You and the members of your organization are doing great work. Every day. Make sure people know it.
Today, with information at our fingertips and people seeking more accountability – from business and nonprofits alike – it is critical to know the criteria people are relying on to judge your organization and the work you do.
There are several charity watchdog websites that donors use to learn about how nonprofits are governed and how they allocate their funds. Because your nonprofit is supported by the public, the public has the right to know. Different websites provide different information and draw conclusions in different ways using the information provided.
Learn more about Charity Watchdog Groups.
Here we focus on one of the most influential ones, GuideStar by Candid. GuideStar is primarily an information source, providing a searchable database of nonprofit 990s and additional data on over 2 million nonprofit entities. It provides donors with a way to learn more about your organization and compare your financials with others. Nonprofits can also opt to provide additional information on their finances and impact to be awarded a Seal of Transparency.
Depending on how much information your organization chooses to provide in your profile, it will be identified by a particular Seal of Transparency that helps prospective donors understand your organization, potentially before they make a donation.
Research has shown that nonprofits with a GuideStar Seal average 53% more in contributions.
What Information Do the Different Seals Indicate?
Bronze: Basic information
Silver: Program information, branding and social media
Gold: Financials and board demographics
Platinum: Strategy and impact
How Can a GuideStar Profile Help?
Creating a GuideStar profile with enough information to earn a seal, and – importantly – keeping it updated, can benefit your organization in many ways:
Showcase your programs and your impact
Increase funding by having your information available to donor-advised funds and thousands of foundations
Save time with grant applications; some granting organizations pull data directly from your profile
Send fresh information to 200+ charitable sites, including Facebook, and Network for Good
Use your profile to build credibility by easily sharing a full profile link
By earning a Bronze Seal, you are eligible to use Apple Pay for donations
Creating a GuideStar profile is free and easy. For more information, visit the Candid website and consult your legal and financial advisors.