Registration FAQs
Who needs to register?
All charitable organizations that solicit donations in the State of Missouri that are not exempt as set forth below.
What organizations are considered charitable organizations?
Any person or entity who does business in this state, or holds property in this state for any charitable purpose, and who engages in the activity of soliciting funds or donations for any fraternal, benevolent, social, educational, alumni, historical or other charitable purpose. § 407.453 (1), RSMo
My organization is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS exempt under § 501(c)(3), do I still need to register?
No. Any organization recognized as exempt from taxation under §§ 501(c)(3), (c)(7) or (c)(8) of Internal Revenue Code is not required to register.
What is not considered solicitation of funds for registration purposes?
Missouri law creates two exceptions to what is considered a solicitation:
- Direct grants or allocation of funds received, or solicited from, any affiliated fund-raising organization by a member agency; and
- Unsolicited contributions received from any individual donor, foundation, trust, governmental agency or other source, unless such contributions are received in conjunction with a solicitation drive.§ 407.453(6), RSMo.
How does Missouri law define “religious organizations” that are exempt from registration?
Section 407.453(5), RSMo defines religious organizations as any church, society, sect, temple,….or association of any of the foregoing, or other organization, whether or not incorporated, or any employee thereof… that otherwise qualifies as an exempt organization under § 501(c)(3) that either:
- Meets at more or less regular intervals for worship of a supreme being or higher power, or for mutual support or edification in piety or with respect to the idea that a minimum standard of behavior from the standpoint of overall morality is to be observed; or
- Is an entity that is owned, operated, controlled, supervised or principally supported by, or associated with through the sharing of common religious bonds and convictions, any organization which meets the requirements of this subdivision.
How does Missouri law define “educational institutions” that are exempt from registration?
An institution with a defined curriculum, student body and faculty, and which conducts classes on a regular basis. § 407.453(3), RSMo
When is my initial registration statement due?
Prior to soliciting within the State of Missouri. § 407.462.1, RSMo
When must I file my Charitable Organization Annual Renewal Statement?
Within seventy-five days after the end the Charitable Organization’s fiscal year. § 407.462.2, RSMo
What is the fee to register as a charitable organization?
A $15 fee must accompany all initial registrations and all renewal statements. § 407.462.1, RSMo
What information is required when I register?
A form is provided for initial and renewal applications in the “Forms” section above.
Can I file the Unified Registration Statement (URS)?
Yes, Missouri will accept the Unified Registration Statement (URS) so long as it includes all of the information required by our form and is accompanied by the appropriate fee.
If my organization is registered in Missouri, do I need to register in any other state?
Yes, if you solicit in states other than Missouri you will most likely need to register in those states. Failure to do so can lead to severe adverse consequences. A few states do not require registration, but the vast majority do. You will need to contact each state in which you solicit donations to find out about how to register.
Do other states exempt from registration organizations that are exempt from taxation pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code?
No, only Missouri has this exemption. You will need to contact each state in which you solicit donations to find out about how to register. Failure to do so can lead to severe adverse consequences.
What happens if my organization solicits in Missouri without registering?
If you solicit funds for charitable purposes without being registered you will violate the consumer fraud provisions contained in Missouri’s Merchandising Practices Act, Chapter 407, RSMo. In short, the Missouri Attorney General’s power to pursue fraud applies to failure to register, the same as any scam, fraud, swindle, etc.
The penalties can be severe since each solicitation constitutes a separate violation of Missouri law. And under Missouri each individual violation can be punished by a civil penalty of $1,000, a ban on solicitation in Missouri, restitution, and other relief. Since the penalties can be harsh we strongly encourage everyone to err on the side of registering.
Can I register online?
Not yet, but we are working on such a system.
Who do I contact for additional information about professional fundraiser registration?
Donna Rodenbaugh at 573-751-3321 or registrations@ago.mo.gov