Most states require charitable organizations to complete an initial registration before requesting donations from residents. However, the exact trigger for registration varies by jurisdiction. Understanding when filing is required—before fundraising, after receiving contributions, or under other conditions—is critical to maintaining compliance.
This page summarizes when registration must occur relative to fundraising activity across U.S. jurisdictions.
How Initial Registration Timing Works
The General Rule
In nearly every jurisdiction with a charitable solicitation law, organizations must file their registration before beginning fundraising activities directed toward that state.
- Most states require registration prior to soliciting contributions, whether solicitations occur through mail, events, online campaigns, or third-party partners.
- Registration is typically required even if funds have not yet been received.
Key Exception: California
California differs from most states:
- Registration is triggered after the organization first receives charitable funds or property connected to the state.
- The filing must generally be completed within approximately 30 days of that initial receipt.
This timing distinction is one reason California is often treated differently when planning a multi-state registration rollout.
Other Important Timing Considerations
- Applying for certain grants may constitute a charitable solicitation and can trigger registration requirements in some jurisdictions.
- Each state requires a separate filing with its own agency; there is no single national registration accepted everywhere.
Initial Registration Timing by State
| State | Initial Registration Timing |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Prior to soliciting contributions |
| Alaska | Prior to solicitation |
| Arizona | Generally not required for most charities |
| Arkansas | Prior to solicitation |
| California | Within ~30 days after first receiving charitable funds |
| Colorado | Must register before engaging in solicitation activity |
| Connecticut | Prior to commencement of solicitation |
| Delaware | Registration not generally required |
| District of Columbia | Prior to solicitation |
| Florida | Prior to solicitation |
| Georgia | Prior to solicitation |
| Hawaii | Prior to solicitation |
| Idaho | Registration not generally required |
| Illinois | Prior to solicitation |
| Indiana | Prior to solicitation |
| Iowa | Prior to solicitation |
| Kansas | Prior to solicitation |
| Kentucky | Prior to solicitation |
| Louisiana | Prior to solicitation |
| Maine | Prior to solicitation |
| Maryland | Prior to solicitation |
| Massachusetts | Prior to solicitation |
| Michigan | Prior to solicitation |
| Minnesota | Prior to solicitation |
| Mississippi | Prior to solicitation |
| Missouri | Prior to solicitation |
| Montana | Registration not generally required |
| Nebraska | Prior to solicitation |
| Nevada | Prior to solicitation |
| New Hampshire | Prior to solicitation |
| New Jersey | Prior to solicitation |
| New Mexico | Prior to solicitation |
| New York | Prior to solicitation (subject to exemptions) |
| North Carolina | Must obtain license before soliciting contributions |
| North Dakota | Prior to solicitation |
| Ohio | Prior to solicitation |
| Oklahoma | Prior to solicitation |
| Oregon | Prior to solicitation |
| Pennsylvania | Prior to solicitation |
| Rhode Island | Prior to solicitation |
| South Carolina | Prior to solicitation |
| South Dakota | Registration not generally required |
| Tennessee | Prior to solicitation |
| Texas | Registration not generally required |
| Utah | Prior to solicitation |
| Vermont | Prior to solicitation |
| Virginia | Prior to solicitation |
| Washington | Prior to solicitation |
| West Virginia | Prior to solicitation |
| Wisconsin | Prior to solicitation |
| Wyoming | Registration not generally required |
Planning Considerations for Multi-State Fundraising
Because most jurisdictions require registration before outreach begins, organizations expanding fundraising activities should:
- Identify states where donors or campaigns will occur
- Confirm whether exemptions apply
- Sequence registrations before launching solicitations
Managing multiple initial filings simultaneously can involve substantial coordination across documentation, forms, and agency requirements. Many organizations expanding beyond a single jurisdiction centralize this process with specialized compliance support such as Ironwood Registrations.
Related Resources
- Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements by State
- Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines by State
- Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
- Exemption Eligibility Overview
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general planning purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Organizations should confirm current filing requirements with the appropriate state agency.