New York Charitable Registration Explained

Resources for charities, businesses, professional fundraisers, and individuals conducting charitable solicitation activities
- Rated 4.2/5 by 174 clients on Google
View Guide Contents
Fundraising Compliance Guide
IntroductionCharity Registration NumberOnline FundraisingUnified Registration Statement (URS)Charitable DisclosuresCharitable Registration Audit RequirementsFundraising With ProfessionalsProfessional Fundraiser DisclosuresCommercial Co-Ventures and Cause Marketing Charitable Registered Agent Closing Licenses vs. Letting Them Lapse
Fundraising Compliance Info by State

Organizations that solicit donations, hold charitable assets, or engage in charitable activities in New York are required to register as authorized charities, as mandated by state law. The registration applies broadly to those holding property for charitable purposes or conducting activities benefiting the community, such as education, poverty relief, cultural programs, and health initiatives.

This article breaks down the process of New York charitable registration—from determining exemption eligibility to registering with the state and completing renewal filings. We’ll also explore how Harbor Compliance streamlines the registration process, helping organizations stay compliant with New York’s regulations.

NY Charity Registrations—Which Organizations Are Required and Which Are Exempt?

In New York, most organizations involved in charitable purposes, activities, or fundraising—including grants from foundations or government sources—must register with the Charities Bureau under the Office of the New York State Attorney General.

Under the state law, the term “charity” encompasses a variety of purposes, including:

  • Education
  • Relief of poverty
  • Cultural programs
  • Health promotion and disease research
  • Other community-benefiting initiatives

However, certain groups may be exempt from filing for registration, including:

  • Religious organizations, such as houses of worship, and charitable programs operated by them
  • Membership-based organizations that do not solicit donations from the general public
  • Parent-teacher associations (PTAs)
  • Educational institutions that submit annual reports to the New York State Department of Education
  • Government agencies and entities operating under governmental authority

Note that this list isn’t exhaustive. For a full list of exemptions, visit the New York State Senate website.

Additionally, you will get the option to verify whether your organization qualifies for exemption. You can do this during the registration process itself. By answering a series of ’yes’ or ’no’ questions, you’ll receive a result confirming whether you’re required to register.

Requirements and Filing Process for New York Charity Registration

All entities (including foreign entities) must register with the Department of State to be eligible to apply for this registration. To complete the registration process for your charitable organization, you need to procure the following details and documents to ensure a smooth filing:

  • Valid email addresses and phone numbers to create an account with the Office of the New York State Attorney General
  • The IRS-issued Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Your organization’s tax status (if you have federal tax exemptions)
  • Previous New York state registration number for amendment or re-registration purposes
  • Details about your organization’s officers, directors, trustees, and key employees or key persons
  • Details about the professional fundraisers hired by the organization (if any)
  • Information about your organization’s charitable purposes
  • Signatures from two authorized officers—the president and the CFO/treasurer—on the application
  • PDF copies of your certificate of incorporation and bylaws

Once you’vecompleted these prerequisites, you can proceed with the filing process using the below steps:

  1. Create an account on the NYSOAG portal.
  2. Open the Applications dropdown menu once you log in and click on Charities Application.
  3. Create a new organization or update (amendment/re‐registration) an existing organization.
  4. Click on Register a New Organization to start the registration process.
  5. Enter the required details, including your EIN and your organization information.
  6. If a third-party preparer is completing the registration form (e.g., an accountant, lawyer, or consultant who is compensated for their services and is not a member or employee of the organization), select ’YES’ for the question. Otherwise, select ’NO.’ If the answer is ’YES,’ you need to input the preparer’s details.
  7. Answer exemption questions to verify if you’re exempt.
  8. Upload the necessary documents for registration.
  9. Gather two signatures from authorized officers.
  10. Pay the $25 registration fee and submit the application.
Save Resources with Expertly Managed Fundraising Compliance{{ include_custom_fonts({"Museo Sans":["Bold","Bold Italic","Regular","Regular Italic"]}) }}

New York Charity Registration Renewal

All registered charitable organizations in New York are required to file for annual renewal by the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of their accounting period.

To begin the filing process, refer to the filing checklist to determine the type of filing you need to complete. For example, if your fiscal year began in 2018 or earlier, you must e-file Form 990. Otherwise, you can log in to your online account with the Charities Bureau and provide your registration ID.

Complete the CHAR500 application and provide details about your organization, including valid contact information, IRS documentation, Certificate of Amendment, Certified Public Accountant’s Audit or Review document, and financial information. The application must be attested by two officers of the organization, including one with fiscal responsibility.

Challenges of Self-Registering Your Charitable Organization

Registering a charitable organization in New York can be a complicated and resource-intensive process. From understanding when your fundraising activities trigger registration requirements to accurately completing forms and paying the associated fees, compliance demands careful attention to detail.

Beyond initial registration, you also need to stay on top of annual renewal filings, maintain accurate records, and meet ongoing regulatory obligations set by the Charities Bureau. This ongoing effort can strain staff time and resources. Fortunately, a reliable service provider like Harbor Compliance can streamline this process.

Choose Harbor Compliance for a Stress-Free NY Charitable Registration

Harbor Compliance offers unparalleled expertise in charitable registration and compliance management. Handling tens of thousands of registrations annually—more than any other compliance provider—we simplify the process to help your organization stay compliant. With our trusted guidance, you can confidently solicit donations in New York while focusing on your mission.

Since the acquisition of Labyrinth, Inc., the leading charitable registration provider in the U.S., we’ve managed to file over 60% of charitable registrations for organizations in at least 38 states.

Avail of our Charitable Registration Service to confidently solicit donations in your state through letters, phone calls, emails, social media, and grant applications.

Once you partner with us, one of our dedicated registration specialists handles all your filings, and with Power of Attorney, we can even sign applications on your behalf (optional). For professional fundraisers, fundraising consultants, and commercial co-ventures, we offer tailored managed services to meet your unique needs.

Additionally, we provide complementary services to support your charitable registration efforts, such as:

  • Foreign Qualification Service—If you’re planning to expand your operations to a different state, we manage the foreign qualification process from start to finish, including obtaining a certificate of good standing and securing approval for your filings.
  • Registered Agent Service—As your registered agent, we’ll securely manage all legal correspondence, ensuring the timely handling of critical documents. You can also change your previous registered agent using our Change of Registered Agent Service.
  • Tax Exemption—Our team helps organizations obtain state tax exemptions, reducing expenses and easing administrative burdens.

Ordering Our Charitable Registration Service

If you need assistance understanding your state’s charitable registration requirements, our team is here to help. Here’s how you can connect with us:

  1. Visit the Charitable Registration, Renewal, and Compliance page.
  2. Provide details about your business, such as your contact information, legal organization name, and business structure.
  3. Fill out the form and submit it.

Want to learn about the charitable registration process and the complexities of compliance management? We offer two free downloadable white papers:

  1. Charitable Solicitation Compliance
  2. Charitable Registration - Navigating the Complexities

Additional Services by Harbor Compliance

At Harbor Compliance, our expertise goes far beyond charitable registration. We deliver a full suite of compliance solutions to ensure organizations stay aligned with regulatory standards. Explore some of the other services we provide:

Category Services
Entity lifecycle management Name reservation DBA registration Amendments Initial and annual reports
Beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting BOI reporting Records Manager
Document filing and retrieval Drop-off filing Articles of reinstatement Certificate of good standing Certificate of Authority Certified copies
Licensing support General business licenses Industry-specific licenses, such as construction, engineering, and architecture
Nonprofit formation Incorporation 501(c) tax exemption
Tax services Payroll tax registration Sales and use tax registration Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Harbor Compliance has combined with Labyrinth, Inc., the largest provider of charitable registration services in the country.{{ include_custom_fonts({"Museo Sans":["Bold","Bold Italic","Regular","Regular Italic"]}) }}

New York Charitable Registration FAQs

Below, we’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions about registering a charitable organization in New York. For more details, visit our Information Center.

Certain organizations, such as religious and membership organizations, may qualify for exemption. During the online registration process, you will answer a series of exemption-related questions. Based on your responses, the system will determine if your organization is required to register.

A compensated third-party preparer, such as an accountant, lawyer, or compliance consultant, can handle your registration. If using a third party, you must indicate this on the registration form.

Along with the initial registration forms, charitable organizations must submit organizational documents (e.g., articles of incorporation, bylaws), financial statements, and, in some cases, IRS determination letters for tax-exempt status.

Harbor Compliance—Your Go-To Solution for Seamless Charitable Registration

Handling New York’s charitable registration requirements and filings doesn’t have to be taxing—with the right assistance, the process can be managed seamlessly. From initial registration to annual renewals, Harbor Compliance provides guidance at every step.

When you order our Charitable Registration Service, you can focus on your organization’s mission while we navigate the complexities of state regulations. Whether it’s initial registration, annual renewals, or ongoing compliance, our expert team ensures your organization stays fully compliant, empowering you to fundraise confidently in New York.

You can also use our free Harbor Compliance Score™ to assess whether your charity organization meets other key state requirements. If there are areas that need improvement, we can assist you through our various solutions. Contact us to inquire about additional services and schedule a free demo to explore our software.

Interested in learning more about charitable registration regulations throughout the U.S.? Find more guides in the table below:

Filter LicensesClear Filters
Company Licenses
(3)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
Individual Licenses
(1)

Company Licenses

New York Nonprofit & Fundraising Company Licenses

New York Bingo License

Game Type:

Bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, and other games of chance.

Agency:New York State Gaming Commission
Organization Age Requirement:

1 year of continuous existence immediately preceeding licensure.

Age Restrictions:

Participants must be at least 18 years old. Minors accompanied by a parent or legal guardian are allowed to play bingo.

Initial Registration

Agency:New York State Gaming Commission
Form:

Form BC-2: Application for Bingo License

Agency Fee:

$18.75 per bingo event.

Notes:

Forms are provided by the Gaming Commission but are filed with the municipality where the gaming events will take place.

Registration Renewal

Agency:New York State Gaming Commission
Form:

Form BC-2: Application for Bingo License (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$18.75 per bingo event.

Due:

Licenses expire annually by the date of issuance.

New York Charitable Gift Annuity Registration

Agency:New York State Department of Financial Services
Law:

NY ISC § 1110

Organization Age Requirement:

10 years of continuous existence immediately preceeding licensure.

Initial Registration

Agency Fee:

$0

Notes:

In order to apply for a charitable gift annuity permit, a charity must have tax exempt status and adopt a board resolution pertaining to annuities and naming the segregated trust. The application process includes submitting proof of tax exemption, financial reports showing segregation of assets, and other documents. New York also offers exemptions from the permit requirement for charities whose reserve fund requirement is less than $1,000,000.

Registration Renewal

Form:

There is no renewal form.

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Annually by March 1.

New York Charitable Organization Registration

Agency:New York State Attorney General's Office - Charities Bureau
Law:

New York Executive Law, Article 7A § 172 and New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law, Article 8 § 1.4

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

Every contract entered into with a professional fund raiser, fund raising counsel, or commercial co-venturer must contain, in a conspicuous typeface:

  1. A concise, accurate statement of the charitable organization's right to cancel;
  2. A concise, accurate statement of the period during which the contract may be canceled;
  3. The address to which the notice of cancellation is to be sent;
  4. The address of the attorney general to which a duplicate of the notice of cancellation is to be sent; and
  5. A clear statement of the financial arrangement including, if applicable, a statement of the percentage of the total funds collected on behalf of the charitable organization which shall be paid to the professional fund raiser or any other person for purposes other than the exclusive benefit of the charitable organization.
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

One-Time Exemption Registration

Exemption Eligible Organizations:

EXC Article 7-A Exemptions

  • Corporations organized under the religious corporations law, and other religious agencies and organizations, and charities, agencies, and organizations operated, supervised, or controlled by or in connection with a religious organization
  • Educational institutions confining the solicitation of contributions to their student body, alumni, faculty and trustees, and their families
  • Fraternal, patriotic, social, alumni, law enforcement support organizations and historical societies chartered by the New York state board of regents when solicitation is confined to their membership
  • Persons requesting any contributions for the relief of any individual, specified by name at the time of the solicitation, if all of the contributions collected, without any deductions whatsoever, are paid to or for the benefit of the named beneficiary
  • Charities that receive less than $25,000 in contributions and do not use a professional fundraiser or fund raising counsel
  • Any charitable organization receiving an allocation from a federated fund, incorporated community appeal or a united way, provided such fund, appeal or united way is complying with the provisions of this article relating to registration and filing of financial reports with the attorney general, and provided such organization does not receive, in addition to such allocation, gross contributions in excess of $25,000 during the fiscal year, and provided further that all the fund-raising functions of such organizations are carried on by persons who are unpaid for such services
  • A local post, camp, chapter or similarly designated element, or a county unit of such elements, of a bona fide veterans' organization which issues charters to such local elements throughout this state, a bona fide organization of volunteer firefighters, an organization providing volunteer ambulance service or a bona fide auxiliary or affiliate of such organizations, provided all its fund-raising activities are carried on by members of such an organization or an affiliate thereof and such members receive no compensation, directly or indirectly, therefor
  • An educational institution which files annual financial reports with the regents of the university of the state of New York as required by the education law or with an agency having similar jurisdiction in another state or a library which files annual financial reports as required by the state education department
  • A charitable organization which receives all or substantially all of its funds from a single governmental agency and reports annually to that agency provided such reports contain financial information substantially similar in content to that required by subdivision one of section 172-b of this article; provided, however, that such organization may receive no more than $25,000 from sources other than the government agency to which it reports
  • Any police department, sheriff's department or other governmental law enforcement agency
  • The state parent teachers association and any parent teachers association affiliated with an educational institution that is subject to the jurisdiction of the state education department

 

EPT Article 8 Exemptions

  • The United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or to any of their agencies or governmental subdivisions
  • Any trustee which is required by any other provision of law to render a full, complete and itemized annual financial report to the congress of the United States or to the legislature of this state, provided that such report contains the information required of trustees pursuant to this article
  • Corporations organized under the religious corporations law and other religious agencies and organizations, and charities, agencies and organizations operated, supervised or controlled by or in connection with a religious organization
  • Educational institutions incorporated under the education law or by special act
  • Any hospital
  • Fraternal, patriotic, veterans, volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, social, student or alumni organizations and historical societies chartered by the New York state board of regents
  • A trust for which there is a corporate trustee acting as sole trustee or co-trustee under the terms of a will of a decedent who died domiciled in a state other than New York or a trust instrument executed by a non-resident of the state of New York
  • Any trust in which and so long as the charitable interest is deferred or contingent
  • Any person who, in his or her capacity as an officer, director or trustee of any corporation or organization mentioned in this paragraph, holds property for the religious, educational or charitable purposes of such corporation or organization so long as such corporation or organization is registered with the attorney general pursuant to this section
  • Any cemetery corporation subject to the provisions of article fifteen of the not-for-profit corporation law
  • The state parent teachers association and any parent teachers association affiliated with an educational institution that is subject to the jurisdiction of the state education department
  • Any corporation organized under article 43 of the insurance law
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Law:

NY EXC Article 7A § 172-A and NY EPT § 8-1.4

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25 (there is no fee if exempt from registration under article 7a)

Turnaround:

2-3 months

Original Ink:Not Required
Notarization Required?:Not Required
Notes:
  • The president and CFO / treasurer must sign.
  • Some New York counties and municipalities may require charities that solicit in-person to register prior to fundraising.
Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • Check the available exemptions to see if your charity is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement.
  • Look through the list of required attachments and make sure that you have each required document in hand before starting the registration application.

Foreign Applicants:

  • Check the available exemptions to see if your charity is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement.
  • Look through the list of required attachments and make sure that you have each required document in hand before starting the registration application.
  • If you will foreign qualify in New York, obtain a certificate of good standing from your home state to submit during the foreign qualification process. If your home state does not issue certificates of good standing, instead submit a certified copy of your articles of incorporation and all amendments.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. File entity formation documents with the New York Department of State - Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code.
  2. Create an online filing account and complete the charity registration application through the New York Attorney General - Charities Bureau.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. Determine whether or not your charity will need to foreign qualify based on your activity in New York. If not required, skip to number 3.
  2. File foreign qualification documents with the New York Department of State - Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code.
  3. Create an online filing account and complete the charity registration application through the New York Attorney General - Charities Bureau.
Required Attachments:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • List of officers and directors
  • Professional fundraising contracts
  • IRS determination letter

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25 for article 7a organizations. EPTL organizations pay a fee based on the net worth of the organization:

  • $25, if the net worth is less than $50,000
  • $50, if the net worth is $50,000 or more but less than $250,000
  • $250, if the net worth is $1,000,000 or more but less than $10,000,000
  • $100, if the net worth is $250,000 or more but less than $1,000,000
  • $750, if the net worth is $10,000,000 or more but less than $50,000,000
  • $1500, if the net worth is $50,000,000 or more

Dual filers pay 7A and EPTL fees.

Due:
  • Annually by the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of your fiscal year. So if your fiscal year ends December 31, renewal is due by May 15.
  • There is no official start to the renewal period, so renewals may be submitted as soon as financials become available for the most recently completed fiscal year.
Due Date Extension:

Due dates are automatically extended for 6 months beyond the original due date.

Original Ink:Not Required
Notarization Required?:Not Required
Notes:
  • 7A filers are registered to solicit in New York under Article 7-A of the New York Executive Law.
  • EPTL filers are registered under the New York Estates, Powers, and Trusts Law because they hold assets or conduct activities for charitable purposes in New York.
  • Dual filers are registered under both 7A and the EPTL.
  • Charities that contract with professional fundraisers, fundraising counsels, or commercial co-venturers are not required to submit a separate contract filing, but contract information is reported instead on schedule 4a of the CHAR500 renewal filing. A separate schedule must be prepared for each contract the charity has with one of the above-mentioned entities.
  • A renewal filing can be submitted up to 12 months past its expiration date with no other requirements. If registration has lapsed for more than 12 months, organizations should submit a registration amendment and the required annual filings for each year not registered (up to 3 years).
Required Attachments:
  • IRS form 990
  • Audited financials (if applicable)
  • Professional fundraising contracts

Financial Reporting
Financial Disclosure Report

Agency:New York State Department of State - Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code
Instructions:

Financial Reports to Be Filed by Certain Not-for-Profit Organizations

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:
  • Within 30 days of the close of each applicable reporting period. Reporting period means the six-month period within a calendar year starting January 1 and ending June 30 and the six-month period within a calendar year starting July 1 and ending December 31.
  • For example, an IRC Section 501(c)(4) organization is required to file a Financial Disclosure Report before January 31 whenever that entity spent more than $10,000 on covered communications after July 1 of the preceding calendar year.
Law:

New York Executive Law, Article 7a § 172-F

Notes:
  • Charities that are required to file a Financial Disclosure Report pursuant to Executive Law section 172-f are also required to file an annual financial report with the Department of State.
  • 501(c)(4) charities are required to file financial disclosure reports with the Department of State if they made expenditures on covered communications in an aggregate amount or fair market value exceeding $10,000 in a calendar year.
  • Covered communications, as defined by statute, means:
    • A communication by a covered entity, not otherwise reported by such covered entity pursuant to article one-A of the legislative law or article fourteen of the election law, by a covered entity conveyed to five hundred or more members of a general public audience in the form of:
      • an audio or video communication via broadcast, cable or satellite;
      • a written communication via advertisements, pamphlets, circulars, flyers, brochures, letterheads; or
      • other published statement which: refers to and advocates for or against a clearly identified elected official, executive or administrative body or legislative body relating to the sponsorship, support, opposition, or outcome of any proposed legislation, pending legislation, rule, regulation, hearing or decision, or advocates for or against action by any elected official, executive or administrative body or legislative body.
    • Covered communication shall not include:
      • communications with a professional journalist or newscaster, including an editorial board or editorial writer of a newspaper, magazine, news agency, press association or wire service, relating to news, as these terms are defined in section seventy-nine-h of the civil rights law, and communications relating to confidential and non-confidential news as described in subdivisions (b) and (c) of section seventy-nine-h of the civil rights law respectively and communications made pursuant to community outreach efforts for broadcast stations required by federal law; or
      • a communication that is:
        • (A) directed, sent or distributed by the covered entity only to individuals who affirmatively consent to be members of the covered entity, contribute funds to the covered entity, or, pursuant to the covered entity's articles or bylaws, have the right to vote directly or indirectly for the election of directors or officers, or on changes to bylaws, disposition of all or substantially all of the covered entity's assets or the merger or dissolution of the covered entity; or
        • (B) for the purpose of promoting or staging any candidate debate, town hall or similar forum to which at least two candidates seeking the same office, or two proponents of differing positions on a referendum or question submitted to voters, are invited as participants, and which does not promote or advance one candidate or position over another.

Financial Reporting
Funding Disclosure Report

Agency:New York State Department of State - Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code
Instructions:

Financial Reports to Be Filed by Certain Not-for-Profit Organizations

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:
  • Within 30 days of the close of each applicable reporting period. Reporting period means the six-month period within a calendar year starting January 1 and ending June 30 and the six-month period within a calendar year starting July 1 and ending December 31.
  • For example, an IRC Section 501(c)(3) organization is required to file a Funding Disclosure Report before January 31 whenever that entity made an in-kind donation greater than $10,000 to an IRC Section 501(c)(4) organization between July 1 and December 31 of the previous calendar year.
Law:

New York Executive Law, Article 7a § 172-E

Notes:
  • 501(c)(3) charities are required to file funding disclosure reports with the Department of State if they made an in-kind donation to a 501(c)(4) organization of more than $10,000 during a reporting period (6 month periods running from January 1 to June 30 and from July 1 to December 31).
  • Charities that are required to file a Funding Disclosure Report pursuant to Executive Law Section 172-e are also required to file an annual financial report with the Department of State.
Required Attachments:
  • IRS form 990 schedule B (if applicable)

Financial Reporting
Annual Financial Report

Agency:New York State Department of State - Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code
Instructions:

Financial Reports to Be Filed by Certain Not-for-Profit Organizations

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of your fiscal year. So if your fiscal year ends December 31, renewal is due May 15.

Law:

New York Executive Law, Article 7a § 172-B(9)

Notes:

Charities that are required to file a Funding Disclosure Report pursuant to Executive Law Section 172-e or a Financial Disclosure Report pursuant to Executive Law section 172-f are required to file an annual financial report with the Department of State.

Required Attachments:
  • IRS form 990 (if the charity files with the Charities Bureau)
  • Audited financials (if applicable)

Amendment

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fees will be calculated upon submission of the amendment. The system will notify you of the required payment. 

Reinstatement

Not required



Formal reinstatement is not required. Charities who wish to renew a lapsed registration with an expiration date within the last 12 months should submit a standard renewal filing. If registration has lapsed for more than one year, charities should submit a registration amendment (CHAR410-A) and the required annual filings and fees for each missing year (up to 3 years). The registration amendment & fee form can be submitted online, but all short-year filings & fees for missing years must be submitted by mail. 

Change of Fiscal Year

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$0

Notes:

To change your fiscal year you must email charities.bureau@ag.ny.gov and inform them of the change. They will then mail you a list of documents that they need from you and a cover letter that you must include when you mail these documents back. 

Cancelation

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Notes:

To withdraw a registration you must submit a letter requesting the withdrawal with the required annual financial filings.

Commercial co-venturer means any person who for profit is regularly and primarily engaged in trade or commerce other than in connection with the raising of funds or any other thing of value for a charitable organization and who advertises that the purchase or use of goods, services, entertainment, or any other thing of value will benefit a charitable organization.

New York Commercial Co-Venturer Registration

Not required



Commercial Co-venturer licensure is not required on the State level in New York.

  • New York does not currently have a traditional registration requirement for commercial co-venturers, but they may need to follow other regulations before and after fundraising events.
  • Every contract entered into with a charity must contain, in a conspicuous typeface:
    • A concise, accurate statement of the charitable organization's right to cancel;
    • A concise, accurate statement of the period during which the contract may be cancelled;
    • The address to which the notice of cancellation is to be sent;
    • The address of the attorney general to which a duplicate of the notice of cancellation is to be sent; and
    • A clear statement of the financial arrangement including, if applicable, a statement of the percentage of the total funds collected on behalf of the charitable organization which shall be paid to the professional fund raiser or any other person for purposes other than the exclusive benefit of the charitable organization.

 

 

Fund raising counsel means any person who for compensation consults with a charitable organization or who plans, manages, advises, or assists with respect to the solicitation in this state of contributions for or on behalf of a charitable organization, but who does not have access to contributions or other receipts from a solicitation or authority to pay expenses associated with a solicitation and who does not solicit. A bona fide officer, volunteer, or employee of a charitable organization or an attorney at law retained by a charitable organization or an individual engaged solely to draft applications for funding from a governmental agency or an entity exempt from taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code, shall not be deemed a fund raising counsel.

New York Fundraising Counsel Registration

Agency:New York State Attorney General's Office - Charities Bureau
Law:

NY EXC Law § 173

Initial Registration

Form:

CHAR 014: Fundraising Counsel Registration Statement

Agency Fee:

$800

Original Ink:Required
Notes:

Contracts - See §§172-d, 173-a, 174, 174-a, Executive Law

  • No person shall enter into any contract or agreement with or otherwise employ or engage a Professional Fund Raiser (PFR), Fund Raising Counsel (FRC) or Professional Solicitor (PS) required to be registered under NYS Executive Law unless such PFR/FRC/PS has provided to such person a statement, signed under penalties for perjury, that it is registered with the Attorney General's Charities Bureau and in compliance with all filing requirements of the Executive Law.
  • No person shall enter into any contract or agreement, employment or engagement to raise funds or conduct any fund raising activities for any charitable organization required to be registered under NYS Executive Law §172 unless such charitable organization is registered with the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau and in compliance with all filing requirements of the Executive Law.
  • No person shall act as a PFR/FRC/CCV (Commercial Co-venturer) before that PFR/FRC/CCV has a written contract with the charitable organization, or other person benefitting from the services. A PFR/FRC must file with the Attorney General's Charities Bureau, within 10 days of its execution, a copy of each contract entered into between the PFR/FRC and any charitable organization required to be registered under NYS Executive Law §172. At the time of the filing, the PFR/FRC must certify, under penalties for perjury, that the contract being filed is a true and correct copy of the original executed contract. For additional information, please refer to Form CHAR016A.
  • Whenever a charitable organization contracts with a PFR/FRC, the organization has the right to cancel the contract without cost, penalty, or liability for a period of 15 days following the date on which the contract is filed by the PFR/FRC with the Attorney General's Charities Bureau, regardless of the execution date of the contract. In order to cancel during this period, the organization must mail or hand deliver a notice of cancelation to the PFR/FRC and send a copy to the Attorney General's Charities Bureau. Such notice is sufficient if it indicates that the charitable organization does not intend to be bound by the contract. For additional
    information, please refer to Form CHAR016B.
  • The failure of a PFR/FRC to discontinue solicitation or any other fund raising activity upon receipt of a notice of cancelation in accordance with the provisions of Article 7-A of the Executive Law within fifteen days of the cancelation of the contract shall be deemed to be a continuing fraud upon the people of New York State.
  • Every contract between a PFR and a charitable organization shall contain, or shall be deemed to contain, a provision that within 5 days of receipt by the PFR or other person, the gross revenue received from a solicitation conducted by that PFR shall be deposited in a bank account under the exclusive control of the charitable organization.
  • No contract filing should include Federal ID numbers or Social Security numbers of the PFR/FRC or the charitable organization or any representative of the PFR/FRC or charitable organization.
  • No person shall act as a sub-contractor on behalf of another PFR prior to obtaining a written contract with such PFR and written consent from the charitable organization on whose behalf fund raising activities are to be conducted pursuant to such contract. A sub-contractor must file with the Attorney General's Charities Bureau, within 10 days of execution, a copy of such written consent attached to a copy of the contract between the subcontractor and the other PFR.
  • No services shall be performed pursuant to any contract required to be filed by a PFR/FRC if, within fifteen days of filing, the Attorney General's Charities Bureau notifies the PFR/FRC and the charitable organization of any deficiencies in the contract and/or in the registration or filings of the PFR/FRC or the charitable organization.
  • No services shall be performed under a contract required to be filed by a PFR until the PFR shall have received an acknowledgement from the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau or such contract shall have been on file with the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau for at least fifteen days, whichever is shorter

Books and Records - See §173, Executive Law

  • A PFR/FRC/CCV must maintain accurate and current books and records of all activities conducted under any contract with a charitable organization or other person benefitting from the services for a minimum of three years from the expiration date of such contract. Such books and records must be available for inspection, examination and/or audit by charitable organization and/or the Attorney General or any authorized representative at the address of the PFR/FRC/CCV.
  • Within seven days of a request from a charitable organization with which it has contracted, a PFR/FRC/CCV must provide copies of all related records to that charitable organization
Required Attachments:
  • Copies of all current contracts with charitable organizations required to be registered under the statute that were not previously filed
  • Copies of all organizing documents, amendments to organizing documents, certificates of assumed name and “doing business as” (d/b/a) certificates that were not previously filed

Registration Renewal

Form:

CHAR 014: Fundraising Counsel Registration Statement (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$800

Due:

Annually

Original Ink:Required

Contract Filing

Form:

CHAR 016A: Professional Fund Raiser/Fund Raising Counsel

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

File a contract certification at least 10 days prior to the start of each solicitation campaign.

Notes:

Every contract entered into pursuant to subdivision one of this section shall contain, in a conspicuous typeface:

  • A concise, accurate statement of the charitable organization's right to cancel;
  • A concise, accurate statement of the period during which the contract may be canceled;
  • The address to which the notice of cancelation is to be sent;
  • The address of the attorney general to which a duplicate of the notice of cancelation is to be sent;  and
  • A clear statement of the financial arrangement including, if applicable, a statement of the percentage of the total funds collected on behalf of the charitable organization which shall be paid to the professional fund raiser or any other person for purposes other than the exclusive benefit of the charitable organization.

New York Games of Chance License

Game Type:

Casino nights, raffles (with net profits over $30k per year), and bell jar.

Agency:New York State Gaming Commission
Age Restrictions:

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Initial Registration

Agency:New York State Gaming Commission
Form:

Form GC-2 Application for Games of Chance License

Agency Fee:

$25 per gaming license period.

Notes:

Forms are provided by the Gaming Commission but are filed with the municipality where the gaming events will take place.

Registration Renewal

Agency:New York State Gaming Commission
Form:

Form GC-2 Application for Games of Chance License (Renewal)

Due:

Annually by December 31.

A professional fund raiser is any person who directly or indirectly, by contract, including but not limited to sub-contract, letter or other agreement or other engagement on any basis, for compensation or other consideration (a) plans, manages, conducts, carries on or assists in connection with a charitable solicitation or who employs or otherwise engages on any basis another person to solicit from persons in this state for or on behalf of any charitable organization or any other person, or who engages in the business of, or holds himself out to persons in this state as independently engaged in the business of soliciting for such purpose; (b) solicits on behalf of a charitable organization or any other person; or (c) who advertises that the purchase or use of goods, services, entertainment or any other thing of value will benefit a charitable organization but is not a commercial co-venturer. A bona fide director, trustee, officer, volunteer, or employee of a charitable organization or a fund raising counsel shall not be deemed a PFR.

New York Professional Fundraiser Registration

Agency:New York State Attorney General's Office - Charities Bureau
Law:

NY EXC Law § 173

Bond Requirements:

$10,000

Initial Registration

Form:

CHAR 013: Professional Fund Raiser Registration Statement

Agency Fee:

$800

Original Ink:Required
Notarization Required?:Not Required
Required Attachments:
  • Copies of all current contracts with charitable organizations required to be registered under the statute that were not previously filed
  • Copies of all organizing documents, amendments to organizing documents, certificates of assumed name and “doing business as” (d/b/a) certificates that were not previously filed
  • Copies of all delinquent Professional Fund Raiser Interim/Closing Statements (Form CHAR037)

Registration Renewal

Form:

Professional Fundraiser Registration Statement (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$800

Due:

Annually

Original Ink:Required

Contract Filing

Form:

CHAR 016A: Professional Fund Raiser/Fund Raising Counsel

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

File a contract certification at least 10 days prior to the start of each solicitation campaign.

Notes:
  • Every contract entered into pursuant to subdivision one of this section shall contain, in a conspicuous typeface:
    • A concise, accurate statement of the charitable organization's right to cancel;
    • A concise, accurate statement of the period during which the contract may be canceled;
    • The address to which the notice of cancelation is to be sent;
    • The address of the attorney general to which a duplicate of the notice of cancelation is to be sent;  and
    • A clear statement of the financial arrangement including, if applicable, a statement of the percentage of the total funds collected on behalf of the charitable organization which shall be paid to the professional fund raiser or any other person for purposes other than the exclusive benefit of the charitable organization.
  • Every contract between a professional fund raiser and a charitable organization shall contain or shall be deemed to contain a provision that within five days of receipt by the professional fund raiser or any other person the gross revenue received from any solicitation shall be deposited in a bank account under the exclusive control of the charity.

Financial Reporting

Form:

CHAR 037: Professional Fundraising Interim/Closing Statement

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Within 90 days after a campaign has ended and within 15 months after the start of contract commencement for campaigns lasting more than a year and annually thereafter.

New York Raffle License

Game Type:

Raffles

Agency:New York State Gaming Commission
Organization Age Requirement:

3 years of continuous existence immediately preceeding licensure.

Age Restrictions:

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Notes:

Charities that hold raffles but fail to raise more than $20,000 over the course of a year, and never raise more than $5,000 during a single raffle event may be exempt from registration. Forms are provided by the Gaming Commission but are filed with the municipality where the gaming events will take place.

Initial Registration

Agency:New York State Gaming Commission
Form:

Form GCVS-1 Verified Statement for Raffle Ticket Operations

Agency Fee:

$25 per gaming license period.

Registration Renewal

Agency:New York State Gaming Commission
Form:

Form GCVS-1 Verified Statement for Raffle Ticket Operations (Renewal)

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Individual Licenses

New York Individual Nonprofit & Fundraising Licenses

New York Professional Solicitor Registration

Agency:New York State Attorney General's Office - Charities Bureau

Initial Registration

Form:

CHAR 012: Professional Solicitor Registration Statement

Agency Fee:

$80

Original Ink:Not Required
Notarization Required?:Not Required

Registration Renewal

Form:

https://www.charitiesnys.com/professional_solicitors_new.html

Agency Fee:

$80

Due:

Annually

There’s a Better Way to Stay Compliant Stop spending precious time managing state-by-state fundraising requirements. Take advantage of our full-service compliance solutions and get back to focusing on what’s most important: fulfilling your organization’s mission. Reduce Your Workload

Learn about fundraising in other jurisdictions:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware D.C. Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Easily Earn Your License to Fundraise{{ include_custom_fonts({"Museo Sans":["Bold","Bold Italic","Regular","Regular Italic"]}) }}
Related Resources
White Paper
Charitable Solicitation Compliance
An explanation of increasingly complex state charity requirements.

Revised February 10, 2025. Complete data last reviewed June 11, 2021.
Are You Compliant?
Answer just a few questions and our software searches public databases to detect your status and gaps.
Sign Up for Emails
Better Business Bureau logo
Trustwave logo

© 2012 - 2025 Harbor Compliance. All rights reserved.

Harbor Compliance does not provide tax, financial, or legal advice. Use of our services does not create an attorney-client relationship. Harbor Compliance is not acting as your attorney and does not review information you provide to us for legal accuracy or sufficiency. Access to our website is subject to our Terms of Use and Service Agreement.

Terms of Service Privacy Policy Secure Shopping