FOR NONPROFITS

A simpler way to manage nationwide charitable registration

Change helps nonprofits complete and manage charitable registration through the platforms and service providers they already use.

Simplifies charitable registration and renewals

Reduces repetitive forms and data entry

Keeps you updated on filing progress and status

Learn More

TRUSTED BY LEADING NONPROFITS

How Change helps

One streamlined questionnaire

Charitable Registrations Give Lively questionnaire

Provide the information needed for your filing, review previously submitted details, upload supporting documents, and share your latest Form 990 in one place.

Less repetitive work for your team

Renewal dashboard in Change for nonprofits

Change uses your approved information and documents to help prepare your filing and reduce repetitive data entry.

Visibility from start to finish

Track the status of your registration and see where your filing stands throughout the process.

File through one of our partners

Change works with organizations that serve nonprofits to make charitable registration easier to access through the tools you already use.

Cogency Global

Compliance services that help nonprofits manage registrations, renewals, and other state requirements.

Copilevitz, Lam & Raney

A nationally recognized law firm helping nonprofits manage charitable registrations and compliance.

Give Lively

Free fundraising technology that helps nonprofits raise more online.

K1x

Tax technology that helps nonprofits simplify Form 990 preparation and filing.

Mill Law Center

A nonprofit law firm helping mission-driven organizations manage charitable registrations and other legal needs.

Why does charitable registration matter?

Nonprofits that solicit charitable contributions may have registration and ongoing filing requirements in the states where they fundraise.

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Keeping registrations current can help your organization remain in good standing and continue fundraising through the platforms and services you rely on.

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Read more about the importance of charitable registration from our partner, Perlman + Perlman.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I file through Change if I can register directly with the California Attorney General?

You can register directly through the California Attorney General’s Online Filing Service. Change is designed to make the process easier by helping you collect the required information and documents, reuse information you’ve already provided, prepare your filing, and track its progress in one place. Filing through a Change partner can also help reduce the back-and-forth that comes with incomplete or inconsistent information.

How much does charitable registration cost?

Pricing depends on the partner you file through and the type of filing you need. Any service fee charged through your partner is separate from state filing fees, and you’ll see the applicable pricing as part of the filing process. California currently charges a $50 state fee for an initial charitable registration, while annual renewal fees vary based on revenue.

Total Revenue

California Renewal Fee

Less than $50,000

$25

$50,000 to $100,000

$50

$100,001 to $250,000

$75

$250,001 to $1 million

$100

$1,000,001 to $5 million

$200

$5,000,001 to $20 million

$400

$20,000,001 to $100 million

$800

$100,000,001 to $500 million

$1,000

Greater than $500 million

$1,200

Does Change help with filings in states other than California?

This depends on the partner you work with.

Change supports nationwide charitable registration and renewal workflows through certain law firms and compliance service providers.

For self-service filing experiences offered directly through software platforms, just California is available today, with additional states coming soon. Join the waitlist if you are interested in learning more about support for filings in other states.

My nonprofit is based outside California. Do I still need to register in California?

Possibly.

California’s registration requirements can apply to organizations formed in other states if they solicit donations, conduct charitable activities, hold charitable assets, or otherwise do business in California. For example, actively soliciting donations from California residents can trigger registration requirements.

Learn more about California requirements on the state website.

How do I know if my nonprofit needs to register in California?

California generally requires charitable organizations doing business or holding property for charitable purposes in the state to register with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. This can include organizations that actively solicit donations from California residents.

Because the requirement depends on your organization’s specific activities, you may want to review the California Attorney General’s guidance or consult your legal or compliance advisor if you’re unsure.

What information will I need to provide?

The exact information depends on your filing, but you may be asked to review your organization’s existing information, update anything that has changed, provide your most recent Form 990, and upload supporting documents.

For an initial California registration, the Attorney General may also require documents such as your founding documents, bylaws, IRS determination letter, and tax-exemption application, if applicable.

Do I need to enter everything again when I renew?

Change is designed to reduce repetitive work. When information from a previous filing is available, you can review what’s already on file, update anything that has changed, and provide the latest documents rather than starting from scratch.

What happens after I submit my information?

Your information and documents are used to prepare the charitable registration or renewal. You can then follow the filing’s progress in the Change dashboard as it moves through the submission process and state review.

Can I track the status of my filing?

Yes. Change gives you a centralized place to see where your registration stands and track progress throughout the filing process.

How long does the filing process take?

The time needed to prepare your filing depends on whether all required information and documents are available. It takes the Change team 2-5 business days to review your filing before final submission to the state.

After submission, state processing times are outside Change’s control. The California Attorney General currently advises that processing can take approximately 30–90 days.

Is my nonprofit’s information secure?

Yes. Change is a cloud-based platform and is SOC 2 Type II certified. Information and documents provided through the filing experience are stored securely and used to support your charitable registration process.

Work with corporate partners to maximize impact

Make-a-Wish received a generous donation of $1 million from Snappy, a corporate gifting platform, thanks to the seamless integration provided by Change. The easy integration allowed for smooth communication between Snappy and Make-a-Wish, ensuring timely payouts. This collaboration demonstrates the power of technology in facilitating charitable giving and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

Ready to simplify your charitable registration?

Complete your filing through one of our trusted partners, powered by Change.

See Partners