Last Updated: February 2026
Montana does not require charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions in the state.
Because Montana does not have a charitable solicitation registration statute requiring nonprofits to file prior to fundraising, there are no charitable registration exemptions to evaluate.
However, nonprofit leaders should not interpret the absence of a registration requirement as the absence of compliance considerations.
This page explains what Montana’s regulatory framework means for national and multi-state nonprofits.
For an overview of how state registration systems generally operate, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
Does Montana Require Charitable Solicitation Registration?
No.
Unlike most states, Montana does not maintain a charitable solicitation registration program administered by the Attorney General or Secretary of State.
Nonprofits fundraising in Montana do not need to:
- File an initial charitable registration
- Submit annual renewal filings
- Pay annual charitable registration fees
- Apply for exemption from registration
Because there is no registration requirement, there are no exemption thresholds (such as small charity revenue limits) to analyze.
For comparison with other states, see:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Why This Still Matters for National Nonprofits
Even though Montana does not require registration:
- Your organization may still be required to register in 40+ other states.
- Online fundraising may trigger registration obligations elsewhere.
- Grant applications in other jurisdictions may require proof of multi-state compliance.
Montana’s lack of registration does not reduce your obligations in other states.
For strategic planning guidance:
Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
Online Fundraising and Montana
If your nonprofit accepts online donations from Montana residents, Montana does not require charitable solicitation registration.
However:
- If your organization targets donors in states that do require registration, those states’ laws apply.
- Online activity must be evaluated under broader multi-state compliance standards.
For digital compliance context:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Are There Any Related Filings in Montana?
While there is no charitable solicitation registration requirement, nonprofits operating physically in Montana may still have:
- Corporate formation or foreign qualification filings
- State tax considerations
- Local business licensing requirements
- Attorney General oversight related to misuse of charitable assets
These obligations are separate from charitable solicitation registration.
Strategic Implications for CFOs and Boards
For organizations fundraising nationally:
- Montana typically reduces administrative burden.
- It does not reduce overall compliance risk.
- It should not be relied upon as a “low-compliance” model when building a national registration strategy.
To determine where your nonprofit must register:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
If your organization is evaluating Montana as part of a national compliance framework: