There are 3 main steps a new nonprofit should take to make sure they are listed as eligible to receive DAF gifts from the 1,150+ DAF providers in the US. This process can range from taking a few weeks to a few months.
1. IRS Database listing
Before you can expect DAF providers to add your nonprofit you should make sure you are properly listed with the IRS and have a valid EIN. The IRS database is updated on the second Monday of each month so even after you receive your IRS determination letter this phase can still take a few weeks. To confirm you're listed you can use the IRS online Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.
2. Guidestar listing
In addition to the IRS database you should also make sure to claim your Candid GuideStar profile. Candid's GuideStar Charity Check is the only solution that looks up 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and checks charity grant eligibility. Many DAF providers and other tech providers serving nonprofits use Guidestar as part of their due diligence to verify nonprofits are registered and in good standing. This approval can take a few days to a few weeks depending on the time of year.
Once you are listed in the IRS Database and on GuideStar you should be all set for many of the large commercial DAFs and other grant making organizations. DAF providers typically update their databases based on the IRS database and GuideStar about once a month although sometimes sooner.
3. Community & Cause Specific DAFs
While the big commercial DAF providers often add all 501c3 nonprofits, community DAFs and cause-specific DAFs have an additional layer of security in making sure the nonprofits they add align to their mission. As such, the process for nonprofits to get added to these DAF providers can vary. Some allow nonprofits to reach out directly to be added while others require a donor to submit a new nonprofit request as part of the first grant to that nonprofit.
To understand more about the differences between DAF providers, click here.
If you want to see if you're listed across all the major DAF providers and how you're listed check out DAF Scan by Chariot. Note: before creating a free Chariot account to check your nonprofit's DAF Scan report, it's best to complete steps 1 and 2 above.