Charitable Organizations
Contact Charities via our Online Inquiry System or via email DBR.CharityInquiry@dbr.ri.gov
R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 7-6 requires non-profit corporations conducting business in the State of Rhode Island to register the entity with the RI Department of State. Registering with the RI Department of State is separate from obtaining tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and registering as a Charitable Organization with the RI Department of Business Regulation.
To register a non-profit corporation with the RI Department of State, review the non-profit basics and steps to complete your registration. Once registered, make sure to maintain the non-profit by filing an annual report with the RI Department of State each year, maintaining a valid registered agent, and paying all applicable taxes.
Do you have questions about registering a non-profit corporation in Rhode Island? Use the free RI Business Assistant to create a custom checklist to ensure your organization is compliant with state requirements.
Requirements for all Charitable Organization Applications, Click Here for PDF version.
Before completing your online application, please check to make sure you have the following information available:
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Name and address of person with custody of Organization’s financial records if the Organization does not maintain an office.
- List of other states where the organization has a license or is registered.
- Percentage of contributions received in the immediately preceding year which was spent for fundraising and administration. If exact percentage is unavailable, an estimate is needed.
Required Financial Documents:
- All charities must provide an IRS 990 form (unless your charitable organization is new and has not completed their first fiscal year)
- If the charitable organization’s annual income is $500,000 or more, an audited financial statement prepared by an independent certified accountant is required to be submitted with the IRS 990.
- If financials are not available at the time of renewal, a written request accompanied by an IRS Form 8868 may be uploaded in place of the IRS 990 and/or audited financials.
- List of name(s) and address(es) of all professional fundraisers and fundraising counsel who are acting or have agreed to act in this state on behalf of the organization.
- Copy of the contract for the professional fundraiser and fundraising counsel services
You will be asked to disclose:
- If any government agency or court enjoined the applicant, its officers, directors, members, trustees or senior-level executives from soliciting contributions.
- If applicant’s license or registration has been suspended, canceled or had any other administrative actions taken against it by any governmental agency.
- If any directors, officers, members, trustees, partners, senior level executive employees of the Charitable Organization been convicted of a felony, pled nolo contender to a felony charge; been held liable in a civil action involving fraud, embezzlement, fraudulent conversion or misappropriation of property; had any concerning legal actions, administrative actions, civil or criminal actions taken.
ALL CONTRACTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN 10 DAYS OF EXECUTION.
IF THERE ARE ANY MATERIAL CHANGES TO THE INFORMATION PROVIDED, THE DEPARTMENT IS TO BE NOTIFIED WITHIN 20 DAYS OF THE CHANGE.
THESE CHANGES MUST BE EMAILED TO THE DEPARTMENT AT DBR.CHARITYINQUIRY@DBR.RI.GOV.
Apply for or Renew Online, Click Here !
Click Here for a PDF version of the below requirements.
Before completing your online application, please check to make sure you have the following information available:
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Name and address of person with custody of Organization’s books and records if the Organization does not maintain an office.
- Date and Location of when/where Organization was established.
- Copies of all current contracts with Charitable Organizations pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 5-53.1-9.
- Bond, if required pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 5-53.1-8.
- In lieu of requirements for Professional Solicitors, pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 5-53.1-10, you may upload THIS SPREADSHEET of all Professional Solicitors. (if applicable)
You will be asked to disclose:
- If applicant’s license or registration has been suspended, canceled or had any other administrative actions taken against it by any governmental agency.
- If any directors, officers, members, trustees, partners, senior level executives employees of the Organization been convicted of a felony, pled nolo contender to a felony charge; been held liable in a civil action involving fraud, embezzlement, fraudulent conversion or misappropriation of property; had any concerning legal actions, administrative actions, civil or criminal actions taken.
ALL CHANGES MUST BE EMAILED TO THE DEPARTMENT AT DBR.CHARITYINQUIRY@DBR.RI.GOV.
Make the Most of Your Charitable Donation Decisions
The charitable organizations section administers the state's charitable solicitation law and maintains registration and financial information on Charities, Professional Fund Raisers and Fund Raising Counsel.
Most charitable organizations deserve our generosity. However, there are also many unscrupulous organizations soliciting in Rhode Island that employ fraudulent or deceptive fund raising tactics to prey upon those who willingly extend a hand.
Through education, registration and enforcement, the division has encouraged charitable organizations to come in compliance with state law and register with the division. Examination staff allows the division to conduct detailed financial reviews, conduct investigations, take administrative actions and refer fraudulent schemes to the state Attorney General.