At a Glance

In Georgia, most charitable organizations must register with the Secretary of State before soliciting donations. Registration requires submitting Form C-100, financial statements, and a $35 fee, with the registration valid for 24 months. Some organizations qualify for exemptions based on revenue limits or organizational type.

Understanding Georgia’s Charitable Solicitation Law

Georgia regulates fundraising activities through the Georgia Charitable Solicitations Act of 1988. Before you begin collecting donations, understanding this law is crucial for your nonprofit’s legal compliance and continued operation.

What counts as a charitable solicitation

In Georgia, charitable solicitation encompasses any request for money, property, or anything of value that suggests the donation will support a charitable organization or purpose. This includes:

• Direct requests through mail, phone, or in-person appeals
• Online fundraising campaigns and donation buttons on your website
• Fundraising events such as galas, auctions, or run/walks
• Sale of merchandise when proceeds benefit charitable causes
• Grant applications to foundations or corporations

The law applies regardless of who makes the request—whether it’s board members, staff, volunteers, or professional fundraisers acting on your behalf. Even implied solicitations count under the law. For instance, simply placing a donation jar at a business location constitutes solicitation.

Many organizations find navigating these regulations challenging and turn to charitable solicitation specialists to ensure they’re interpreting the law correctly and receive clear guidance from compliance experts who understand the nuances.

Who qualifies as a charitable organization

Under Georgia law, a charitable organization is broadly defined as any entity that is or claims to be established for any benevolent, educational, philanthropic, humane, scientific, patriotic, social welfare, advocacy, public health, environmental, conservation, civic, or other eleemosynary purpose.

This definition includes:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Organizations awaiting IRS determination
• Groups that claim to operate for charitable purposes even without formal tax-exempt status
• Parent organizations and their chapters, branches, or affiliates

The law focuses more on fundraising activity than on your tax status. Therefore, even if your organization is tax-exempt, you may still need to complete charitable registration before soliciting funds in Georgia.

Professional charitable registration services can help determine if your specific organization falls under Georgia’s definition and requires registration, providing the expertise needed to navigate these determinations accurately.

Key terms defined under the Act

Understanding the terminology in Georgia’s charitable solicitation law helps clarify your compliance obligations:

Charitable purpose: Any benevolent, philanthropic, patriotic, educational, humane, scientific, public health, environmental, or civic objective, or any objective that benefits law enforcement personnel, firefighters, or other persons who protect public safety.

Contribution: The promise, grant, or pledge of money, credit, property, financial assistance, or other thing of value in response to a solicitation.

Paid solicitor: A person who performs solicitation services for compensation, often hired by nonprofits to conduct fundraising campaigns.

Professional fundraising counsel: A person who plans, manages, advises, or provides consultation services to charitable organizations for compensation but doesn’t directly solicit contributions.

Financial statements: Documentation of an organization’s financial activities that must be submitted along with registration forms.

Understanding these definitions is essential since they determine which regulations apply to your specific organization. Many nonprofits work with nonprofit registration experts to navigate these technical aspects of the law and avoid costly mistakes through reliable, experienced guidance.

Who Needs to Register and Who Is Exempt

Under Georgia law, understanding who needs to register for charitable solicitation and who qualifies for exemptions is essential before your nonprofit begins fundraising activities.

Organizations required to register

The Charitable Solicitations Act establishes clear rules about registration requirements. Any organization soliciting charitable contributions in Georgia must register with the Secretary of State (404-656-2881, sos.ga.gov) prior to beginning any fundraising activities. This requirement applies to:

• Organizations located in Georgia soliciting from anyone
• Organizations outside Georgia soliciting from Georgia residents
• Organizations anywhere soliciting on behalf of a Georgia-based charity

Registration is mandatory unless your organization qualifies for a specific exemption. Additionally, it’s important to note that registration must be completed before your organization begins soliciting—not after you’ve started fundraising activities.

Many nonprofits find navigating these requirements challenging and turn to charitable registration services for assistance with determining their registration obligations across multiple states, benefiting from dedicated specialists who ensure accurate, timely compliance.

Common exemptions and how to qualify

While registration is the default requirement, Georgia law provides several exemptions for specific types of organizations. The most common exemptions include:

• Organizations with limited revenue that don’t use paid solicitors and whose total contributions have been less than $25,000 for both the current and immediately preceding calendar years.
• Fraternal, civic, benevolent, patriotic, and social organizations when solicitation is carried out by unpaid volunteers and limited to their membership.
• Appeals for specific individuals where 100% of funds collected go to the named beneficiary. If collections exceed $5,000, a written accounting must be filed with the Secretary of State every 90 days until the solicitation concludes.
• Business and professional associations that don’t solicit from the general public.
• Local or state-wide hunting, fishing, and target shooting organizations recognized under 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4).
• Volunteer fire departments or rescue services operating with local governments that received less than $25,000 in both the current and preceding years.

To claim an exemption, organizations typically submit basic information (name, addresses, contact details, and which exemption is claimed) to the Secretary of State. Furthermore, even exempt organizations must still comply with the anti-fraud provisions of the Act.

If you’re uncertain about whether your organization qualifies for an exemption, charitable registration experts can provide guidance on your specific situation and help ensure you’re making the right determination.

Special rules for religious and educational institutions

Religious organizations enjoy a broad exemption from Georgia’s charitable solicitation registration requirements.

Educational institutions and organizations operated, supervised, or controlled by or in connection with nonprofit educational institutions are also exempt. This exemption extends to foundations, associations, corporations, and agencies connected with qualified educational institutions.

Multi-level organizations also benefit from special rules. If a national organization is registered with the Secretary of State, its state and local affiliates don’t need to register separately. Moreover, local organizations receiving funds from a registered state or national organization, and which don’t directly solicit funds themselves, are exempt from registration.

Alternatively, if all local organizations are registered, the state and national affiliates that don’t directly solicit in Georgia are exempt.

Despite these exemptions, the Secretary of State may examine records related to charitable solicitations from any organization, including those claiming exemption. Consequently, proper documentation remains important even for exempt organizations.

For organizations expanding their fundraising across state lines, partnering with nonprofit registration services can simplify compliance with the varying requirements in different states while providing reliable, ongoing support.

How to Register for Charitable Solicitation in Georgia

Once you’ve determined your organization needs to register, following these step-by-step instructions will help you complete the process correctly.

Filing Form C-100 and required documents

The cornerstone of your charitable solicitation registration is Form C-100, also called the Georgia Charitable Solicitations Act Charitable Organization Registration form. This document collects essential information about your organization, including:

• Your organization’s name and contact information
• Names and addresses of officers, directors, and trustees
• General purposes of your organization
• Intended use of contributions
• Solicitation methods and timeframe
• Details about any fundraising counsel or paid solicitors

In addition to the completed C-100 form, you must submit:

• Your most recently filed IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ for the preceding fiscal year
• Financial statements that vary based on your annual revenue:
• Organizations receiving over $1,000,000: Submit a certified financial statement prepared by an independent CPA
• Organizations receiving $500,000-$1,000,000: Submit a reviewed financial statement
• Organizations receiving less than $500,000: Submit basic financial statements (not required to be certified or reviewed)

First-time applicants without previous contributions should attach a signed statement from an officer confirming this fact. If your organization filed IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard), submit Georgia Form C-200 with your registration in lieu of the 990.

Charitable registration experts often help organizations determine exactly which financial documents are needed for their specific situation, ensuring accurate preparation and submission the first time.






Initial registration fee and payment process

The initial registration fee is $35.00, payable to the Georgia Secretary of State. Your registration remains valid for 24 months from its effective date. After this period, you’ll need to renew your registration with a $20.00 renewal fee.

Submit the applicable fee with your filing whether you file by mail or online.

Where and how to submit your application

You can submit your charitable solicitation registration in two ways:

1. Mail: Send your completed application package to:
   Securities and Charities Division
   Office of the Georgia Secretary of State
   2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
   Suite 317 West Tower
   Atlanta, GA 30334
2. Online: Submit electronically through the Secretary of State’s website

Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, so plan accordingly before any fundraising activities. As an important note, you must register prior to soliciting any contributions in Georgia.

Using professional registration services to simplify the process

Many nonprofits find the charitable registration process challenging, particularly when operating in multiple states. Professional services that combine expert guidance with modern technology offer several advantages:

• Ensuring all documentation is properly prepared and submitted with accuracy and reliability
• Handling amendments when your organization information changes
• Managing renewal deadlines and requirements through dedicated tracking systems
• Advising on multi-state compliance issues with personalized guidance
• Providing ongoing support through secure client portals for document management

These services are especially valuable given that amendments must be filed within 30 days of any material change in your organization’s information. Furthermore, they help prevent registration lapses that could result in penalties or fundraising restrictions, allowing your team to focus on mission-critical work rather than administrative burden.

By carefully following these registration steps or enlisting professional assistance, your nonprofit can maintain full compliance with Georgia’s charitable solicitation requirements.

Financial Disclosure and Reporting Requirements

Maintaining proper financial disclosures is a critical aspect of your Georgia charity registration process. The state has specific requirements that vary based on your organization’s revenue.

IRS Form 990 and financial statement thresholds

All registered nonprofits must file annual information returns with the IRS, generally due by the 15th day of the 5th month following your fiscal year end. Organizations with gross receipts at or below $50,000 may file Form 990-N (e-Postcard); some smaller organizations may be eligible to file Form 990-EZ, whereas larger organizations must file the full Form 990.

Separately, Georgia requires you to submit a copy of your Form 990 (or 990-EZ/990-PF, as applicable) to the Department of Revenue. If your organization filed the IRS Form 990-N e-Postcard, file a copy of the IRS e-Postcard receipt with the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Many nonprofits work with charitable registration services to manage these various filing requirements and ensure timely, accurate compliance across all jurisdictions.

Audit and review requirements based on revenue

Georgia imposes tiered financial reporting requirements based on annual contributions:

• Over $1,000,000: Submit certified financial statements prepared by an independent CPA
• $500,000-$1,000,000: Submit financial statements reviewed by an independent CPA
• Under $500,000: Submit basic financial statements (no certification required)

The level of scrutiny increases with your organization’s revenue, making compliance more complex for growing nonprofits. Professional charitable solicitation experts can help determine which requirements apply to your specific situation and ensure proper documentation.

What newly formed organizations must submit

Newly formed organizations without prior contributions must submit a signed statement from an officer attesting to this fact instead of financial statements. Furthermore, upon receiving your IRS determination letter, you must file a copy with the Secretary of State within 30 days.

First-time registrants often find these requirements overwhelming. Working with nonprofit registration specialists ensures you submit the correct documentation from the start, avoiding potential penalties or registration delays through reliable guidance and preparation.

Maintaining Compliance and Avoiding Penalties

Keeping your charitable registration active requires attention to key deadlines and requirements.

Renewal timelines and fees

Your Georgia charitable registration remains valid for 24 months from its effective date. Renewals may be filed up to 90 days before expiration. The renewal fee is $20, significantly lower than the $35 initial registration fee. If your registration expires, you must reinstate it using Form C-100 with the $35 fee. Charitable registration services can track these important deadlines to prevent lapses and maintain your good standing automatically.

Disclosure requirements during fundraising

During solicitation activities, your organization must:

• Disclose its name and location
• State that a full and fair description of the charitable program and financial statements are available upon request
• If a paid solicitor or solicitor agent is used, disclose the name and location of the paid solicitor and any solicitor agent involved

For collection receptacles, specific disclosure rules apply based on ownership.

Penalties for non-compliance and how to avoid them

Non-compliance carries serious consequences. The Secretary of State may deny, suspend, or revoke your registration, limit or bar fundraising activities, and seek court orders, including restraining orders and restitution. Civil and criminal penalties may also apply under Georgia law.

To avoid penalties, many nonprofits partner with nonprofit registration specialists. These experts manage renewal deadlines, prepare required financial documentation, and ensure proper disclosures during fundraising activities. Above all, they help maintain your charitable solicitation compliance across multiple states while providing the reliability and peace of mind that comes with expert oversight.






Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the registration process take?
Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting your complete application to the Georgia Secretary of State.
Do I need to register if my organization is already tax-exempt?
Yes, tax-exempt status doesn’t automatically exempt you from charitable solicitation registration requirements. The law focuses on fundraising activity rather than tax status.
What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
If your registration expires, you must reinstate it using Form C-100 with the $35 initial registration fee instead of the $20 renewal fee.
Can I start fundraising while my registration is pending?
No, you must complete registration before beginning any solicitation activities in Georgia.
What constitutes a material change requiring an amendment?
Changes to your organization’s name, address, officers, directors, purpose, or solicitation methods require an amendment within 30 days.

Registering for charitable solicitation in Georgia might seem daunting at first, but following the proper steps ensures your nonprofit remains legally compliant and avoids costly penalties. Throughout this guide, you’ve learned the essential requirements under the Georgia Charitable Solicitations Act, from understanding who needs to register to maintaining ongoing compliance.

Remember, most organizations soliciting donations in Georgia must register before beginning any fundraising activities. However, certain groups qualify for exemptions based on revenue thresholds, organizational structure, or religious/educational status. If you’re uncertain about your organization’s requirements, consulting with charitable solicitation experts can save significant time and prevent potential legal issues through personalized guidance.

The registration process itself requires careful attention to detail. You must submit Form C-100 along with appropriate financial documentation that varies based on your organization’s revenue. After completing your initial registration, your compliance responsibilities continue with renewal requirements every 24 months and specific disclosure obligations during fundraising activities.

Penalties for non-compliance can be severe, ranging from registration revocation to civil or criminal penalties. Many nonprofits choose to partner with nonprofit registration services to manage these complex requirements, especially when operating across multiple states. These professionals track important deadlines, prepare necessary documentation, and ensure all legal obligations are met with the reliability and accuracy your organization deserves.

Your nonprofit’s mission deserves protection from unnecessary legal complications. Therefore, proper charitable registration should be considered an essential part of your organization’s operations rather than an administrative burden. With the right approach and possibly professional assistance, you can focus on your charitable work while maintaining full compliance with Georgia’s fundraising regulations and the confidence that comes with expert support.