The law allows qualified nonprofit organizations to apply for a license to conduct bingos, raffles, and to sell charity game tickets. Organizations that have not previously qualified must provide the appropriate qualification documents. Qualification and license types are outlined on this page.
You may go through the qualification process before applying for a license -OR- you may include your qualification documents along with license fee and completed license application. Contact our office with any questions at cg-questions@michigan.gov or 517-335-5780.
Select the ORGANIZATION TYPE that best describes the purpose of the organization. The first page is a Qualification Information form and the second page contains a list of the documents that are required for that type of organization. Print and complete the Qualification information form, then provide all the required documentation listed, as well as proof of a current bank account in the name of the organization. Send documentation and qualification form to the address listed on the form.
Note: A previously qualified organization may be required to submit updated qualification information to assure its continued eligibility under the Act.
Organization Type |
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An organization in this state that is organized not for pecuniary profit, whose primary purpose is educational in nature and designed to develop the capabilities of individuals by instruction in any public or private elementary or secondary school that complies with the revised school code, 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.1 to 380.1852, or any private or public college or university that is organized not for pecuniary profit and that is approved by the state board of education. Tip: Schools and school districts that comply with the Michigan School Code Act (NOT booster clubs, teams, PTO’s or other orgs within school). Most schools and school districts do not need to submit qualification information with the exception of proof of a bank account in the name of the school or district who is applying. However, some private and nonprofit charter schools may need to provide additional qualification documents. |
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An organization in this state, other than a college fraternity or sorority, that meets all of the following criteria: (i) Is organized not for pecuniary profit. (ii) Is a branch, lodge, or chapter of a national or state organization or, only for the purpose of conducting a small raffle or a large raffle under this act, if not a branch, lodge, or chapter of a national or state organization, is exempt from taxation under section 501(c) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 501. (iii) Exists for the common purpose, brotherhood, or other interests of its members. To qualify for raffles only, if not a chapter of a state or national, you must be 501c with the IRS and agree to audits by the bureau. Contact the office with anyquestions. Tip: Benefits their members, are a social or recreation club must be a chapter of a state or national organization, where the relationship with the state or national organization complies with Rule 202(4)(ie. Eagles, K of C, Moose, unions, bowling associations). |
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Organized not for pecuniary profit; that is not affiliated with a state or national organization; that is recognized by resolution adopted by the local governmental subdivision in which the organization conducts its principal activities; whose constitution, charter, articles of incorporation, or bylaws contain a provision for the perpetuation of the organization as a nonprofit organization; whose entire assets are used for charitable purposes; and whose constitution, charter, articles of incorporation, or bylaws contain a provision that all assets, real property, and personal property must revert to the benefit of the local governmental subdivision that granted the resolution or another nonprofit organization on dissolution of the organization. Tip: Org must have a charitable purpose and NOT be affiliated with a state or national organization (ie. Foundations, Friends of “org”, booster clubs, hospitals, chamber of commerce, PTO’s, orgs benefiting youth, animals, the environment, or promoting the economy also would qualify under this category). |
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An organization, church, body of communicants, or group in this state that is organized not for pecuniary profit and that gathers in common membership for mutual support and edification in piety, worship, and religious observances. (ii) A society of individuals in this state that is organized not for pecuniary profit and that unites for religious purposes at a definite place. (iii) A church-related private school in this state that is organized not for pecuniary profit. Tip: Churches generally, but some other orgs as well whose members meet in a definite place for worship, etc. |
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An organization in this state that is organized not for pecuniary profit, that consists of at least 15 members who are 60 years of age or older, and that exists for their mutual support and for the advancement of the causes of elderly or retired persons. Tip: Purpose must be specifically for seniors or elderly; members must include seniors or elderly over the age of 60. |
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A branch, lodge, or chapter in this state of a national or state organization that is organized not for pecuniary profit and that is authorized by its written constitution, charter, articles of incorporation, or bylaws to engage in a fraternal, civic, or service purpose in this state. Tip: Must be a chapter of a state or national organization, where the relationship with the state or national organization complies with rule202(4))(ie. Lions, Jaycees, Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, NWTF, PTA (if a chapter of the Mich PTA)).
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An organization in this state, or a branch, lodge, or chapter in this state of a state organization or of a national organization chartered by the Congress of the United States, that is organized not for pecuniary profit, the membership of which consists of individuals who were members of the armed services or armed forces of the United States. Veterans' organization includes an auxiliary of a veterans' organization that is a national organization chartered by the Congress of the United States. Tip: Membership made of Veterans (ie. VFW, Amvets, VVA, American Legion). |
If your organization has previously qualified, choose from the license types below for the appropriate application for your next event. If your organization has not previously qualified, choose the appropriate license application and send it with the qualification documents.
