Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Washington State are generally required to register with the Washington Secretary of State, Charities Program, before engaging in fundraising activity.
Washington provides limited statutory exemptions. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Washington charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a national overview of charitable registration systems, see:
How Charitable Solicitation Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Washington
A charitable organization must register in Washington if it:
- Solicits charitable contributions in Washington; or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Washington.
Registration is required 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
Washington Charitable Registration Exemptions
Washington provides categorical exemptions and a limited small-organization exemption.
Organizations claiming exemption may be required to file documentation confirming eligibility.
1. Small Organization Exemption ($50,000 Threshold)
An organization may qualify for exemption if:
- It receives less than $50,000 in gross annual revenue; and
- All fundraising activities are conducted by unpaid volunteers; and
- It does not use professional fundraisers.
Key considerations:
- The $50,000 threshold applies to total revenue, not solely Washington-based contributions.
- If revenue exceeds the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of professional fundraising firms generally eliminates eligibility.
Because the threshold is moderate, 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 typically includes churches and religious bodies that are primarily supported by their congregations.
Separately incorporated 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 assess registration obligations.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental entities are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
5. Political Organizations
Political candidates and political committees required to file campaign finance disclosures are exempt.
This exemption does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
Audit and Financial Reporting Considerations
Registered charities in Washington must renew annually and submit required financial disclosures.
Audit or review requirements apply at higher revenue levels.
Finance leaders should coordinate charitable registration compliance with Form 990 preparation and audit timelines.
For renewal timing:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines
Online Fundraising and Washington
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Washington residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting Washington, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate Washington contributions,
registration is generally required unless a clear exemption applies.
Washington actively enforces its charitable solicitation laws.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
What Washington Does Not Exempt
Washington does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- An exemption solely because the organization is headquartered outside Washington
- A broad exemption for organizations exceeding the $50,000 threshold
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in Washington must register.
For related risk considerations:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in Washington may still be required to register in neighboring states such as Oregon, Idaho (no registration), Montana (no registration), or California.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may exceed Washington’s revenue threshold and trigger registration here.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating Washington exemption eligibility as part of a national fundraising strategy: