Charitable Solicitation Registration in Maine

Heads Up: Maine requires charitable solicitation registration before you fundraise.

Before your nonprofit can solicit donations in Maine, you'll need to complete the registration process with the state. This guide walks you through the requirements, fees, and timeline.

Maine requires charitable solicitation registration before your nonprofit can solicit donations in the state.

The filing agency is the DFPR, Licensing Section.

What's Required

Registration form: at least 30 days BEFORE soliciting contributions

Initial Application Fee: $20

Application Process:

- File

Who's Exempt

Any organization that "solicits, accepts, or obtains contributions in Maine or has contributions solicited on its behalf" must register

Applies to both Maine-incorporated and out-of-state organizations soliciting in Maine

*Exemptions:

1. Religious Organizations (Automatic Exemption):

Organizations established for and serving bona fide religious purposes

Fully exempt from all registration requirements

No exemption application necessary

2. Small Organization Exemption:

Received less than $35,000 in contributions during calendar year AND

Do not contract with professional fundraisers OR fundraising consultants AND

No part of assets or income inures to benefit of officers/members

Note: Must still meet this threshold to claim exemption

3. Exemption Application for Other Organizations:

Fees & Costs

Initial registration fee: $20

Annual renewal fee: $20

Renewal Process

Due date: November 30 annually

Enforcement Agency & Contact Information

DFPR, Licensing Section

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