Does My Nonprofit Need to Register Before Fundraising?
In most states that regulate fundraising, registration is required before you solicit — not after you receive your first donation, and not once you hit a dollar amount (unless the state has a specific exemption).
What counts as soliciting?
Solicitation is broad. It typically includes any request for money or property: mail appeals, emails, phone calls, events, grant-funded campaigns that ask the public to give, crowdfunding pages, social media posts asking for donations, and donate buttons on your website.
Common exemptions
- Religious organizations, in many states
- Small organizations below a revenue threshold, in some states — often with a requirement to file for the exemption
- Educational institutions, hospitals, and some membership organizations, depending on the state
- Solicitations limited to members, in some states
What if our 501(c)(3) is still pending?
Many states allow you to register while your IRS application is pending, and some require it. Registration rules are about soliciting, not about tax status — so check before launching a campaign.
Grant applications to private foundations usually aren't considered public solicitation, but rules vary. If you're unsure whether an activity counts, treat it as solicitation until you've confirmed otherwise.
Related service: Charitable Solicitation Registration →