Rhode Island Fundraising Registration

Rhode Island Charitable Registration Requirements

Unless exempt, a charitable organization must register with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation before soliciting charitable donations in Rhode Island.

Out-of-state nonprofits that register under the Rhode Island charitable registration laws are not required to qualify to do business in Rhode Island. However, engaging in other business activities such as having an office or employees in Rhode Island may trigger the requirement to register to do business in Rhode Island.

Initial Nonprofit Fundraising Registration in Rhode Island

The following is a summary of the initial charitable solicitation registration requirements in Rhode Island:

Rhode Island Charitable Registration Agency:	Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation – Charitable Organization Section
Rhode Island Exempts the Following from Charitable Solicitation Registration:	Less than $25,000 nationwide contributions per year Religious organizations Educational institutions Appeals for individuals Membership organizations Foundations nonprofit, charitable hospitals homes for the aged, orphanages, and homes for unwed mothers affiliated with, but not operated or controlled by, religious organizations people soliciting contributions solely from corporations, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies chartered veterans organizations and their auxiliaries public libraries Rhode Island historical societies free, nonprofit public art museums grange organizations and their auxiliaries volunteer fire and rescue associations, and land trusts organized under Rhode Island law
Rhode Island Charitable Registration Form:	URS or Rhode Island Charitable Organizations Application
Rhode Island Requires the Following Supporting Documents for Charitable Solicitation Registration:	IRS Form 990 or compiled financial statements Audited financial statements by an independent CPA if revenue exceeds $500,000 Professional fundraiser contracts List of states where registered List of professional fundraisers and fundraising counsel (name and address). The following lists are required if IRS Form 990 is not provided: List of officers, directors, trustees, partners, senior level executive employees List of offices, chapters, branches, and affiliates (name, address, and phone) List of individuals responsible for day-to-day operations.
Rhode Island Charitable Registration Filing Fee:	$90. Make check payable to General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island, or pay online
Registered Agent:	Rhode Island does not require a registered agent for charitable solicitation registration
Rhode Island Charitable Registration Filing Method:	Online registration at https://elicensing.ri.gov/ or mail initial charity registration documents to: Charitable Organization Section Department of Business Regulation 1511 Pontiac Avenue, Building 69-1 Cranston, Rhode Island 02920
Law Governing Rhode Island Charitable Registration:	RIGL Chapter 5-53.1-1–5-53.1-18, Solicitation by Charitable Organizations RIGL Chapter 5-76.2.

Renewal of Nonprofit Fundraising Registration in Rhode Island

A Rhode Island charitable solicitation registration must be renewed each year. The following is a summary of the charitable solicitation registration renewal requirements in Rhode Island:

Rhode Island Charitable Registration Renewal Agency:	Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation – Charitable Organization Section
Rhode Island Charitable Registration Renewal Due Date:	30 days prior to registration expiration
Rhode Island Charitable Registration Renewal Form:	URS or Rhode Island Charitable Organizations Application
Rhode Island Requires the Following Supporting Documents for Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal:	IRS Form 990 or compiled financial statements Audited financial statements by an independent CPA if revenue exceeds $500,000 Professional fundraiser contracts List of states where registered List of professional fundraisers and fundraising counsel (name and address). The following lists are required if IRS Form 990 is not provided: List of officers, directors, trustees, partners, senior level executive employees List of offices, chapters, branches, and affiliates (name, address, and phone) List of individuals responsible for day-to-day operations.
Rhode Island Charitable Registration Renewal Filing Fee:	$90. Make check payable to General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island, or pay online
Rhode Island Charitable Registration Renewal Filing Method:	Online registration at https://elicensing.ri.gov/ or mail renewal charity registration documents to: Charitable Organization Section Department of Business Regulation 1511 Pontiac Avenue, Building 69-1 Cranston, Rhode Island 02920

Need help determining where to register?

NPSS Corporation provides personalized guidance and complete filing support for nonprofits of all sizes. We’ll identify your required states, manage your registrations, and keep you compliant year after year.

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