Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in North Dakota are generally required to register with the North Dakota Secretary of State before engaging in fundraising activity in the state.
North Dakota provides several statutory exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility depends on revenue levels, organizational structure, and whether professional fundraisers are involved.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from North Dakota 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 Dakota
A charitable organization must register in North Dakota if it:
- Solicits contributions in North Dakota; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in North Dakota.
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 by State
North Dakota Charitable Registration Exemptions
North Dakota provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Organizations claiming exemption may be required to file documentation confirming eligibility.
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 North Dakota-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of compensated fundraising personnel or professional fundraisers eliminates eligibility.
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 charitable affiliates should independently evaluate exemption eligibility.
3. Educational Institutions
Accredited educational institutions may qualify for exemption.
Affiliated foundations should evaluate exemption eligibility separately, as exemption may not automatically extend to related entities.
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 Dakota
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from North Dakota residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting North Dakota, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate North Dakota contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
Online fundraising frequently triggers multi-state compliance 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 Dakota must renew annually and file required financial information.
Audit or review requirements may apply depending on revenue thresholds.
Finance leaders should coordinate charitable registration compliance with Form 990 preparation and annual audit timelines.
For deadline tracking:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines
What North Dakota Does Not Exempt
North Dakota does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- An exemption solely because the organization is headquartered outside North Dakota
- A broad exemption for organizations that compensate fundraising personnel
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in North Dakota must register.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in North Dakota may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Minnesota, South Dakota, or Montana (which does not require registration).
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed North Dakota’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating North Dakota exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: