Weak overall policy environment: New Jersey ranks 50th in the Broad Policy Environment, reflecting its heavy occupational licensing burden, poor tax structure, and limited economic freedom.
Heavy registration and fee burdens: The state ranks 41st in Nonprofit Freedom, as charities must register, renew annually, undergo audits, and pay substantial registration, renewal, and contractor-related fees that significantly raise compliance costs.
Minimal donor confidence: New Jersey ranks 42nd in this category, providing no donor standing, no donor privacy protections, no charitable deduction, and very weak UPMIFA protections.
Detailed Scorecard
1. Broad Policy Environment
1A. Occupational Freedom (rescaled 0 to 10)
1.50
1B. Tax Competitiveness (rescaled 0 to 10)
0.17
1C. EFNA (0 to 10)
5.70
2. Nonprofit Freedom
2A. Charitable Startup Regulations
Requires charitable registration?
Yes
Top Registration Fee
$30.00
Minimum Registration Fee
$30.00
Top Incorporation Fee
$75.00
Minimum Incorporation Fee
$75.00
2B. Charitable Reporting Regulations
Requires Annual Report?
Yes
Top Annual Fee
$250.00
Minimum Annual Fee
$30.00
Requires Additional Corporate Filings
Yes
Other Fees
$0.00
Tiered Fee Structure
Yes
Overlapping Regulators
No
2C. Paid Solicitor Requirements
Commercial Fundraisers Must Register with the State
Yes
Paid Solicitor Registration Fee
$250.00
Paid Solicitor Renewal Fee
$250.00
Surety Bond for Professional Fundraisers
$20,000.00
Must 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 ($15 per solicitor registration)
Individual solicitors employed by professional fundraisers must register separately?