Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Rhode Island are generally required to register with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation before engaging in fundraising activity in the state.
Rhode Island provides limited statutory exemptions. However, exemption eligibility is narrow and often misunderstood by organizations fundraising regionally or nationally.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
A charitable organization must register in Rhode Island if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in Rhode Island; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Rhode Island.
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
Rhode Island Charitable Registration Exemptions
Rhode Island 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 gross contributions during a fiscal year; and
- It does not compensate any person primarily to conduct solicitations.
Key considerations:
- The $25,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not solely Rhode Island-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 charitable 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 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 Rhode Island
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Rhode Island residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Rhode Island, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island must renew annually and submit 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
What Rhode Island Does Not Exempt
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in Rhode Island must register.
For related risk considerations:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Rhode Island may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, or New York.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Rhode Island’s $25,000 threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Rhode Island exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: