Ohio Fundraising Registration

Charitable Solicitation Registration and Compliance

Charitable solicitation is regulated on the state-level and the requirements vary by state. 41 states require charitable solicitation registration. Asking for donations by phone, mail, in person, and online subject a charity to registration requirements. Fundraising online is generally considered solicitation, including use of a "Donate Now" button on an organization’s website.

In nearly every state, charities are required to register before soliciting donations, regardless of whether funds are actually received. Some states require nonprofits to qualify with the corporations division and appoint a registered agent. In addition, most states require charities to include disclosure statements in their solicitations.

Overview of Ohio Requirements

Ohio requires charitable solicitation registration. Charities must register with the Ohio Attorney General in order to solicit donations in the state. While not required as a prerequisite for charitable registration, organizations may be required to qualify as a foreign nonprofit corporation with the Ohio Secretary of State and appoint a registered agent.

About This License

Agency:

Ohio Attorney General

Exemptions:

The most common exemptions are:

<$25,000 nationwide gross revenue in the preceding fiscal year
Religious organizations
Educational institutions
Membership organizations

Check the law for the full list of exemptions and exemption criteria. You may optionally send a letter to the Ohio Attorney General asking for determination on whether an exemption applies to your organization. You will receive a letter back documenting the result for your company records.

Law:

Ohio Revised Code Ann. § 1716.01 et seq., Ohio Revised Code §§ 109.23 to 109.32

Initial Registration

Organizations that have never registered for charitable solicitation in Ohio will file an initial registration. This section contains an overview of completing an initial charitable solicitation registration.

Instructions:	Charitable Registration User Guide, including requesting an exemption
Filing method:	Online (paper forms are no longer accepted)
State fee:	$0 for organizations that have not yet solicited in Ohio. Fees range from $0-$200, depending on contributions, for organizations that have previously solicited in Ohio.
Notes:	Note the list of attachments required. The CFO / treasurer must sign Some Ohio counties and municipalities may require charities that solicit in-person to register prior to fundraising.

Renewal Filing

Organizations that have already registered for charitable solicitation in Ohio are required to renew their registrations to maintain good standing. This section contains an overview of renewing the charitable solicitation registration.

Filing method:	Online (paper forms are no longer accepted)
State fee:	$0-200, depending on contributions received from Ohio residents during the preceding fiscal year
Due:	Renewal is due annually 4.5 months after the end of your fiscal year. So if your fiscal year ends December 31st, then renewal is due May 15th.
Penalties:	There is a $200 late fee.
Notes:	Note the list of attachments required.

Common Questions

Is the URS accepted in Ohio? The Unified Registration Statement (URS) is a consolidated multi-state registration form.	For initial filing: No For renewal filing: No
Is foreign qualification required?	Not explicitly required as a prerequisite for charitable solicitation registration.
Is maintaining a registered agent required?	Not explicitly required as a prerequisite for charitable solicitation registration.