Illinois Fundraising Licensing

• The University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University,Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State Normal University, Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, all educational institutions that are recognized by the State Board of Education or that are accredited by a regional accrediting association or by an organization affiliated with the National Commission on Accrediting, any foundation having an established identity with any of the aforementioned educational institutions, any other educational institution confining its solicitation of contributions to its student body, alumni, faculty and trustees, and their families
• Fraternal, patriotic, social, educational, alumni organizations and historical societies when solicitation of contributions is confined to their membership
• Persons requesting any contributions for the relief or benefit of any individual if the contributions collected are turned over to the named beneficiary, first deducting reasonable expenses for costs of banquets, or social gatherings, if any, provided all fund raising functions are carried on by persons who are unpaid, directly or indirectly, for such services
• Any bona fide union, bona fide political organization or bona fide political action committee, which does not solicit funds for a charitable purpose
• Any charitable organization receiving an allocation from an incorporated community chest or united fund provided certain conditions are met
• A bona fide organization of volunteer firemen, or a bona fide auxiliary or affiliate of such organization, provided all its fund raising activities are carried on by members of such an organization or an affiliate thereof and such members receive nocompensation, directly or indirectly
• Any charitable organization operating a nursery for infants awaiting adoption providing that all its fund raising activities are carried on by members of such an organization or an affiliate thereof and such members receive no compensation, directly or indirectly
• Any corporation established by the Federal Congress that is required by federal law to submit annual reports of its activities to Congress
• Any boys' club which is affiliated with the Boys' Club of America provided, however, that such an affiliate properly files the reports required by the Boys' Club of America and that the Boys' Club of America files with the Government of the United States the reports required by its federal charter
• Any veterans organization chartered or incorporated under federal law and any veterans organization which is affiliated with, and recognized in the bylaws of, a congressionally chartered or incorporated veterans organization
• Any parent-teacher organization that is controlled by teachers and parents of children attending a particular public or private school for which the organization is named and solicits contributions for the benefit of that particular school provided that certain conditions are met

Fax a letter to the charitable trust bureau requesting exemption.

Religious organizations

Form CO-3: Religious Exemption Form

$0

Exemptions do not expire as long as the organization continues to qualify under the exemption criteria.

Your submission packet should include:

• Form CO-1: Registration Statement
• List of all Officers, Directors and/or Trustees including names, mailing addresses, and day time phone numbers
• IRS Determination Letter, IRS Form 1023 or 1024, or written explanation if not available
• Copies of all contracts with Professional Fund Raisers, if applicable
• Form CO-3: Religious Organization Exemption Form, if applicable
• Articles of Incorporation and all amendments
• Bylaws
• Form CO-2 or Form AG990-IL depending on length of existence of the organization

Mail

$15

You must register prior to any solicitation or holding of charitable assets.

• Include all required attachments
• President and CFO or another authorized officer must sign. They must be two individuals. Notarization of signatures is not needed.
• Some Illinois counties and municipalities may require charities that solicit in-person to register prior to fundraising.

Form AG990-IL: Illinois Charitable Organization Supplement

Small nonprofits who raised <$15,000 in contributions during the calendar year do not need to file. In contrast, large nonprofits will need to submit audited finanical statements.

Mail

$15

Due annually 6 months after the close of your fiscal year. So if your fiscal year ends December 31, then renewal is due June 30. 

There is a late fee of $100.

• Include all required attachments, including finanical audit if needed.

Form AG990-IL: Illinois Charitable Organization Supplement

$0

Send a letter indicating change of fiscal year and then draft AG990-IL (unsigned) and letter requesting extension.

CO-1: Registration Statement and CO-2: Financial Information Form

Mail

$15

4-6 weeks

The charity must be registered to solicit charitable contributions or otherwise exempt for the contract to be accepted.

AG990-IL Charitable Organization Annual Report

Mail

$15

4-6 weeks

Within 6 months after the end of the campaign.

Form PFR-01: Professional Fund-Raiser Registration Statement

$100 + $25 for each contract

http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/charities/register_report.html

$100 + $25 for each contract

Annually by June 30.

Form PFR-06: Professional Fund-Raiser List of Charities and Contracts

$0

Within 10 days of the date of execution of each new contract.

Form PFR-02: Professional Fund-Raiser Annual Financial Report

$25

Annually by April 30.

Form PFR-02: Professional Fund-Raiser Annual Financial Report

$0

Annually by September 30.

Form PFC-01: Professional Fundraising Consultant Registration Statement

$0

Form PFC-01: Professional Fundraising Consultant Registration Statement (Renewal)

$0

Biennially by June 30.

Form PT-6: Application for Pull Tabs and Jar Games License

$500 for a regular license, $50 for a limited license, and $0 for a special license.

Form PT-6: Application for Pull Tabs and Jar Games License (Renewal)

$500 for a regular license, $50 for a limited license, and $0 for a special license.

Annually