Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in North Carolina are generally required to obtain a charitable solicitation license from the North Carolina Secretary of State before engaging in fundraising activity.
North Carolina provides limited statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume, and most organizations conducting public fundraising in the state must register.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from North Carolina 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 North Carolina
A charitable organization must obtain a license in North Carolina if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in North Carolina; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in North Carolina.
Registration generally must be completed prior to solicitation and must be renewed annually.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt solely because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For broader context:
Nationwide Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
North Carolina Charitable Registration Exemptions
North Carolina provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Organizations claiming exemption may be required to file documentation or maintain evidence supporting their exempt status.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It receives less than $25,000 in gross contributions during a fiscal year; and
- It does not compensate any individual primarily to conduct solicitations.
Key considerations:
- The $25,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely North Carolina-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of professional fundraisers generally eliminates eligibility for this exemption.
Because the revenue threshold is modest, many multi-state nonprofits exceed it quickly.
For planning context:
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 should evaluate exemption eligibility independently.
3. Educational Institutions
Accredited educational institutions may qualify for exemption.
Affiliated foundations or supporting organizations may not automatically qualify and should independently review their registration obligations.
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 North Carolina
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from North Carolina residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting North Carolina, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate North Carolina contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
Online fundraising frequently triggers multi-state obligations.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Renewal and Financial Reporting Considerations
Registered charities in North Carolina must renew annually and file required financial information.
Audit requirements apply based on revenue thresholds and are actively enforced.
Finance leaders should coordinate charitable registration compliance with Form 990 preparation and annual audit timelines.
For deadline tracking:
State Charitable Solicitation Registration Deadlines
What North Carolina Does Not Exempt
North Carolina does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- A broad exemption for organizations exceeding the $25,000 threshold
- An exemption solely because the organization is headquartered outside North Carolina
Most organizations conducting sustained public fundraising in North Carolina must register.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in North Carolina may still be required to register in neighboring states such as South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, or Tennessee.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed North Carolina’s threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating North Carolina exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: