Charitable Solicitation Registration (CSR) is required in most states to ensure that nonprofit organizations soliciting donations from the public are legitimate and operate transparently. Registration is typically done with the state's Attorney General, Department of Consumer Services, or other relevant state authority. This process serves to protect the public by ensuring that the funds raised are used for their intended purposes and that organizations comply with state regulations.
Do All Nonprofits Need to Register?
While requirements vary from state to state, most states mandate that nonprofits register before soliciting any form of donation. Whether you're asking for donations online, in-person, or via mail, your organization may need to file for registration or exemption based on your state’s guidelines. Penalties for failing to register can include fines, loss of the ability to solicit donations, or other legal ramifications, so it’s critical to understand your state's specific requirements.
How Does Instant Nonprofit Handle Charitable Solicitation Registration?
At Instant Nonprofit, we do not handle charitable solicitation registration as part of the standard nonprofit formation process. However, for our Autopilot customers in California, we can assist with the CSR process as part of our ongoing support and compliance services. If you are outside of California or not part of our Autopilot service, we recommend working with our trusted partner, Harbor Compliance, to handle your charitable registration needs in other states.
Partnering with Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is a trusted provider of nonprofit compliance solutions and can handle your charitable solicitation registration across multiple states. They have the experience and expertise to ensure that your organization is properly registered and in compliance with state laws. To simplify this process for you, reach out to us, and we will connect you directly with the charitable registration contact at Harbor Compliance.
How to Find Your State's Requirements
Each state has different rules regarding charitable registration, so it’s important to do your research to avoid non-compliance. Generally, the steps include:
Research Your State's Laws: Determine whether your nonprofit is required to register based on the activities and locations where you solicit donations.
Prepare Your Documents: Most states require a copy of your IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter, annual financial reports, and possibly details on your fundraising activities.
File Your Registration: Submit your application, along with any required fees, to the state authority.
Get Started with Charitable Registration
To make sure your nonprofit is set up for success, be sure to check your state's specific charitable solicitation requirements and ensure you're in compliance before soliciting donations. You can also reach out to Instant Nonprofit for support in navigating this process and connecting with our partner Harbor Compliance for comprehensive registration services.