Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Minnesota are generally required to register with the Minnesota Attorney General before engaging in fundraising activities in the state.
Minnesota provides specific statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume, and many organizations fundraising from Minnesota residents will be required to register.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Minnesota 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 Minnesota
A charitable organization must register in Minnesota if it:
- Solicits contributions in Minnesota; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Minnesota.
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
Minnesota Charitable Registration Exemptions
Minnesota provides both categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Some exempt organizations must still file documentation claiming exemption status.
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 total 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 Minnesota-based donations.
- Use of professional fundraisers or compensated fundraising personnel disqualifies the organization from this exemption.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
Because the revenue threshold is 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 depending on structure and fundraising activity.
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 exemption 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 Minnesota Does Not Exempt
Minnesota 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 because they are incorporated outside Minnesota
Most organizations conducting sustained public fundraising in Minnesota must register.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Online Fundraising and Minnesota
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Minnesota residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Minnesota, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate Minnesota 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 Financial Reporting Considerations
Registered charities in Minnesota 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 annual audit timelines.
For deadline tracking:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Minnesota may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Wisconsin, North Dakota, or South Dakota.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Minnesota’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Minnesota exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: