At a Glance

Indiana does not require charitable organizations to register at the state level before soliciting donations when using their own employees or volunteers. However, professional fundraisers and fundraising consultants who work on behalf of charities must register with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (317-232-6330, in.gov/attorneygeneral) and pay a $1,000 initial registration fee plus annual $50 renewal fees.

Navigating charity registration requirements across multiple states can be complex. Understanding Indiana’s charitable solicitation process is crucial for any nonprofit operating within the state or fundraising beyond its borders. Without proper documentation where required, organizations and fundraising professionals could face penalties, reputation damage, and fundraising restrictions.

This comprehensive guide explains which organizations must register with the Indiana Attorney General’s office, key exemptions, and how to maintain ongoing compliance. Whether you’re starting a new nonprofit or bringing an existing organization into compliance, working with experienced nonprofit compliance specialists through charitable registration services can help simplify multi-state compliance and ensure accurate, timely filings across all jurisdictions where you operate.

Understanding Charitable Solicitation in Indiana

Indiana’s approach to charitable fundraising differs significantly from most other states, creating both opportunities and potential compliance challenges for nonprofits operating within its borders.

What Qualifies as Charitable Solicitation

Charitable solicitation encompasses any request for donations or contributions made to support charitable purposes. These requests can occur through various channels including mail campaigns, telephone calls, online platforms, email communications, social media, or in-person appeals. The method of solicitation often determines specific disclosure requirements and compliance obligations.

Because solicitation rules vary significantly by jurisdiction and communication method, organizations should carefully review applicable state and local regulations before launching any fundraising campaign. This is particularly important for nonprofits operating across multiple states, where overlapping requirements can create complex compliance scenarios.

Why Registration Matters for Nonprofits

• Legal Protection: Compliance with applicable laws where you solicit protects your organization’s reputation and legal standing, preventing costly penalties and regulatory actions.
• Multi-State Operations: Many nonprofits operate across multiple states, each with different requirements. Understanding Indiana’s streamlined system helps organizations develop consistent charitable solicitation registration practices nationwide while identifying states with more complex requirements.
• Local Compliance: Although Indiana does not require state-level registration by charities, some counties and municipalities may require registration for certain in-person solicitations. Checking local ordinances is an essential step in comprehensive fundraising preparation.
• Donor Confidence: Proper registration demonstrates professionalism and transparency, building donor trust and supporting long-term fundraising success.

Overview of Indiana’s Regulatory Approach

Indiana takes a targeted approach to charitable solicitation regulation that focuses on professional fundraising activities rather than direct charity-to-donor relationships:

• Charitable Organizations Exempt: Charitable organizations that solicit on their own behalf using bona fide employees or volunteers are not required to register with the state, creating a streamlined environment for direct nonprofit fundraising.
• Professional Fundraisers Regulated: Professional fundraiser consultants (who plan or advise on fundraising but do not directly solicit) and professional solicitors (who directly solicit contributions) must register with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division before conducting fundraising campaigns. They must also file required contracts and notices and, in certain cases, submit post-campaign financial reports.
• Registration Fees: The initial registration fee for professional fundraiser consultants and professional solicitors is $1,000, and the annual renewal fee is $50. Renewal applications and fees must be received by July 1 each year.

During solicitations, professional solicitors must provide specific disclosures to donors, including:

1. The name of the charitable organization represented and, upon request, its address
2. Clear identification that the person soliciting is, or is employed by, a compensated professional solicitor
3. The full name of the professional solicitor and, upon request, a phone number the consumer can call to confirm the information
4. The charitable purpose for which the funds are being raised

Written solicitations must include the required disclosures in writing. If soliciting by telephone, the disclosures may be provided verbally. Any written confirmation a professional solicitor mails to consumers must also contain the required written disclosures.

Even if your nonprofit does not need to register in Indiana, considering professional nonprofit registration help can simplify compliance across jurisdictions where you solicit, providing centralized management of complex multi-state requirements through a single portal.

Who Needs to Register and Who Is Exempt

Unlike many states that require broad charitable organization registration, Indiana focuses its registration requirements specifically on professional fundraising entities while exempting most direct charity operations.

Organizations Required to Register

Indiana law requires the following entities to register with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division before conducting campaigns:

• Professional Fundraiser Consultants: Individuals or entities hired to plan, manage, or advise on fundraising campaigns without directly soliciting contributions. These consultants typically provide strategic guidance, campaign planning, donor research, or other advisory services but do not interact directly with potential donors.
• Professional Solicitors: Those who directly solicit contributions for or on behalf of charitable organizations. This includes telemarketers, door-to-door solicitors, and other entities that make direct appeals to potential donors on behalf of charities.

These professionals must submit comprehensive information about their campaigns, including filing a copy of their contracts with charities that specifies the percentage of gross contributions or revenue the charity will receive. This contract requirement ensures transparency in the financial relationship between charities and their professional fundraising partners.

Common Exemptions

Charitable organizations that solicit on their own behalf using bona fide employees or volunteers are not required to register with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. This exemption covers the vast majority of nonprofit fundraising activities, including:

• Direct mail campaigns managed by nonprofit staff
• Volunteer-led fundraising events and activities
• Online donation platforms operated by the organization
• Grant applications submitted by nonprofit employees
• Board member and volunteer solicitation of major gifts

This exemption significantly reduces administrative burden for most nonprofits while maintaining oversight of commercial fundraising relationships that pose greater potential for donor confusion or misrepresentation.

Tax Registration Considerations

Separately from charitable solicitation, certain nonprofits selling items in Indiana may have tax registration and collection obligations. Effective July 1, 2023, if a nonprofit (not otherwise excepted) reaches $100,000 in sales in the current or previous calendar year, it must register and collect sales tax and remain registered until it makes less than $100,000 for two consecutive years.

Local vs. State-Level Requirements

While Indiana has no state-level registration requirement for charities, local ordinances may impose registration or permitting requirements for certain in-person solicitation activities. Common local requirements include:

• Door-to-door solicitation permits
• Special event permits for fundraising activities
• Business licenses for organizations conducting sales
• Street fair or festival vendor registrations

Organizations should contact relevant city or county offices before conducting in-person solicitation activities to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Multi-State Compliance Considerations

Organizations operating across state lines face significantly more complex compliance rules. Many states require charitable solicitation registration before soliciting contributions, and requirements vary substantially:

• Some states require registration for any solicitation within their borders
• Others have minimum fundraising thresholds before registration becomes mandatory
• Renewal deadlines, fees, and reporting requirements differ significantly
• Online fundraising can trigger registration requirements in multiple states simultaneously

Organizations based in Indiana but fundraising elsewhere should carefully review those states’ requirements or obtain professional nonprofit registration help to ensure accurate filings and ongoing compliance management across all relevant jurisdictions.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Registering as a professional fundraiser (consultant or solicitor) in Indiana involves several detailed steps designed to ensure transparency and accountability in commercial fundraising relationships.

Step 1: Determine Your Registration Category

Professional Fundraiser Consultants and Professional Solicitors must register with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division before conducting fundraising. The distinction between these categories determines specific filing requirements:

• Consultants typically provide strategic advice and campaign planning without direct donor contact
• Solicitors engage in direct donor outreach and contribution requests

Charitable Organizations using their own employees or volunteers for fundraising are generally exempt from state charitable solicitation registration, though they should verify local requirements for specific activities.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation and Information

Typical information requested in registration applications includes:

• Business Information: Complete names and addresses of officers and employees involved in fundraising activities
• Ownership Details: Names and addresses of any person owning 10% or more interest in the organization
• Operational Description: Detailed description of any fundraising-related business conducted by the organization
• Solicitation Names: All names under which solicitations will be made, including any assumed names or marketing identities
• Compliance History: Disclosure of any prior registration denials, suspensions, or revocations in any jurisdiction
• Financial Information: Depending on registration type, financial statements or bonding information may be required

Step 3: Complete the Professional Fundraiser Registration Application

Complete the appropriate registration through the Attorney General’s online system or by submitting paper forms. The application process requires careful attention to detail, as incomplete applications can delay approval and campaign start dates.

Registration applications typically require notarization and may include background check requirements for key personnel involved in fundraising activities.

Step 4: File Contracts and Required Campaign Notices

Professional Fundraiser Consultants must file a written contract with the division before beginning work for a charitable organization. The contract must clearly identify:

• Services to be provided
• Compensation structure
• Whether the consultant will have custody of contributions
• Campaign duration and scope
• Reporting and accountability measures

Professional Solicitors must file a solicitation notice before beginning solicitation campaigns. The notice typically includes:

• Projected campaign start and end dates
• Geographic areas where solicitation will occur
• Locations and phone numbers from which solicitation will be conducted
• Names of persons responsible for directing and supervising the campaign
• Expected fundraising methods and channels

Step 5: Submit Fees and Required Financial Documentation

Current fee structure for Indiana professional fundraiser registration:

• Initial Registration Fee: $1,000
• Annual Renewal Fee: $50 (due by July 1 each year)
• Some filings may require notarization, as specified in the forms and instructions

Payment methods and processing times vary; we recommend confirming current procedures with the Attorney General’s office to ensure timely processing before campaign launch dates.

Step 6: Maintain Ongoing Compliance Through Required Reporting

Professional solicitors must submit post-campaign financial reports with specific timing requirements:

• Within 90 days after a campaign ends
• For campaigns lasting more than one year, within 90 days after each anniversary of commencement

Required financial reporting typically includes:

• Total amounts raised during the reporting period
• Amounts retained by the solicitor
• Amounts transmitted to the charitable organization
• Administrative costs and fee breakdowns
• Donor communication and solicitation expenses

Special Fundraising Scenarios in Indiana

Beyond standard donation solicitations, nonprofits may encounter specialized fundraising scenarios requiring additional licenses, permits, or compliance steps.

Charitable Gaming Licenses (Bingo, Raffles, Pull-Tabs)

The Indiana Gaming Commission (317-232-6080, in.gov/igc) oversees charity gaming activities including bingo, raffles, pull tabs, and festivals. Comprehensive licensing, activity limits, reporting, and operational requirements apply to these activities.

Key requirements for charitable gaming include:

• Organization must qualify as an eligible charity under Indiana law
• Specific licensing applications for different types of gaming activities
• Volunteer and staff background check requirements
• Detailed financial reporting and record-keeping obligations
• Restrictions on frequency and scope of gaming activities
• Requirements for proceeds distribution and charitable use

Organizations should consult current forms and guidance from the Gaming Commission before conducting any gaming activities, as requirements are detailed and violations can result in significant penalties.

Commercial Co-Venturer and Cause Marketing Rules

Indiana does not require commercial co-venturers to register at the state level, creating opportunities for cause marketing partnerships between nonprofits and businesses.

Best practice recommendations for commercial co-ventures include:

• Maintain clear written agreements between the nonprofit and for-profit partner
• Specify exact donation amounts or percentages in all marketing materials
• Establish clear campaign timeframes and performance metrics
• Implement transparent financial reporting procedures
• Ensure compliance with truth-in-advertising standards
• Consider multi-state implications if the campaign extends beyond Indiana

Online and Multi-State Fundraising Considerations

Charity Gaming Payment Methods: Payment methods and internet-related practices for charity gaming are specifically regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Organizations should review Commission guidance before using online platforms or electronic payment methods for raffles or other gaming activities.

Multi-State Online Fundraising: Many states require charitable solicitation registration before soliciting contributions, and online fundraising can trigger simultaneous registration requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Key considerations include:

• Website accessibility can constitute solicitation in multiple states
• Social media campaigns may reach audiences in numerous jurisdictions
• Email marketing lists often span multiple states
• Online payment processing can create nexus in various states

Indiana-based organizations fundraising across state lines should confirm requirements in target states or obtain professional nonprofit registration help to manage complex multi-state filings through a centralized portal.

When to Consider Professional Charitable Registration Services

Professional assistance becomes particularly valuable in several scenarios:

• Multi-State Operations: Your fundraising spans multiple states with varying registration requirements, renewal deadlines, and reporting obligations
• Specialized Activities: You conduct complex fundraising like gaming, commercial co-ventures, or professional solicitor relationships
• Deadline Management: You need systematic tracking of renewal deadlines and reporting obligations across multiple jurisdictions
• Resource Constraints: Your team lacks the bandwidth to manage complex compliance requirements while focusing on mission-critical activities
• Risk Management: You want to ensure comprehensive compliance to protect organizational reputation and avoid regulatory penalties

With experienced compliance specialists managing registrations and renewals through secure online portals, your organization can focus on its mission while maintaining good standing across all jurisdictions. Professional services often provide consolidated billing, centralized document management, and automated deadline tracking that simplifies multi-state compliance significantly.

Maintaining Compliance After Registration

Securing initial registration represents only the beginning of ongoing compliance obligations for professional fundraisers operating in Indiana.

Annual Renewal Deadlines and Fee Structure

Professional fundraiser consultants and professional solicitors must renew their registrations annually by July 1 each year. The renewal process requires:

• Submission of updated registration information
• Payment of the $50 annual renewal fee
• Confirmation of continued compliance with disclosure and reporting requirements
• Updates to any material changes in business operations or ownership

Late renewals may result in penalties or suspension of fundraising authority, potentially disrupting active campaigns and client relationships.

Charity Gaming License Renewals: For organizations holding charity gaming licenses, renewal fees vary significantly based on adjusted gross income and may range from $50 up to $26,000 depending on gaming activity scope and revenue levels.

Required Disclosures During Active Solicitations

During all solicitation activities, professional solicitors must provide comprehensive disclosures to potential donors:

Required Verbal or Written Disclosures:

• The name of the charitable organization being represented and, upon request, its complete address
• Clear identification that the caller is, or is employed by, a compensated professional solicitor
• The full name of the professional solicitor and, upon request, a telephone number consumers can call to verify the information
• The specific charitable purpose for which the funds are being raised
• Upon request, the percentage of contributions that will actually reach the charitable organization

Format Requirements: For written or in-person solicitations, required disclosures must appear in writing in clear, readable format. For telephone solicitations, disclosures may be made verbally but must be complete and clearly stated. Any written confirmation mailed to a consumer by a professional solicitor must also contain all required written disclosures.

Comprehensive Recordkeeping and Reporting Obligations

Record Retention Requirements: Professional fundraisers must maintain accurate fiscal records for all fundraising activities. Indiana law requires records retention of at least three years from the completion of each campaign. Required records typically include:

• Complete donor contact information and contribution records
• Detailed expense documentation for all campaign costs
• Copies of all solicitation materials and scripts
• Documentation of all disclosures provided to donors
• Bank records and financial transaction documentation

Post-Campaign Financial Reporting: Professional solicitors must submit detailed financial reports within 90 days after campaign completion, and annually for campaigns lasting more than one year. Required reporting elements include:

• Total gross contributions received during the reporting period
• Administrative costs and operational expenses
• Amounts retained by the solicitor as compensation
• Net amounts transmitted to the charitable organization
• Detailed breakdown of solicitation methods and response rates

Additional Tax Reporting: Beyond charitable solicitation compliance, nonprofits registered for state tax purposes must file Form NP-20R with the Indiana Department of Revenue (317-232-2240, in.gov/dor) every five years (due May 15) to maintain their tax-exempt status registration.

Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement

The Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division actively monitors compliance through:

• Regular audits of filed reports and financial documentation
• Investigation of consumer complaints regarding fundraising practices
• Coordination with other state agencies on multi-jurisdictional issues
• Enforcement actions for violations of disclosure or reporting requirements

Violations can result in registration suspension, financial penalties, and potential criminal charges for serious misconduct. Maintaining proactive compliance through systematic record-keeping and timely reporting protects both individual fundraisers and their charitable organization clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Indiana offers a relatively streamlined regulatory environment for charitable organizations because state-level charity registration is not required when nonprofits solicit on their own behalf using bona fide employees or volunteers. This approach reduces administrative burden while maintaining appropriate oversight of commercial fundraising relationships through professional fundraiser registration requirements.

However, professional fundraisers must comply with comprehensive registration requirements including initial $1,000 fees, annual $50 renewals due July 1, detailed disclosure obligations during solicitations, and post-campaign financial reporting within 90 days of completion.

Local requirements and multi-state compliance rules can still create complex obligations. Organizations fundraising outside Indiana should carefully review other states’ charitable solicitation laws, and those conducting charity gaming must comply with detailed licensing and operational guidance from the Indiana Gaming Commission (317-232-6080, in.gov/igc).

With experienced compliance specialists providing personalized guidance and managing all filings through secure online systems, maintaining comprehensive compliance becomes manageable through consolidated services. This approach allows organizations to focus on their mission while ensuring full compliance across all jurisdictions where they operate, with the added benefits of centralized billing, automated deadline tracking, and professional oversight of complex multi-state requirements.