Mississippi Charitable Registration — A Complete Guide

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Fundraising Compliance Guide
IntroductionCharity Registration NumberOnline FundraisingUnified Registration Statement (URS)Charitable DisclosuresCharitable Registration Audit Requirements
Fundraising With ProfessionalsProfessional Fundraiser DisclosuresCommercial Co-Ventures and Cause Marketing Charitable Registered Agent Closing Licenses vs. Letting Them Lapse

If you’re running a charitable organization in Mississippi, registering with the state is a crucial step. It ensures transparency and compliance with state regulations and builds trust with potential donors.

This article will go over the Mississippi charitable registration process, including key requirements, filing steps, and exemption guidelines. You’ll also discover how Harbor Compliance reduces the complexity of registration and helps you navigate the process with ease.

Mississippi Charitable Organization Registration Explained

Registering a charitable organization in Mississippi typically involves submitting information about the organization’s mission, leadership, financials, and fundraising activities. The secretary of state’s office oversees the process, administering filings, renewals, and exemptions. As per Mississippi Code Regulation of Charitable Solicitations, charitable organizations that meet any of the following criteria must file an online application with the Mississippi secretary of state:

  • IRS recognition by the IRS as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Public solicitation for charitable causes, including:
    • Health and welfare programs
    • Philanthropic, benevolent, or patriotic initiatives
    • Educational or scientific projects
    • Humane efforts or environmental conservation
    • Civic activities or public health campaigns
    • Support for law enforcement, firefighters, or other public safety personnel
  • Third-party solicitation and fundraising on behalf of charities

Organizations Exempt From Mississippi Charitable Solicitation Registration

Not all charitable organizations are required to register with the Mississippi secretary of state. Some groups qualify for exemptions based on their purpose, fundraising activities, or operational structure. Some of these organizations include:

  • Churches, synagogues, and other religious entities focused solely on religious activities
  • Accredited schools, colleges, and universities soliciting funds exclusively from alumni, parents, and students
  • Groups formed primarily for political purposes, including fundraising for candidates or political action committees
  • Organizations that raise less than $25,000 annually and do not employ professional fundraisers

You can find the complete list of exempted organizations in Mississippi code section 79-11-505. Note that eligible organizations still need to file the Notice of Exemption Form, a one-time filing submitted online. Here’s what you need to submit this form:

  1. The charity's EIN
  2. A current list of officers and directors
  3. The signature of one officer (the president or other authorized officer)
  4. A copy of the organization’s bylaws
  5. A copy of Articles of Incorporation or formation documents (if applicable)
  6. A copy of IRS determination letter (if applicable)
  7. $50 + $4 online filing fee

Once your exemption is approved, any changes or updates to the filing must be submitted online under the "Update to the Notice of Exemption" within 30 days of the change.

MS Charity Registration Requirements

To be eligible to register a charity, you must complete these essential steps:

  • Form a nonprofit corporation by filing with the Business Services Division of the Secretary of State’s Office.
  • Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS for tax and banking purposes.
  • Draft the organization’s bylaws to outline how the charity will operate.
  • Hold an initial board meeting to appoint directors, elect officers, and officially adopt the bylaws.
  • Set up a dedicated bank account to manage the charity’s finances.

Mississippi Charity Registration—Filing Steps

Once you’ve completed these requirements and gathered all the mandatory documents, you can use the below steps to proceed with the initial registration:

  1. Create a user account on the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Charities Division.
  2. Submit a registration statement by adding details about your organization, including:
    1. Organization’s name
    2. The purpose for which the donations will be made
    3. Tax-exempt status
    4. Names of principal officers and board members
    5. The organization’s fiscal year-end date
  3. Attach required documents like bylaws, articles of incorporation, and IRS tax-exemption letters.
  4. Submit a financial report and attach contracts with professional fundraisers, if applicable.
  5. Pay the $50 registration + $3.14 online filing fee.
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Mississippi Charitable Registration Renewal

To keep your charitable organization in good standing with the state of Mississippi, you must renew the registration by the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of your fiscal year. Follow these steps for renewal:

  1. Have your most recent IRS Form 990 ready and provide updated financial statements. If your contributions exceed $750,000 annually, audited financial statements by an independent CPA are required. If your contributions exceed $250,000 but are under $750,000, reviewed financial statements are required.
  2. Log in to your account on the Mississippi secretary of state’s online portal.
  3. Fill out the renewal form, ensuring all details are current and accurate.
  4. Submit a $50 renewal fee + $3.14 online filing fee with your application.

You can extend your due date by 180 days by submitting an extension request through the online portal. Make sure to include a copy of IRS Form 8868 with your request.

You can renew your registration up to six months past the original due date. After that, you will receive a registration revocation notice, giving you 30 days to submit the late renewal. If you miss this 30-day window, your registration will be revoked, and you will need to complete the reinstatement process to resume soliciting contributions in Mississippi.

Missing the renewal deadline without following the proper extension or late renewal process can result in the suspension or revocation of your registration. You won’t be able to solicit donations in Mississippi until your registration is reinstated.

Challenges of DIY Charitable Registration

Handling charitable registration on your own can be time-consuming and requires close attention to detail. You need to fully understand your state’s requirements and keep up with annual renewal deadlines.

Errors or omissions in your application can lead to delays, penalties, or even loss of the ability to solicit donations legally. Additionally, since compliance is an ongoing responsibility, missing a deadline can result in fines or administrative actions against your organization.

Partnering with a trusted provider can simplify the process. A reliable service like Harbor Compliance can streamline registrations and renewals, reducing complexities and saving valuable time.

Delegate Your Charity Registration to Harbor Compliance

With extensive experience managing tens of thousands of registrations each year, Harbor Compliance leads the industry in charitable compliance services.

Our Charitable Registration Service allows organizations to confidently solicit donations through various channels—such as letters, phone calls, emails, social media, and grant applications—while we handle all aspects of compliance management, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.

Following the acquisition of Labyrinth, Inc. (the largest provider of charitable registration services in the U.S.), we now support over 60% of charitable registrations across at least 38 states.

When you choose our services, a dedicated registration specialist will manage all your filings from start to finish. Additionally, you have the option to appoint a Power of Attorney, allowing us to sign applications on your behalf for a fully streamlined registration process.

We also provide customized services for professional fundraisers, fundraising consultants, and commercial co-ventures, including:

  • Registered Agent Service—We manage your legal communications securely and ensure prompt delivery when you appoint us as your registered agent.
  • Foreign Qualification Service—If you’re looking to expand into a new state, we oversee the entire foreign qualification process, from securing certificates of good standing to obtaining approvals.
  • Tax Exemption Status—Our specialists help secure state tax exemptions, saving your nonprofit time and resources while simplifying compliance.

How To Order Charitable Registration Service

To connect with our team and learn about your state’s charitable registration requirements, follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit the Charitable Registration Service page.
  2. Enter your contact details, legal business name, and structure.
  3. Submit the completed form.

For deeper insights into charitable registration rules, download our free white papers: Charitable Solicitation Compliance and Charitable Registration - Navigating the Complexities.

Additional Services by Harbor Compliance

Beyond charitable registration, we offer a wide range of services designed to help organizations meet legal obligations and stay compliant with state regulations. Explore the details in the table below:

Category Services
Entity lifecycle management Name reservation DBA registration Amendments Initial and annual reports
Beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting BOI reporting Records Manager
Licensing support General business licenses Industry-specific licenses, such as construction, engineering, and architecture
Document filing and retrieval Drop-off filing Articles of reinstatement Certificates of good standing Certificates of authority Certified copies
Nonprofit formation Incorporation 501(c) tax exemption
Tax services Payroll tax registration Sales and use tax registration Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Harbor Compliance has combined with Labyrinth, Inc., the largest provider of charitable registration services in the country.{{ include_custom_fonts({"Museo Sans":["Bold","Bold Italic","Regular","Regular Italic"]}) }}

Charitable Registration in Mississippi FAQs

In this section, you can find answers to common questions about registering a charitable organization in Mississippi. For more detailed information, explore our Information Center.

Required documents include your IRS determination letter confirming tax-exempt status, bylaws outlining your organization’s operating procedures, and articles of incorporation that establish your nonprofit’s legal existence.

You must notify the secretary of state’s office within 30 days of any changes. These updates may include modifications to your board of directors, officers, or trustees, changes in financial records, amendments to bylaws or articles of incorporation, or updates to your principal address or contact details.

You can submit your application and supporting documents online through the Mississippi secretary of state’s online filing system. The process involves creating an account on the portal, completing the required forms, and uploading all supporting documents, such as your IRS determination letter, bylaws, articles of incorporation, and financial statements.

For annual renewal, you must submit your most recent IRS Form 990, detailing your organization’s financial activities. If your annual contributions exceed $750,000, you’re also required to provide an audited financial statement prepared by an independent certified public accountant.

Harbor Compliance—Your Trusted Partner for Charitable Registration

Charitable registration demands careful attention to deadlines, understanding of complex requirements, and management of financial resources. With ongoing renewals, varying fees, and state-specific regulations, the process can become overwhelming.

Harbor Compliance simplifies this journey, allowing you to focus on your mission while confidently soliciting donations. Choose our Charitable Registration Service, and you’ll gain expert support, tailored solutions, and efficient systems. From initial registrations to renewals and state tax exemptions, we handle every detail seamlessly.

To explore our full range of services, connect with our team. You can also schedule a demo of our Software Suite to see how its modules can streamline and enhance your operations. Additionally, don’t forget to try the FREE Harbor Compliance Score™ tool to assess your organization’s current regulatory status.

If you’re interested in how charitable registration works in other U.S. states and territories, explore our other guides in the table below:

Mississippi charitable solicitation license, Mississippi fundraising license
Filter LicensesClear Filters
Company Licenses
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
Individual Licenses
(1)

Company Licenses

Mississippi Nonprofit & Fundraising Company Licenses

Mississippi Bingo and Pull-Tab Licenses

Game Type:

Bingo and pull-tabs

Agency:Mississippi Gaming Commission - Charitable Gaming Division

Initial Registration

Agency:Mississippi Gaming Commission - Charitable Gaming Division
Form:

Application for License to Conduct Charitable Bingo

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Agency:Mississippi Gaming Commission - Charitable Gaming Division
Form:

Application for License to Conduct Charitable Bingo (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Triennially by the date of issuance. License renewals are due 6 months before the expiration date.

Mississippi Charitable Gift Annuity Registration

Agency:Mississippi Secretary of State - Securities Division
Law:

MS Code § 79-11-651 through MS Code § 79-11-661

Organization Age Requirement:

3 years of continuous existence immediately preceeding licensure.

Minimum Unrestricted Cash or Cash Equivalent Requirement:

$300,000

Initial Registration

Notes:

Mississippi charities must provide notice on the day they first enter into a charitable gift annuity agreement. Notices must identify the organization, certify that the organization is a charity and that the annuities issued are qualified charitable gift annuities, and be signed by an officer or director.

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Mississippi Charitable Organization Registration

Agency:Mississippi Secretary of State - Charities Division
Law:

Mississippi Code § 79-11-501 - § 79-11-529

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Yes

Automatic Exemption

Exemption Eligible Organizations:

Bona fide duly constituted religious institutions and such separate groups or corporations which form an integral part of religious institutions, provided that:

  • Such religious institutions, groups or corporations are tax exempt pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code;
  • No part of their net income inures to the direct benefit of any individual; and
  • Their conduct is primarily supported by government grants or contracts, funds solicited from their own membership, congregations and fees charged for services rendered.
Law:

Miss. Code Ann. Section 79-11-501(a)(iii)

Notes:

Religious organizations that meet the definition in Miss. Code Ann. Section 79-11-501(a)(iii) are excluded from registration requirements.

One-Time Exemption Registration

Exemption Eligible Organizations:
  • 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 which makes the solicitation of contributions solely by its student body, alumni, faculty and trustees and their families or a library established under the laws of this state
  • Fraternal, patriotic, social, educational, alumni organizations and historical societies when solicitation of contributions is made solely by their membership; however, posts of the American Legion and posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States may utilize nonmembers to assist designated supervisors in the conduct of bingo under the Charitable Bingo Law and qualify for this exemption. This exemption shall be extended to any subsidiary of a parent or superior organization if such solicitation is made solely by the membership of the subsidiary, parent or superior organization
  • Persons requesting any contributions for the relief or benefit of any individual, specified by name at the time of the solicitation, 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 charitable organization which does not intend to solicit and receive and does not actually receive contributions in excess of $25,000 during any twelve-month period, provided all of its fund-raising functions are carried on by persons who are unpaid for such services
  • Any charitable organization receiving an allocation from an incorporated community chest or united fund, provided such chest or fund is complying with the provisions of § 79-11-501 through § 79-11-529 relating to registration and filing of annual reports with the Secretary of State, and provided such organization does not actually receive, in addition to such allocation, contributions in excess of $25,000 during any twelve-month period and provided further, that all the fund-raising functions of such organization are carried on by persons who are unpaid for such services
  • All volunteer fire departments or rescue units, rural or otherwise, chartered under the laws and statutes of the State of Mississippi as nonprofit corporations
  • Any humane society organized under the laws of Mississippi which contracts with counties or municipalities for the care and keeping of estrays
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50 + $4 online filing fee.

Law:

Miss. Code Ann. Section 79-11-505(1)

Notes:

Notices of exemption do not expire, but charities must update their exemption within 30 days if any information changes.

Required Attachments:
  • List of officers and directors
  • Bylaws
  • Articles or Incorporation (if applicable)
  • IRS determination letter (if applicable)

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50 + $3.14 online filing fee.

Turnaround:

1 week

Original Ink:Not Required
Notarization Required?:Not Required
Notes:
  • The CFO and president (or other authorized officer) must sign the application electronically.
  • The state will return a Ceritificate of Registration upon approval.
  • Some Mississippi counties and municipalities may require charities that solicit in-person to register prior to fundraising.
Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • Check the available exemptions to see if your charity is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement.
  • Appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents in Mississippi.
  • If your charity meets the audit threshold, obtain an audited financial report to submit with your registration application.
  • Look through the list of required attachments and make sure that you have each required document in hand before starting the registration application.

Foreign Applicants:

  • Check the available exemptions to see if your charity is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement.
  • Appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents in Mississippi.
  • If your charity meets the audit threshold, obtain an audited financial report to submit with your registration application.
  • Look through the list of required attachments and make sure that you have each required document in hand before starting the registration application.
  • If you will foreign qualify in Mississippi, obtain a certificate of good standing from your home state to submit during the foreign qualification process. The certificate cannot be more than 60 days old when filing foreign qualification documents.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. Create an online filing account and submit entity formation documents with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
  2. Create an online charity filing account and submit a charitable organization registration, along with all required attachments, to the Mississippi Secretary of State - Charities Division.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. Determine whether or not your charity will need to foreign qualify based on your activity in Mississippi. If not required, skip to number 3.
  2. Create an online filing account and submit foreign qualification documents with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
  3. Create an online charity filing account and submit a charitable organization registration, along with all required attachments, to the Mississippi Secretary of State - Charities Division.
Required Attachments:

  • IRS form 990
  • Audited financials (if applicable)
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS determination letter
  • List of officers and directors
  • Professional fundraising contracts

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50 + $3.14 online filing fee.

Due:
  • Annually by the 15th of the 5th month following a charity's fiscal year end. If your fiscal year ends on December 31, renewal is due by May 15.
  • There is no official start to the renewal period, so renewals may be submitted as soon as financials become available for the most recently completed fiscal year.
Due Date Extension:

Due dates can be extended for 180 days beyond the original due date by submitting a request for extension through the online portal. A copy of IRS form 8868 must be included when requesting an extension.

Original Ink:Not Required
Notarization Required?:Not Required
Notes:
  • Organizations can renew a registration up to 6 months past its due date. After this point, they will receive a registration revocation notice from the Secretary of State giving them 30 days to submit the late renewal. Once the registration is revoked, an organization must undergo the reinstatement process.
  • Note the list of attachments required including IRS Form 990. Larger organizations may need to attach an audited financial statement.
Required Attachments:

  • IRS form 990
  • Audited financials (if applicable)
  • List of officers and directors
  • Professional fundraising contracts
  • Only if amended: IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation, and bylaws

Reinstatement

Instructions:
  1. Organizations wishing to reinstate a revoked registration must call the Charities Division to get approved for reinstatement.
  2. Once approved, organizations file an online renewal for the most recent fiscal year and pay the required renewal fee. The application and fee will be forwarded to the legal team who drafts a consent agreement. The agreement will be sent back to the charity for completion. 
  3. Upon receiving the consent agreement, organizations should complete it and mail it back to the Division with the required reinstatement fee. 
Filing Method:

Mail and online

Agency Fee:
  • $50 renewal fee + $3.14 online filing fee
  • $1,000 reinstatement fee
Penalties:

Charities suspected of violating Mississippi Code §79-11-501 - §79-11-527 are subject to investigation(s) by the Secretary of State and/or Attorney General. Upon application from either one of these agencies, the court can issue the following judgments: 

  • administrative penalties of up to $25,000/violation
  • restraining orders
  • injunctions 
  • enjoinment
  • appointments of receivers/conservators of funds
  • restitution

The Secretary of State, in addition to other remedies authorized by the law, may issue one or more of the following remedies:

  • denial, suspension, or revocation of the organization's registration
  • cease and desist orders
  • administrative penalties of up to $25,000/violation
  • citations to an organizations director(s)/officer(s)/member(s)
  • administrative dissolution of domestic corporations
  • revocation of foreign corporations Certificate of Authorization to do business in the State of Mississippi

A conviction of knowingly violating this Act is a misdemeanor charge and is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year in county jail. In connection with any solicitation, any attempt to defraud or obtain money or property using false pretenses is a felony conviction and is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years. 

Notes:

Organizations can renew a registration up to 6 months past its due date. After this point, they will receive a registration revocation notice from the Secretary of State which gives them 30 days to submit the late renewal. Once the registration is revoked, an organization must undergo the reinstatement process.

Required Attachments:
  • Most recent IRS form 990
  • Most recent Audited Financials (if applicable)
  • List of officers and directors
  • Professional Fundraising Contractors
  • Only if amended: IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation, and bylaws

Change of Fiscal Year

Agency Fee:

$0

Turnaround:

1-2 business days

Notes:

Fiscal year can be changed during the standard renewal process.

Cancelation

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Notes:

To close out your registration, file a final report and attach the necessary documents.

Required Attachments:
  • IRS form 990
  • Audited financials (if applicable)
  • A statement signed by an officer of the charitable organization certifying that the organization has ceased charitable solicitations within the state

Commercial Co-venturer shall mean any person or entity who is regularly and primarily engaged in the production, trade, sale or commerce of goods other than in connection with the raising or solicitation of funds, assets, or other property for charitable organizations or charitable purposes, who for indirect compensation (including contractually arranged fees, commissions or other monetary remuneration), conducts, promotes, underwrites, arranges, markets, sponsors or advertises a sale, performance, or event of any kind which will benefit, to any extent, a Charitable Organization, or

A person or entity who contracts with a Charitable Organization to benefit that charity to any extent, and who receives only indirect compensation limited to goodwill or tax benefits as a result of that contractual agreement, is considered neither a commercial co-venturer nor a professional fund-raiser so long as neither the person (or entity) nor the Charitable Organization conducts, promotes, underwrites, arranges, markets, sponsors, or advertises the relationship to the public during the contract period.

Mississippi Commercial Co-Venturer Registration

Agency:Mississippi Secretary of State - Charities Division
Law:

1 MS Admin Code § 15-3.17

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Turnaround:

Immediately online.

Bond Amount:

None

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Commercial co-venturer registrations do not need to be renewed, however, contact information should be kept up to date.

Contract Filing

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Turnaround:

Immediately online.

Due:

A Commercial Co-venturer engaging in a charitable sales promotion is required to file with the Secretary of State notice of the promotion no less than seven (7) days prior to the start of said promotion. Such notice must include a copy of the contract between the Co-venturer and the Charitable Organization.

Original Ink:Not Required
Notarization Required?:Not Required
How to Apply:

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

Contract Amendment

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

An amendment filing should be made before the expiration date of a campaign in order to extend the campaign.

Notes:

To report an extension of a campaign or another change to a campaign agreement, submit a cover letter describing the change and include a copy of the amended agreement.

Financial Reporting

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Turnaround:

Immediately online.

Due:

A financial accounting must be filed no later than thirty 30 days after the conclusion of the promotion if the charitable sales promotion is less than 1 year and no later than thirty 30 days after the anniversary date of the first notice of promotion filing if the promotion is greater than 1 year, and shall file a final financial accounting of the charitable sales promotion no later than thirty 30 days after the conclusion of said promotion.

Fund-raising counsel means a person (i) who for a fixed fee or rate under a written agreement plans, manages, advises or consults with respect to the solicitation in this state of contributions by a charitable organization, (ii) who neither solicits contributions nor directly or indirectly employ, procure or engage any person compensated to solicit contributions, and (iii) who does not at any time, whether directly or indirectly, receive or have custody or control of contributions. A bona fide nontemporary salaried officer or employee of a charitable organization shall not be deemed to be a fund-raising counsel. No attorney, accountant or banker who renders professional services to a charitable organization or advises a person to make a charitable contribution during the course of rendering professional services to that person shall be deemed, as a result of the professional service or advice rendered, to be a fund-raising counsel.

Mississippi Fund-Raising Counsel Registration

Agency:Mississippi Secretary of State
Law:

MS Code § 97-11-513

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$250

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$250

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Contract Filing

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

All contracts entered into between fund-raising counsels and charitable organizations shall be in writing and a true and correct copy of such contract shall be filed by the fund-raising counsel who is a party thereto with the Secretary of State at least ten (10) days prior to the performance by the fund-raising counsel of any service.

Professional fund-raiser means any person who for compensation or other consideration is retained by a charitable organization to solicit in or from this state contributions for charitable purposes directly or in the form of payment for goods, services or admission to fund-raising events, whether such solicitation is performed personally or through his agents, servants or employees or through agents, servants or employees especially employed by or for a charitable organization who are engaged in the solicitation of contributions, the sale of goods or services or the production of fundraising events under the direction of such person, or a person who plans, conducts, manages, carries on, advises or consults, whether directly or indirectly, in connection with the solicitation of contributions, sale of goods or services or the production of fundraising events for or on behalf of any charitable organization, but does not qualify as a fund-raising counsel within the meaning of Sections 79-11-501 through 79-11-529, or who engages in the business of or holds himself out as independently engaged in the
business of soliciting contributions for such purposes.

A bona fide officer or employee of a charitable organization shall not be deemed a professional fund-raiser unless his salary or other compensation is paid as a commission which is computed on the basis of funds to be raised or actually raised.

Mississippi Professional Fund-Raiser Registration

Agency:Mississippi Secretary of State
Law:

MS Code § 79-11-513

Bond Requirements:

$10,000

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$250

Before you Apply:
  • The filing will be rejected if the signature verification request does not go to each individual signer at their individual email addresses so that the signatures may be validated.
    • This includes the signature of the President (or other authorized agent) of the firm.
Required Attachments:
  • A current list of the professional fund-raiser’s corporate officers, directors, partners, and/or owners of the organization. The list must include full name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Current copies of contracts with charitable organizations soliciting in Mississippi
  • Copy of surety bond. The original surety bond should be mailed to the Secretary of State – Mississippi Secretary of State Charities Division, 125 S. Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201 OR Mississippi Secretary of State Charities Division, Post Office Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205-0136

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$250

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Required Attachments:
  • A current list of the professional fund-raiser’s corporate officers, directors, partners, and/or owners of the organization. The list must include full name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Current copies of contracts with charitable organizations soliciting in Mississippi
  • Copy of surety bond. The original surety bond should be mailed to the Secretary of State – Mississippi Secretary of State Charities Division, 125 S. Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201 OR Mississippi Secretary of State Charities Division, Post Office Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205-0136

Contract Filing

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

All contracts entered into between professional fund-raisers and charitable organizations shall be in writing and a true and correct copy of such contract shall be filed by the professional fund-raiser who is a party thereto with the Secretary of State at least ten (10) days prior to the performance by the professional fund-raiser of any service.

Financial Reporting

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Within 90 days after a campaign has ended and on the anniversary of commencement for campaigns lasting more than a year.

Individual Licenses

Mississippi Individual Nonprofit & Fundraising Licenses

Professional solicitor means any person who is employed or retained for compensation by a professional fund-raiser to solicit contributions for charitable purposes from persons in this state.

Mississippi Professional Solicitor Registration

Agency:Mississippi Secretary of State
Law:

MS Code 79-11-517

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Notes:

To register, professional fundraisers must provide the names and email addresses of individuals to be registered as professional solicitors on their account. Emails containing applications and instructions will then be sent to these individuals.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Notes:

To renew, professional fundraisers must provide the names and email addresses of individuals to be registered as professional solicitors on their account. Emails containing applications and instructions will then be sent to these individuals.

There’s a Better Way to Stay Compliant Stop spending precious time managing state-by-state fundraising requirements. Take advantage of our full-service compliance solutions and get back to focusing on what’s most important: fulfilling your organization’s mission. Reduce Your Workload

Learn about fundraising in other jurisdictions:

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Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
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Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
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Related Resources
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An explanation of increasingly complex state charity requirements.

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