Organizations that solicit exclusively from their own members, without public fundraising, may qualify for exemption under limited circumstances.
If public solicitation occurs, registration is generally required.
No General Small Charity Exemption
Unlike many states, Massachusetts does not offer a general exemption for charities below a specific contribution threshold.
Even relatively small nonprofits may be required to register if they solicit from Massachusetts residents.
For governance and planning considerations:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
Online Fundraising and Massachusetts
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Massachusetts residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Massachusetts, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate Massachusetts contributions,
registration is typically required.
Massachusetts enforces charitable registration requirements actively, and online fundraising frequently triggers registration.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Annual Reporting and Audit Considerations
Massachusetts requires:
- Annual renewal filings
- Financial reporting
- Audited financial statements for organizations exceeding specified revenue thresholds
Audit requirements are based on contribution levels and should be coordinated with annual Form 990 preparation.
Finance leaders should ensure that charitable registration compliance is integrated into annual audit and reporting calendars.
For risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes
What Massachusetts Does Not Exempt
Massachusetts does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- A broad revenue-based exemption
- An exemption for national nonprofits solely due to out-of-state incorporation
- An exemption for organizations using paid fundraising professionals
As a result, most organizations fundraising from Massachusetts residents must register.
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Massachusetts may still be required to register in neighboring states such as New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, or New Hampshire.
Conversely, organizations exempt in other states may still need to register in Massachusetts due to its relatively limited exemption framework.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Massachusetts exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: