Illinois State Fundraising Registration

Resources for charities, businesses, professional fundraisers, and individuals conducting fundraising activities

Illinois Nonprofit & Fundraising Company Licenses

Labyrinth provides the state fundraising regulations below as a guide to help you apply for and maintain your ability to fundraise. Need help? We can manage your state registrations for you. Contact us today to learn more.

Illinois defines requirements for:

• Charitable Organization Registration

• Commercial Co-Venturer Registration

• Professional Fundraiser Registration

• Individual Nonprofit & Fundraising Licenses

• Charitable Gift Annuity Registration

Need a different state? Visit our 50-state Compliance Guide

Illinois Charitable Organization Registration

Agency: Illinois Attorney General - Charitable Trust Bureau

Law: 225 ILCS 460/2 and 760 ILCS 55/5

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: Yes

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Yes

Initial Registration

Form: Form CO-1: Registration Statement

Filing Method: Mail

Agency Fee: $15

Turnaround: 4 - 6 weeks

Notes:

President and CFO or another authorized officer must sign.

Some Illinois counties and municipalities may require charities that solicit in-person to register prior to fundraising.

- Before you Apply -

All Applicants:

Check the available exemptions to see if your charity is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement.

Look through the list of required attachments and make sure that you have each required document in hand before starting the registration application.

- How to Apply -

Domestic Applicants:

1. File entity formation documents with the Illinois Secretary of State.

2. Submit the online form or Charitable Organization Registration Form and all required attachments to apply for registration with the Illinois Attorney General - Consumer Interest Division.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Determine whether or not your charity will need to foreign qualify based on your activity in Illinois. If not required, skip to number 3.

2. File foreign qualification documents with the Illinois Secretary of State.

3. Submit the online form or Charitable Organization Registration Form and all required attachments to apply for registration with the Illinois Attorney General - Consumer Interest Division.

- Required Attachments -

Articles of incorporation or organization

A copy of any agreement of association, instrument of trust, constitution, or other organizational instrument

A copy of the bylaws adopted by the applicant

Organizational Charter

IRS determination letter

List of officers and directors including phone numbers and addresses

List of other states where the applicant is registered to solicit donations

Names and addresses of any professional fundraisers and commercial coventurers who are acting or have agreed to act on behalf of the applicant

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Registration Renewal

Form: Form AG990-IL: Illinois Charitable Organization Annual Report

Filing Method: Mail

Agency Fee: $15

Due:

Renewal is due annually within 90 days after the close or your organization's fiscal year. So if your fiscal year ends December 31, then the report is due March 31.

There is no official start to the renewal period, so renewals may be submitted as soon as financials become available for the most recently completed fiscal year.

Due Date Extension:

Due dates can be extended for 180 days beyond the original due date by submitting a request for extension through the online portal.

Notes:

The CFO and the president / other authorized officer must sign.

The organization must also notify the Attorney General throughout the year within 90 days of any change in the information.

Required Attachments:

Either IRS form 990 or audited financials

Only if amended: IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation, and bylaws

Change of Fiscal Year

Agency Fee: $0

Turnaround: 1-2 business days

Notes: Send a letter indicating change of fiscal year and then draft AG990-IL (unsigned) and letter requesting extension.

Cancellation

Form: AG990-IL Charitable Organization Annual Report

Agency Fee: $15

Notes: To close out your registration, file a final annual report with "FINAL" written across the top and original signatures. Organizations must also provide a letter indicating that they wish to withdraw and proof of dissolution or withdrawal from the Secretary of State.

I’ve had great experiences with Labyrinth across two organizations, I definitely recommend their services!

Killjan Anderson – USA BASKETBALL

Illinois Commercial Co-Venturer Registration

Commercial Co-venturer licensure is not required on the State level in Illinois. CCVs are not licensed in Illinois, but they must meet contract filing and financial reporting requirements. More information: Illinois Attorney General - Charitable Trust Bureau

NOT REQUIRED

Labyrinth has taken the stress out of ensuring our organization is current with all state requirements. Their knowledgeable staff are always available to answer questions and provide guidance giving me peace of mind. I can’t say enough about the value they bring to our organization.

Beth Lyons, Director of Development, Homes for Our Troops

Illinois Charitable Gift Annuity Registration

Charitable Gift Annuity licensure is not required on the State level in Illinois.

NOT REQUIRED

I highly recommend this company for any organization that needs help with state filings. They have excellent customer service, have exceptional pricing, and have a true passion for helping organizations with this service. They are FANTASTIC!!

Jacquelyn Bussotti, Human Resources Manager, Parkinson’s Foundation