Directory
Outside help worth knowing about
Free and discounted software, research tools, fiscal sponsors, low-cost legal help and every state's charity regulator. We don't take payment to be listed. Checked October 14, 2026.
Software and tech discounts
Many companies give charities free or cheaper software. Most check that you are a registered charity first, often through TechSoup or Goodstack.
TechSoup
TechSoup offers nonprofits donated and discounted software, hardware and digital services from many technology companies.
US organizations recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) charities, and public libraries. Each offer has its own rules. Fiscally sponsored projects cannot request most offers.
Discounted
Google for Nonprofits
Google for Nonprofits gives eligible nonprofits no-cost and discounted Google tools, such as Workspace and ad grants.
Registered charities that meet Google's eligibility rules. You apply and Google verifies your status.
Free
Microsoft for Nonprofits
Microsoft offers nonprofits grants and discounts on its cloud software and other tools.
Nonprofits that meet Microsoft's eligibility rules.
Discounted
Canva for Nonprofits
Canva gives approved nonprofits free Canva Pro design tools for one team of up to 50 people.
Officially registered charities, such as 501(c)(3) organizations in the US. Approval is at Canva's discretion, and private foundations and political groups are excluded.
Free
Slack for Nonprofits
The Slack for Nonprofits program offers free or discounted plan upgrades to eligible organizations.
Eligible nonprofits. Smaller workspaces can get a free upgrade; check the page for the current size limits.
Discounted
Zoom for Nonprofits
Zoom offers eligible nonprofits 50% off select annual plans, such as Zoom Workplace Pro and Business.
501(c)(3) organizations with an operating budget of $10 million or less. Schools, health care groups and government agencies are not eligible. Goodstack checks eligibility.
Discounted
Salesforce Power of Us
Through the Power of Us program, eligible nonprofits get 10 Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud licenses at no cost, plus discounts on more.
Eligible nonprofits and education groups. You need your tax ID and proof of status, such as a 501(c)(3) letter.
Free
Goodstack
Goodstack verifies nonprofits once so they can claim software discounts and donation offers from many companies.
Charities and other good causes. Signing up is free.
Free
Okta for Nonprofits
Okta for Good supports nonprofits with donated Okta products, funding and expertise to help keep their accounts and data safe.
Nonprofits worldwide. Check the page for current offers and eligibility.
Varies
Adobe for Nonprofits
Adobe for Nonprofits gives eligible nonprofits its creative and document tools at a large discount.
Eligible nonprofit organizations. Check Adobe's page for the current rules.
Discounted
Asana for Nonprofits
Asana offers qualified nonprofits discounts on its work management software.
Qualified nonprofit organizations that apply.
Discounted
AWS for Nonprofits
Amazon Web Services offers nonprofits a credit program and grants for cloud computing.
Eligible nonprofits that use or plan to use cloud services.
Varies
Research and funding data
Free public tools to check a charity's status, read tax filings and find grants.
IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
The IRS's free tool to check whether an organization can receive tax-deductible gifts, and to see its 990 filings and determination letters.
Anyone. Search by name or EIN.
Free
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
A free database of IRS nonprofit tax filings where you can see an organization's revenue, expenses and pay, and download its returns.
Anyone researching a nonprofit or funder.
Free
Candid
Candid shares data on nonprofits, foundations and grants, plus tools for finding funding.
Nonprofits, funders and researchers. Check which tools need a paid plan.
Varies
GuideStar by Candid
Look up a charity's 501(c)(3) status, search its 990s and check its details.
Anyone checking a charity.
Free
Grants.gov
The official US government site to search and apply for federal grants.
Organizations seeking federal grants. You must register before you can apply.
Free
SAM.gov
The official US government site where organizations register to do business with the federal government, including to apply for federal grants.
Any organization that wants federal grants or contracts.
Free
USAspending.gov
The official source for data on federal spending, including grants and who received them.
Anyone researching federal funding.
Free
National Council of Nonprofits
A national network of state associations of nonprofits that shares news, policy updates and resources.
US nonprofits of all sizes.
Free
Your state association of nonprofits
The National Council of Nonprofits' map and directory to find the nonprofit association in your state.
Nonprofits looking for local training, advice and networks. Membership terms vary by state.
Varies
Fiscal sponsors
A fiscal sponsor is an existing charity that takes your project under its wing, so you can accept tax-deductible gifts before, or instead of, forming your own charity. Read the agreement and fees carefully.
Fiscal Sponsor Directory
A searchable directory of fiscal sponsors, with plain explanations of what fiscal sponsorship is.
Projects and new groups looking for a fiscal sponsor.
Free
National Network of Fiscal Sponsors
A network of fiscal sponsors that publishes good-practice guidelines and a member directory.
Anyone looking for a fiscal sponsor or learning how sponsorship should work.
Free
Tides
Tides is a nonprofit that offers fiscal sponsorship and other support to social change projects.
Social change projects that apply and are accepted. Fees apply.
Paid
Community Partners
Community Partners offers fiscal sponsorship with HR, finance and legal services for nonprofit projects.
Community projects that apply and are accepted. Fees apply.
Paid
Fractured Atlas
Fractured Atlas offers fiscal sponsorship and fundraising tools for artists and arts groups.
Artists and arts organizations with a qualifying paid membership.
Paid
Players Philanthropy Fund
Players Philanthropy Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides back-office support through fiscal sponsorship.
Charitable projects that apply and are accepted. Fees apply.
Paid
Free and low-cost legal help
Groups that match charities with volunteer lawyers. Most serve one region, so check who they help before you apply.
Lawyers Alliance for New York
Lawyers Alliance for New York provides business and transactional legal services to nonprofits that improve life in New York City neighborhoods.
Nonprofits and social enterprises serving New York City communities.
Varies
Public Counsel
Public Counsel provides pro bono (free) legal help to people and groups, including nonprofits and small businesses.
Mostly California. Check the site for current help for nonprofits.
Free
Pro Bono Partnership
Pro Bono Partnership provides free business and transactional legal help to nonprofits.
Nonprofits that serve people in need or improve life in neighborhoods in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.
Free
Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta matches nonprofits with volunteer corporate lawyers for free business legal help.
Nonprofits in its service area that apply for help.
Free
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts gives legal help and education to New York artists and arts and cultural organizations.
Artists and arts groups in New York.
Varies
Legal Services Corporation
LSC funds local civil legal aid groups that serve low-income Americans, and its site helps people find one.
Low-income individuals, not charities. Useful when the people you serve need a lawyer.
Free
State charity regulators
Many states require charities to register before they ask for donations there. This office is the place to check for each state. Rules change, so always read the official page.
AL: Alabama Attorney General, Consumer Interest Division
Handles state registrations for charities and professional fundraisers that ask for donations in or from Alabama.
Charities that ask for donations in Alabama.
Varies
AK: Alaska Department of Law, Consumer Protection Unit
The Attorney General runs Alaska's charity registration. The yearly registration is due September 1.
Charities and paid solicitors that ask for donations in Alaska.
Varies
AZ: Arizona Secretary of State
Arizona ended its general charity filing in 2013. Only groups that raise money in the name of veterans must register with the Secretary of State.
Veterans' charities that ask for donations in Arizona.
Free
AR: Arkansas Secretary of State, Charities Division
Charities file registration and yearly financial report forms with the Secretary of State's Charities Division.
Charities that ask for donations in Arkansas.
Varies
CA: California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers
The Registry of Charities and Fundraisers handles registration, yearly renewals and reports for charities in California.
Charities that operate or ask for donations in California.
Varies
CO: Colorado Secretary of State, Charities and Fundraisers
Charities that ask for donations in Colorado register and renew with the Secretary of State.
Charities, including out-of-state ones, that ask for donations in Colorado.
Varies
CT: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Public Charities Unit
A public charity that asks for donations in Connecticut must register with the Department of Consumer Protection and file yearly financial reports.
Charities that ask for donations in Connecticut.
Varies
DE: Delaware Division of Revenue
Delaware has no state law requiring charities to register before asking for donations, but it does set rules on what solicitors must tell donors.
Charities that ask for donations in Delaware.
Free
DC: DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Charities that ask for donations in DC need a charitable solicitation license, or a no-cost exempt license, from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
Charities that ask for donations in the District of Columbia.
Varies
FL: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida law requires anyone who asks for donations in or from Florida to register with this department and renew every year.
Charities, sponsors and paid fundraisers that ask for donations in Florida.
Varies
GA: Georgia Secretary of State, Charities Division
Groups that ask for charitable donations in Georgia must register with the Secretary of State's Charities Division unless an exemption applies.
Charities that ask for donations in Georgia.
Varies
HI: Hawaii Attorney General, Tax and Charities Division
Charities file registrations, yearly reports and exemption applications with the Attorney General's Tax and Charities Division.
Charities that ask for donations in Hawaii.
Varies
ID: Idaho Attorney General, Consumer Protection
Idaho does not require charities to register with the Attorney General, but a charity must notify the office before it dissolves or gives away most of its assets.
Charities in Idaho.
Free
IL: Illinois Attorney General, Charitable Trust Bureau
All charities that ask for donations or hold charitable assets in Illinois must register with the Attorney General.
Charities that ask for donations or hold charitable assets in Illinois.
Varies
IN: Indiana Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
Charities that raise money only through their own staff or volunteers do not have to register in Indiana. Paid professional solicitors must register with the Attorney General.
Charities and paid fundraisers in Indiana.
Free
IA: Iowa Attorney General
Iowa's registration applies only to professional fundraisers. Charities that do not use one do not have to register.
Charities and professional fundraisers in Iowa.
Free
KS: Kansas Attorney General
Charities must file a registration with the Attorney General before asking for donations in Kansas, unless the law exempts them.
Charities that ask for donations in Kansas.
Varies
KY: Kentucky Attorney General
Charities that ask for donations in Kentucky file a copy of their IRS Form 990 with the Attorney General, or a notice of intent if they are new.
Charities that ask for donations in Kentucky.
Free
LA: Louisiana Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section
Charities that use a professional solicitor must register every year with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section.
Charities that use paid solicitors in Louisiana.
Varies
ME: Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Maine licenses charitable organizations and professional solicitors under its Charitable Solicitations Act.
Charities and professional solicitors that ask for donations in Maine.
Varies
MD: Maryland Secretary of State, Charities Division
Under the Maryland Solicitations Act, charities that ask for donations in Maryland register with the Secretary of State and update the registration every year.
Charities that ask for donations in Maryland.
Varies
MA: Massachusetts Attorney General, Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division
Charities organized, operating or raising money in Massachusetts must register with this division and file a yearly report.
Charities in Massachusetts or raising money there.
Varies
MI: Michigan Attorney General, Charitable Trust Section
Most charities that ask for or receive donations in Michigan must register with the Attorney General's Charitable Trust Section.
Charities that ask for or receive donations in Michigan.
Varies
MN: Minnesota Attorney General, Charities Division
Most charities and all professional fundraisers that ask for donations in Minnesota must register with the Attorney General's Office.
Charities and fundraisers in Minnesota.
Varies
MS: Mississippi Secretary of State, Charities Division
The Secretary of State's Charities Division registers and regulates charities and fundraisers that ask for donations in Mississippi.
Charities that ask for donations in Mississippi.
Varies
MO: Missouri Attorney General
Groups recognized by the IRS under 501(c)(3) do not have to register in Missouri. Other groups that ask for charitable donations register with the Attorney General.
Groups that ask for donations in Missouri.
Varies
MT: Montana Department of Justice, Office of Consumer Protection
Montana's Office of Consumer Protection gives donors advice and takes complaints about charities and fundraising.
Charities and donors in Montana.
Free
NE: Nebraska Attorney General
Nebraska does not require charities to register before fundraising. The Attorney General oversees charities and takes notices, such as when a nonprofit dissolves.
Charities in Nebraska.
Free
NV: Nevada Secretary of State
Nonprofits that ask for tax-deductible donations must register with the Secretary of State before asking, and refile every year.
Nonprofits that ask for donations in Nevada.
Varies
NH: New Hampshire Department of Justice, Charitable Trusts Unit
Charities based in New Hampshire, and some out-of-state charities, must register and report every year to the Charitable Trusts Unit.
Charities in New Hampshire or with ties to it.
Varies
NJ: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Charities Registration and Investigation Section
Charities that operate in or ask for donations in New Jersey generally must register with this section.
Charities that operate or ask for donations in New Jersey.
Varies
NM: New Mexico Department of Justice, Charities
Charities that exist, operate or ask for donations in New Mexico must register with the state Department of Justice and file yearly reports.
Charities in New Mexico or asking for donations there.
Free
NY: New York Attorney General, Charities Bureau
The Attorney General regulates nonprofits and fundraisers in New York, including charity registration and yearly filings.
Charities in New York or asking for donations there.
Varies
NC: North Carolina Secretary of State, Charitable Solicitation Licensing
This division keeps a registry of organizations licensed to ask for charitable donations in North Carolina.
Charities that ask for donations in North Carolina.
Varies
ND: North Dakota Secretary of State
A charity must register with the Secretary of State and be approved before it can ask for donations in North Dakota.
Charities that ask for donations in North Dakota.
Varies
OH: Ohio Attorney General, Charitable Law Section
Charities register and file yearly reports with the Ohio Attorney General.
Charities that operate or ask for donations in Ohio.
Varies
OK: Oklahoma Secretary of State
Unless exempt, charities that ask for donations in Oklahoma must register every year with the Secretary of State.
Charities that ask for donations in Oklahoma.
Varies
OR: Oregon Department of Justice, Charitable Activities Section
Charities register and file yearly reports with the Oregon Department of Justice.
Charities in Oregon or asking for donations there.
Varies
PA: Pennsylvania Department of State, Charities
The Department of State registers charities in Pennsylvania and has guides on registering and renewing.
Charities that ask for donations in Pennsylvania.
Varies
RI: Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
A charity must register if it uses a professional fundraiser or receives, or plans to raise, more than $25,000 in a year.
Charities that ask for donations in Rhode Island.
Varies
SC: South Carolina Secretary of State, Division of Public Charities
The division oversees yearly registration and financial reports for charities in South Carolina.
Charities that ask for donations in South Carolina.
Varies
SD: South Dakota Attorney General, Division of Consumer Protection
South Dakota has no licensing or registration requirement for charities. Paid telephone solicitors must register with the Attorney General.
Charities and paid solicitors in South Dakota.
Free
TN: Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Charitable Solicitations
All charities must register with the Secretary of State unless they qualify for an exemption.
Charities that ask for donations in Tennessee.
Varies
TX: Texas Attorney General, Charitable Trusts
Most charities in Texas do not have to register with the state. Some groups must, such as certain law enforcement, public safety and veterans organizations.
Charities in Texas.
Free
UT: Utah Division of Consumer Protection
Since January 1, 2025, nonprofits doing business in Utah register with the Division of Corporations and upload their latest IRS Form 990 each year.
Nonprofits doing business in Utah.
Varies
VT: Vermont Attorney General
In Vermont, paid fundraisers must file a notice with the Attorney General before each campaign.
Paid fundraisers working for charities in Vermont.
Varies
VA: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Unless exempt, charities must file a registration with the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs before asking for donations in Virginia.
Charities that ask for donations in Virginia.
Varies
WA: Washington Secretary of State, Charities Program
Most charities that ask for or collect donations from the public must register every year with the Charities Program.
Charities that ask for donations in Washington.
Varies
WV: West Virginia Secretary of State
Charities register with the Secretary of State to ask for donations in West Virginia.
Charities that ask for donations in West Virginia.
Varies
WI: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
A charity must register with the department if it asks for donations in Wisconsin, unless an exemption applies.
Charities that ask for donations in Wisconsin.
Varies
WY: Wyoming Secretary of State
Wyoming has no state requirements for charities and fundraisers, though an out-of-state nonprofit may need to register to do business there.
Charities in Wyoming.
Free
Help lines
Phone lines and pages where a real person can help.
211 (United Way)
Call 211 for free, confidential help finding food, help with bills and other services near you.
Anyone in the US. Useful when the people you serve need local help.
Free
IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities Customer Account Services
Call 877-829-5500 (toll-free) with questions about charities and other nonprofit organizations, such as your status or a copy of your determination letter.
Charities and other tax-exempt organizations.
Free
Listings are for information; Golden Hint isn't connected to these organizations and doesn't endorse them. Offers and rules change, so check each site for current terms. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.