Charitable Solicitation Registration in West Virginia

Heads Up: West Virginia requires charitable solicitation registration before you fundraise.

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

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

The filing agency is the West Virginia Secretary of State before any solicitation of charitable contributions.

Governing law: W.V. Code Article 29-19 (Solicitation of Charitable Contributions).

What's Required

Registration form: registration within 30 days after exceeding threshold

Source: W.V. Code § 29-19-5 and W.V. Code § 29-19-6

Disclosure & Record-Keeping Requirements

Required Disclosures:

Organizations and fundraisers must disclose in writing:

- Name of representative for inquiries

- Name of organization

- Purpose of solicitation

- Upon request: estimated percentage of money applied

Who's Exempt

*The following organizations are EXEMPT from charitable solicitation registration:

Educational institutions registered/approved by State Board of Education

Persons requesting contributions for relief of a specific named individual (100% of funds to that individual)

Nonprofit charitable hospitals and licensed nursing homes

Organizations soliciting only from their membership

Organizations that intend to receive less than $50,000 annually (exemption waived if actually receives $50,000+)

*Important: If exemption-based organization exceeds $50,000, must file registration within 30 days after exceeding threshold

*Source: W.V. Code § 29-19-5 and W.V. Code § 29-19-6

Fees & Costs

Late penalty: $25.00 per month (or part thereof) for late filings

Renewal Process

Unified Registration Statement (URS): If exemption-based organization exceeds $50,000, must file registration within 30 days after exceeding threshold

Enforcement Agency & Contact Information

West Virginia Secretary of State before any solicitation of charitable contributions

https://sos.wv.gov/business/Pages/Charities.aspx

Related Resources

View the full West Virginia formation guide

Complete step-by-step guide to forming and registering a nonprofit in West Virginia

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View all West Virginia compliance requirements

Annual filings, tax obligations, charitable solicitation registration, and more

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