At a Glance

Most nonprofits must register with Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations before soliciting donations from state residents. The registration requires Form BCO-10, financial statements, and fees ranging from $15 to $250 based on annual contributions. Missing this requirement can result in $25 monthly late fees and loss of fundraising privileges.

Starting your fundraising journey in Pennsylvania requires understanding the essential steps for charity registration. Your nonprofit needs a proper charitable solicitation license to legally raise funds and maintain public trust. Without this registration, you risk significant fines, reputation damage, and even forced cessation of your fundraising activities.

Fortunately, navigating Pennsylvania’s registration process doesn’t have to be complicated—nonprofit compliance can be made easy with the right guidance and dedicated support. This step-by-step guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about charitable solicitation registration requirements, who must register, and how to complete each step correctly the first time. Additionally, you’ll learn about common exemptions, renewal deadlines, and compliance requirements that keep your nonprofit in good standing.

Understanding Charitable Solicitation in Pennsylvania

Before launching your fundraising campaigns in Pennsylvania, you must first understand what legally constitutes charitable solicitation under state law. The Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act provides clear guidelines that every nonprofit organization needs to follow.

What qualifies as charitable solicitation

Pennsylvania law defines charitable solicitation as “any direct or indirect request for a contribution on the representation that such contribution will be used in whole or in part for a charitable purpose”. This broad definition encompasses nearly all fundraising activities your nonprofit might undertake.

The Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations (BCCO) oversees more than 13,000 charities raising funds in Pennsylvania. Under state regulations, solicitation occurs whenever you ask for donations—regardless of whether you actually receive funds.

Your nonprofit is engaging in charitable solicitation from the moment you make your first ask, whether you’re targeting a single donor or the general public. Furthermore, this applies across all communication channels and fundraising approaches.

Examples of solicitation activities

• Oral requests made in person, by telephone, or through broadcast media
• Written requests distributed by mail, posted in public places, or published in any media
• Sales of merchandise, tickets, or advertising where proceeds benefit a charitable cause
• Public announcements for fundraising events including appeals, performances, exhibitions, and social gatherings

Even seemingly minor fundraising activities like maintaining donation jars, conducting raffles, running social media fundraising campaigns, or applying for grants fall under the legal definition of charitable solicitation. Experienced charitable solicitation registration services can help you identify which of your activities require registration and ensure complete compliance from the start.

Why registration is required

State registration serves multiple crucial purposes beyond mere legal compliance. First, it ensures transparency and accountability in the charity solicitation process. Through registration, you provide Pennsylvania residents assurance that your nonprofit operates legitimately.

The state requires registration before any solicitation activities begin—there’s no grace period for testing the waters. Specifically, organizations must complete their initial registration before any paid individual begins soliciting contributions on their behalf. For nonprofits using only volunteers, registration becomes mandatory within 30 days of receiving over $25,000 in gross contributions.

Non-compliance carries significant consequences. The penalties include late filing fees of $25 for each month after the due date, potential loss of solicitation rights, and damage to donor relationships. Professional fundraising organizations must maintain even stricter standards, including a $25,000 bond.

Beyond avoiding penalties, proper charitable registration enhances your credibility with donors, grantmakers, and corporate sponsors. It demonstrates your organization’s commitment to accountability and professionalism. Many foundations and corporate giving programs verify nonprofit compliance before approving grants or sponsorships.

Pennsylvania maintains this regulatory framework primarily to protect donors and maintain public trust in the nonprofit sector. With proper registration handled by experienced professionals, your organization gains legal permission to fundraise while contributing to a more transparent charitable landscape.

Determining If Your Organization Needs to Register

Not all nonprofits in Pennsylvania face the same registration requirements. Understanding who needs to register—and who might qualify for an exemption—saves your organization time, effort, and potential penalties.

Who is required to register

The Pennsylvania Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act establishes clear guidelines on which organizations must complete charitable solicitation registration. In essence, any organization soliciting contributions from Pennsylvania residents must register with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations (BCCO) prior to beginning fundraising activities.

This requirement applies to:

• Pennsylvania-based nonprofits conducting fundraising within the state
• Out-of-state organizations soliciting donations from Pennsylvania residents
• Organizations using professional fundraisers or solicitors
• Nonprofits conducting any type of fundraising campaign including online, mail, events, or in-person solicitation

Even if your nonprofit organization operates primarily outside Pennsylvania, you must register once you start seeking donations from state residents. Many nonprofits discover they need a formal charitable registration even when they think they might be exempt.

Common exemptions under the law

The Pennsylvania law provides several specific exemptions from registration. Your organization may qualify if it falls into one of these categories:

• Educational institutions with curricula registered with or approved by the Department of Education (including auxiliary associations, foundations, and support groups directly responsible to the institution)
• Hospitals that are subject to regulation by the Department of Health or the Department of Public Welfare (and an integral hospital foundation)
• Veterans’ organizations chartered under federal law and any service foundation recognized in the bylaws of such organization, where fundraising is carried out by unpaid volunteers; and bona fide volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue squad associations (including bona fide auxiliaries or affiliates) where fundraising is carried out by unpaid volunteers
• Public nonprofit libraries receiving state or municipal funding that file annual fiscal reports
• Senior citizen centers and nursing homes that are nonprofit and charitable, where fundraising is carried out by unpaid volunteers, members, or officers
• Parent/Teacher Associations or Organizations recognized by their school districts
• Corporations established by an act of Congress that are required by federal law to submit annual reports of their activities to Congress
• Small charities receiving $25,000 or less annually that do not compensate any person to conduct solicitations

Yet, as stated by state law, even if your Pennsylvania-based organization qualifies for an exemption from the BCO-10 filing requirements, you might still need to file an Institutions of Purely Public Charity Registration Statement annually, except in certain circumstances.

For organizations considering applying for exemption status, the BCO-9 form (Request for Approval of Exemption/Exclusion) may help formalize your exempt status.

How to verify your nonprofit’s legal status

Prior to determining registration requirements, confirm your organization’s legal foundation. Consider these verification steps:

• First, understand that nonprofit status is a state law concept, frequently making organizations eligible for state tax exemptions. Meanwhile, tax-exempt status represents a federal designation under the Internal Revenue Code.
• Second, verify your nonprofit incorporation status with Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Nonprofit corporations form for lawful purposes where members cannot receive monetary profits, ranging from athletic, charitable, and educational to religious, scientific, and social purposes.
• Third, confirm your federal tax exemption status through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool, which provides information about an organization’s tax-exempt status and filings. This verification proves essential since many charity registration forms require documentation of your tax-exempt determination.
• Fourth, examine if your organization qualifies as a charitable entity. Pennsylvania defines charitable purposes as poverty relief, education advancement, religion advancement, disease prevention/treatment, governmental purposes, or other publicly beneficial aims.

Consequently, navigating these requirements often becomes complex. Professional nonprofit registration services with deep regulatory knowledge can provide expert guidance through this process, ensuring compliance from the start while your team focuses on mission-critical activities.

Step-by-Step Registration Process for Charitable Solicitation

Now that you’ve determined your organization needs to register, let’s explore the exact steps for completing your charitable solicitation registration in Pennsylvania. Following this process with careful attention to detail helps ensure your nonprofit remains in good legal standing while fundraising.

1. Create a Keystone Login account

The first step involves creating a Keystone Login account—Pennsylvania’s account management system for online services. Visit the Commonwealth’s website and click the “Register” button. Choose a username between 6-64 characters without spaces. Your password must be 12-128 characters and meet three of these four requirements: one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character. After registration, you’ll verify your email address and phone number through verification codes sent to you.

2. File Articles of Incorporation

To form a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, submit Articles of Incorporation along with a docketing statement to the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Although not legally required to be prepared by an attorney, seeking legal counsel is advisable due to complex tax considerations. Your articles must clearly establish your charitable purpose.

3. Obtain your EIN from the IRS

Next, apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website. This process is free and provides immediate results. Important note: Form your legal entity through your state before applying for an EIN to prevent delays. You can only apply for one EIN per responsible party per day.

4. Complete and submit Form BCO-10

The BCO-10 form serves as your official charitable registration document. This comprehensive form requires information about your organization’s structure, fundraising methods, and financial status. Two different officers must sign the form, including your chief fiscal officer. You can submit this form by mail or through the state’s online filing system. Professional services ensure this complex form is completed accurately the first time, preventing costly delays or rejections.

5. Pay the appropriate registration fee

Registration fees vary based on your organization’s annual contributions:

• $15 for contributions of $25,000 or less
• $100 for $25,001 to less than $100,000
• $150 for $100,000 to less than $500,000
• $250 for contributions over $500,000

6. Submit required financial documents

The financial reporting requirements depend on your organization’s revenue:

• Under $25,000: Internally prepared financial statements
• $25,000-$100,000: Internally prepared, compiled, reviewed, or audited statements
• $100,000-$250,000: Compiled, reviewed, or audited statements
• $250,000-$750,000: Reviewed or audited statements
• Over $750,000: Audited statements

Furthermore, attach a completed IRS Form 990 (or equivalent) for your most recent fiscal year. Initial registrants must also include copies of your IRS exemption letter, articles of incorporation, and bylaws.

7. Link your entity to the online dashboard

After receiving your registration approval, you’ll need to link your entity to your Keystone Login dashboard for future renewals. Select “Link Registration” on your dashboard, then enter either your EIN or certificate number along with your registration code. Professional charitable solicitation services can assist if you encounter difficulties with this process, ensuring seamless access to your compliance portal.

Following these steps ensures your nonprofit obtains proper charitable solicitation registration in Pennsylvania, allowing you to legally fundraise while maintaining donor trust and avoiding potential penalties. Working with experienced compliance specialists can streamline this process and provide ongoing support for your organization’s registration needs.

Staying Compliant with Annual Renewals and Reporting

Once you’ve completed your initial registration, maintaining compliance becomes your next priority. Keeping your charitable solicitation registration current protects your right to fundraise in Pennsylvania and demonstrates your organization’s commitment to transparency.

When and how to renew your registration

Renewal applications must be submitted by the 15th day of the 11th month after your fiscal year end. This expiration date appears on your certificate of registration. The Bureau sends email reminders if you have a valid email on file, otherwise you’ll receive a mailed reminder.

To renew, you can:

• Submit the same BCO-10 form used for initial registration
• File online through your Keystone Login account—often the faster option

Dedicated professional charitable registration services excel at tracking these critical deadlines and managing renewals proactively, ensuring your nonprofit maintains continuous fundraising authorization without interruption.

Financial thresholds for audits and reviews

The financial report requirements for renewals differ based on your annual contribution levels:

• Over $750,000: Audited financial statements required
• $250,000-$750,000: Review or audit required
• $100,000-$250,000: Compilation, review, or audit required
• Under $100,000: Compilation, review or audit optional

Late fees and penalties for non-compliance

Failing to file on time results in a $25 charge for each month past the deadline. These fees are capped at $600 but the consequences extend beyond financial penalties. Non-compliant organizations risk:

• Losing solicitation privileges
• Being listed publicly as delinquent
• Damaging relationships with donors and grantmakers

Using a reliable charitable solicitation registration service with proven deadline management helps prevent these costly oversights while maintaining your organization’s reputation.

How to update your information with the state

You must report material changes in writing within 30 days of occurrence. Moreover, starting in 2025, all Pennsylvania nonprofits must file an annual report by June 30, with no filing fee required.

This annual filing includes:

• Your organization’s name and entity number
• Office addresses and contact information
• Names of directors and principal officers

For comprehensive charity registration management, consider professional assistance to navigate these overlapping requirements efficiently while your team focuses on your mission.

Getting Help with the Process

Navigating Pennsylvania’s charitable solicitation requirements can be challenging for many nonprofit leaders. Fortunately, expert resources and specialized services are available to guide you through this complex process with confidence.

When to consult legal or tax professionals

Complex legal and tax situations often require specialized expertise. Consider consulting professionals in these scenarios:

• When determining your organization’s tax exemption status
• During the formation of your nonprofit corporation
• If facing compliance issues or penalties
• When structuring fundraising programs with potential tax implications

Legal counsel proves especially valuable during the initial formation process, as tax considerations and structural decisions can have long-term implications. Many accounting firms also offer specialized nonprofit services, including assistance with charitable registrations and annual filings.

How Labyrinth’s charitable registration services can simplify your filings

Self-registration can be overwhelming due to Pennsylvania’s detailed requirements and strict deadlines. Charitable solicitation registration services like Labyrinth, Inc. offer specialized expertise to handle these complexities with proven reliability.

Labyrinth combines expert service with modern technology to manage your registrations, renewals, and filings—allowing you to focus on your mission without administrative burden. As the industry’s most trusted compliance partner for over 35 years, we handle more state charitable registrations than any other provider, serving thousands of nonprofits nationwide.

Our comprehensive service includes:

• Expert preparation of registrations across all 50 states
• Proactive deadline management and renewal filing
• Ongoing compliance monitoring by Nonprofit Compliance Specialists
• Access to a secure, SOC 2 Type II compliant client portal for tracking registrations
• Direct 1-on-1 guidance throughout the process

Importantly, we stand behind our work—if we miss a deadline when provided adequate information, we cover any late fees and handle the necessary filings at no additional cost. This reliability and accountability give nonprofits confidence in their compliance status.

Resources for ongoing compliance support

The Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations (717-787-1057, dos.pa.gov) provides numerous resources through their website, including registration forms and compliance information. For organizations with questions not answered through online resources, direct contact with the Bureau is encouraged.

Additionally, the Attorney General’s office offers publications on the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act to help organizations understand their rights and responsibilities. For financial reporting questions, the Audit and Compliance Division can be contacted via email at ra-audits@pa.gov.

Ultimately, investing in proper nonprofit compliance support helps your organization maintain good standing and build donor trust, so you can fulfill your charitable mission without regulatory interruptions or administrative stress.

Conclusion

Registering for charitable solicitation in Pennsylvania requires thorough understanding and careful attention to detail. Consequently, your nonprofit must follow each step precisely to avoid penalties and maintain legal fundraising status. The process might seem daunting at first, but breaking it down into manageable steps—with the right support—makes compliance achievable for organizations of all sizes.

Remember that charitable solicitation registration isn’t just a legal requirement—it establishes trust with your donors and strengthens your reputation. Additionally, staying compliant through timely renewals and accurate reporting demonstrates your commitment to transparency. Many foundations and corporate sponsors verify this compliance before approving grants, making proper registration essential for fundraising success.

Your organization faces unique challenges depending on its size, structure, and fundraising activities. Therefore, evaluating whether professional assistance would benefit your compliance efforts makes sense for many nonprofits. Professional registration services with experienced specialists can save your team valuable time, prevent costly errors, and ensure continuous authorization to fundraise with confidence.

Most importantly, view nonprofit compliance as an investment rather than a burden. Proper registration protects your organization from fines, preserves your fundraising privileges, and allows your team to focus on what truly matters—fulfilling your charitable mission. After all, the ultimate goal of these regulations is to foster a transparent charitable environment where donors give confidently and nonprofits thrive ethically.

Frequently Asked Questions