charitable registration
Ohio Charitable Solicitation Registration
A guide to charitable solicitation registration in Ohio: who must register with the Ohio Attorney General, Charitable Law Section before asking Ohio 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 Ohio Attorney General, Charitable Law Section before soliciting contributions in Ohio, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to Ohio 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 Ohio Attorney General, Charitable Law Section.
Renewals
Charitable registrations in Ohio 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 Ohio before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where Ohio 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
- Ohio charitable solicitation law (OH charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with Ohio Attorney General, Charitable Law Section before soliciting contributions in Ohio, subject to statutory exemptions.