Give Smart, Episode 3
Charitable registration can be easy to overlook, especially for nonprofits that are already filing Form 990 and keeping up with other annual requirements.
In this episode of Give Smart, Patrick Hogan, nonprofit attorney at Mill Law Group, joins Change to explain why state charitable registration is a separate part of nonprofit compliance, when it can come into play, and why staying in good standing matters for fundraising.
One of the biggest points Patrick makes is that federal tax-exempt status and state charitable registration are not the same thing.
A nonprofit may be properly incorporated, recognized by the IRS, and filing Form 990 every year while still having separate registration or renewal obligations in states where it fundraises.
Those requirements vary by state, which can make things more complicated for organizations raising money across multiple jurisdictions.
Nonprofits today can reach donors almost anywhere through websites, email, social media, fundraising platforms, events, and other digital channels.
That reach can create questions about where an organization needs to register.
Patrick discusses why nonprofits should look at how and where they are actually fundraising rather than assuming their home-state registration covers everything.
Charitable registration is not just paperwork.
A nonprofit’s status can affect its ability to fundraise, work with corporate partners, apply for certain grants, or participate on fundraising platforms.
Falling out of good standing can also create extra work later, especially if an organization has to resolve missed filings or restore its status before moving forward with a campaign or partnership.
For nonprofits operating in multiple states, the challenge is often keeping track of different forms, deadlines, renewals, and requirements over time.
That is where legal and compliance partners can help create a more manageable process.
Change works with law firms and nonprofit service providers to make charitable registration and renewal workflows faster and easier to manage. You can learn more about our charitable registration product.
Watch the full episode above to hear Patrick discuss multi-state fundraising, charitable registration, and what nonprofits should know about staying in good standing.
Explore more conversations with nonprofit, legal, and impact leaders in the Give Smart video series.
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