Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in New Mexico are generally required to register with the New Mexico Attorney General before engaging in fundraising activity in the state.
New Mexico provides limited statutory exemptions. However, exemption eligibility depends on revenue thresholds, organizational structure, and whether professional fundraisers are involved.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from New Mexico charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a national overview of charitable registration systems, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in New Mexico
A charitable organization must register in New Mexico if it:
- Solicits contributions in New Mexico; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in New Mexico.
Registration must generally occur prior to solicitation 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
New Mexico Charitable Registration Exemptions
New Mexico provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Exempt organizations may still be subject to other reporting or oversight obligations.
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
- It does not compensate any person primarily to conduct solicitations.
Key considerations:
- The threshold applies to total contributions, not only New Mexico-based donations.
- If the organization exceeds the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of professional fundraisers generally eliminates eligibility for this exemption.
Because the threshold is relatively modest, many multi-state nonprofits exceed it quickly.
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 affiliates or charitable foundations should independently evaluate eligibility.
3. Educational Institutions
Accredited educational institutions may qualify for exemption.
Affiliated foundations or supporting organizations may not automatically qualify and should review registration requirements independently.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental entities are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
5. Political Organizations
Political candidates, political committees, and political parties required to file campaign finance disclosures are exempt.
This exemption does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
Online Fundraising and New Mexico
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from New Mexico residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting New Mexico, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate New Mexico contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
Online fundraising often triggers multi-state obligations.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
What New Mexico Does Not Exempt
New Mexico does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- An exemption solely because the organization is headquartered outside New Mexico
- A broad exemption for organizations that compensate fundraising personnel
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in New Mexico must register.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in New Mexico may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Arizona, Colorado, Texas, or Oklahoma.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed New Mexico’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating New Mexico exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: