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
Related Resources
View the full Maine formation guide
Complete step-by-step guide to forming and registering a nonprofit in Maine
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Annual filings, tax obligations, charitable solicitation registration, and more
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