Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Michigan are generally required to register with the Michigan Attorney General before engaging in fundraising activities in the state.
Michigan provides several statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume, and certain fundraising structures eliminate exemption availability.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Michigan charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a national overview of charitable registration frameworks, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Michigan
A charitable organization must register in Michigan if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in Michigan; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Michigan.
Registration must generally occur before solicitation begins and must be renewed annually.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt solely because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For broader context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements by State
Michigan Charitable Registration Exemptions
Michigan provides both categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Some exempt organizations must still file documentation to claim exemption status.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It does not intend to solicit or receive more than $25,000 in 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 Michigan-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of compensated fundraising personnel or professional solicitors eliminates eligibility.
Because the revenue threshold is relatively modest, many growing nonprofits quickly exceed it.
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 may qualify for exemption.
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 campaign finance reports are exempt.
This does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
6. Certain Membership Organizations
Organizations that solicit solely from their own members, without public fundraising, may qualify for exemption under limited circumstances.
If public solicitation occurs, registration is generally required.
What Michigan Does Not Exempt
Michigan 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 Michigan are typically required to register.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Online Fundraising and Michigan
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Michigan residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Michigan, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate Michigan contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Renewal and Reporting Considerations
Registered charities in Michigan must renew annually and file required financial information.
Audit or review requirements may apply depending on contribution levels.
Finance leaders should coordinate charitable registration compliance with Form 990 preparation and audit timelines.
For deadline tracking:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines by State
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Michigan may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Ohio, Illinois, or Wisconsin.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Michigan’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions (Overview)
If your organization is evaluating Michigan exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: