Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in South Carolina are generally required to register with the South Carolina Secretary of State before engaging in fundraising activity in the state.
South Carolina provides limited statutory exemptions. However, exemption eligibility depends on contribution levels, organizational structure, and whether professional fundraisers are involved.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from South 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 South Carolina
A charitable organization must register in South Carolina if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in South Carolina; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in South Carolina.
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
South Carolina Charitable Registration Exemptions
South Carolina provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Organizations claiming exemption may be required to file documentation confirming eligibility.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($20,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It does not intend to receive and does not actually receive more than $20,000 in gross contributions during a fiscal year; and
- All of its fundraising activities are conducted by unpaid volunteers.
Key considerations:
- The threshold applies to total contributions, not solely South Carolina-based donations.
- If contributions exceed the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of professional fundraisers or compensated fundraising personnel generally eliminates eligibility.
Because the 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 independently evaluate exemption eligibility.
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 South Carolina
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from South Carolina residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting South Carolina, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina Does Not Exempt
South Carolina does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- A broad exemption for organizations exceeding the $20,000 threshold
- An exemption solely because the organization is headquartered outside South Carolina
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in South Carolina must register.
For related risk considerations:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in South Carolina may still be required to register in neighboring states such as North Carolina, Georgia, or Tennessee.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed South Carolina’s threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating South Carolina exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: