Minnesota
Overall Free to Give Index 3.83/10
Rank 41st
Category Score (0–10) Rank (50 states)
Overall Free to Give Index 3.83 41st
Broad Policy Environment 3.99 36th
Nonprofit Freedom 4.38 37th
Donor Confidence 3.13 41st

Highlights

  • Weak broad policy environment: Minnesota ranks 36th in the Broad Policy Environment, reflecting weaker tax competitiveness and low economic freedom.
  • Heavy registration and reporting burdens: Minnesota ranks 37th in Nonprofit Freedom, as charities face mandatory registration, annual renewals, multiple fees, and substantial contractor-related compliance obligations. There is also an audit requirement.
  • Limited donor confidence: Minnesota ranks 41st in this category, offering no donor standing, weak UPMIFA protections, and no donor privacy protections.

Detailed Scorecard

1. Broad Policy Environment

1A. Occupational Freedom (rescaled 0 to 10) 3.50
1B. Tax Competitiveness (rescaled 0 to 10) 2.13
1C. EFNA (0 to 10) 6.34

2. Nonprofit Freedom

2A. Charitable Startup Regulations

Requires charitable registration? Yes
Top Registration Fee $25.00
Minimum Registration Fee $25.00
Top Incorporation Fee $90.00
Minimum Incorporation Fee $70.00

2B. Charitable Reporting Regulations

Requires Annual Report? Yes
Top Annual Fee $25.00
Minimum Annual Fee $25.00
Requires Additional Corporate Filings Yes
Other Fees $0.00
Tiered Fee Structure No
Overlapping Regulators No

2C. Paid Solicitor Requirements

Commercial Fundraisers Must Register with the State Yes
Paid Solicitor Registration Fee $200.00
Paid Solicitor Renewal Fee $200.00
Surety Bond for Professional Fundraisers $20,000.00
Are Paid Solicitors Required to Report to the State in Order to Start Fundraising? Yes
Fundraising Consultant Registration Required Yes
Annual Financial Reporting by Commercial Fundraisers Required Yes
Must File Contracts Between Charities and Commercial Fundraisers Yes
Individual Solicitors Employed by Professional Fundraisers Must Register Separately? No

2D. General Audit threshold (revenue)

General Audit threshold (revenue) $750,000.00

3. Donor Confidence

3A. State has Never Introduced Disclosure No
3B. State has Privacy Law No
3C. State gives Donors Standing No
3D. State has UPMIFA Protections Yes (weak)
3E. Donations are Generally Deductible Yes
3F. General Sales Tax Exemption Yes
3G. State has Never Proposed DAF Restrictions No
3H. New Regulations Require Legislative Approval No