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FAQs: About GuideStar

  1. How does GuideStar support its operations?
  2. Who is GuideStar USA, Inc., and what is their relationship to GuideStar?
  3. Where did the name GuideStar come from?
  4. Where can I get an overview of GuideStar and what you do?

  1. How does GuideStar support its operations?

    GuideStar is a 501(c)(3) public charity supported by grants and gifts from users. A combination of foundations, corporate giving programs and individual donations help support our operations. For information on contributing to GuideStar, please visit our funding page.

  2. Who is GuideStar USA, Inc., and what is their relationship to GuideStar?

    GuideStar USA, Inc. (formally known as Philanthropic Research, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1994. GuideStar USA, Inc.’s mission is to revolutionize philanthropy and nonprofit practice by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving. GuideStar USA, Inc. does business under the name "GuideStar" and operates the GuideStar Web site to deliver nonprofit information.

  3. Where did the name GuideStar come from?

    The name GuideStar was taken from modern telescope technology and refers to the role we strive to play in the nonprofit sector. A telescope in orbit stores the positions of guide stars in its database in order to calculate its own position. The GuideStar Web site and database serve that purpose in the vast nonprofit universe.

  4. Where can I get an overview of GuideStar and what you do?

    Try our new tutorial. View this free, six-minute video to learn about our mission, the wide variety of people who rely on us, and how nonprofits can take advantage of their visibility on our site.

    View the tutorial >