charitable registration
Massachusetts Charitable Solicitation Registration
A guide to charitable solicitation registration in Massachusetts: who must register with the Massachusetts Attorney General, Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division before asking Massachusetts residents for donations, common exemptions, renewal timing, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that run alongside it.
Application process
Charitable organizations register with the Massachusetts Attorney General, Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division before soliciting contributions in Massachusetts, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to Massachusetts residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.
Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the Massachusetts Attorney General, Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division.
Renewals
Charitable registrations in Massachusetts renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.
Professional fundraisers, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register separately in Massachusetts before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where Massachusetts permits it. Nonprofits registering in multiple states also need a registered agent in each state where they are incorporated or qualified to do business.
Key statutes
- Massachusetts charitable solicitation law (MA charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with Massachusetts Attorney General, Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division before soliciting contributions in Massachusetts, subject to statutory exemptions.