Stronger broad policy environment: Pennsylvania ranks 12th in the Broad Policy Environment, performing far better here than in other dimensions due to low occupational licensing burdens and better than average economic freedom (although it ranks relatively poorly in tax competitiveness).
Poor nonprofit freedom: Pennsylvania ranks 48th in Nonprofit Freedom, reflecting mandatory registration, annual renewal, steep fees, and extensive reporting and contractor-related requirements. It also requires annual audits for charities with revenue more than $750,000.
Very weak donor confidence: The state ranks 45th in this category, offering no donor privacy, no donor standing, no charitable deduction, and being the only state in the country with no UPMIFA safeguards.
Detailed Scorecard
1. Broad Policy Environment
1A. Occupational Freedom (rescaled 0 to 10)
6.50
1B. Tax Competitiveness (rescaled 0 to 10)
3.25
1C. EFNA (0 to 10)
6.91
2. Nonprofit Freedom
2A. Charitable Startup Regulations
Requires charitable registration?
Yes
Top Registration Fee
$250.00
Minimum Registration Fee
$15.00
Top Incorporation Fee
$125.00
Minimum Incorporation Fee
$125.00
2B. Charitable Reporting Regulations
Requires Annual Report?
Yes
Top Annual Fee
$250.00
Minimum Annual Fee
$15.00
Requires Additional Corporate Filings
Yes
Other Fees
$0.00
Tiered Fee Structure
Yes
Overlapping Regulators
Yes
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
$25,000.00
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
Individual solicitors employed by professional fundraisers must register separately?