Indiana Charitable Solicitation License: Everything You Need to Know

Does Indiana require a charitable solicitation license?
Indiana law does not require charitable organizations soliciting donations to register or report their fundraising campaigns to the state if they are using their own bona fide employees or volunteers. The vast majority of charitable organizations use donations wisely.
Read more on www.in.gov

You might be wondering whether you need to obtain a charitable solicitation license if you want to launch a nonprofit organization or charity in Indiana. Yes, it is the answer. All charity organizations in Indiana must register with the state and get a charitable solicitation license before they can ask the public for donations.

What is a license for charitable solicitation?

An Indiana charitable solicitation license is a permission that enables nonprofit organizations and charities to lawfully ask for donations from members of the public. The Indiana Secretary of State’s office issuing this license. Before requesting donations from the general public, nonprofit organizations and charities must get this license.

Without a 501c3, are donations still accepted?

Without a 501(c)(3) designation, you can collect donations. Donations to organizations without 501(c)(3) status, however, cannot be deducted from the donor’s taxes. A nonprofit must apply for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS and be granted it in order to be eligible for tax-exempt status. Additionally, NGOs who have this classification gain access to grants, postal discounts, and tax exemptions, among other advantages.

How much cash may a charitable organization keep on hand?

The amount of cash that a nonprofit organization may hold on hand is unconstrained. Nonprofits must, however, use their finances only for philanthropic endeavors and may not use them to advance their own personal or business interests. Additionally, nonprofits are required to keep thorough financial records and make them available for public review.

What does 501(c)(3) status apply to?

An organization must be founded and run only for religious, charitable, educational, scientific, or literary purposes in order to be eligible for 501(c)(3) status. Additionally, the organization is not permitted to carry out any activity unrelated to its exempt purpose. The organization also cannot be run to serve the interests of any private parties or people.

Can a nonprofit be founded by one person?

Yes, one individual can establish a nonprofit. However, establishing a nonprofit may be a difficult process that takes a lot of time, energy, and money. The founder must write the bylaws, the articles of incorporation, and the tax-exempt status application. The creator also has to establish programs and services, a fundraising strategy, and a board of directors.

In conclusion, you need to get a charity solicitation license if you want to form a nonprofit in Indiana. Without 501(c)(3) registration, nonprofits are still able to collect donations, but they are not tax-deductible. A nonprofit is allowed to keep any amount of money in the bank, but it must be used for philanthropic endeavors. An organization must be run only for charity purposes and not for the benefit of any private interests or people in order to be eligible for 501(c)(3) status. Finally, one individual can establish a charity, but it’s a difficult procedure that takes a lot of effort and money.

FAQ
Can one person be a nonprofit?

Yes, in Indiana one person can establish and manage a nonprofit. Such an organization is known as a “nonprofit corporation” and is acknowledged by the state of Indiana as a separate legal entity from its creator. However, the company must have a board of directors and follow specific legal guidelines in order to function as a nonprofit corporation and qualify for tax-exempt status.