FAQs: GuideStar Exchange

What is the GuideStar Exchange?

The GuideStar Exchange is an initiative designed to connect nonprofits with current and potential supporters. With Millions of people coming to GuideStar to learn more about nonprofit organizations, the GuideStar Exchange allows nonprofits to share a wealth of up-to-date information with GuideStar's vast on-line audience of grantmakers and individual donors.

Exchange members are nonprofits that have updated their nonprofit report to the fullest—sharing information, documentation, photos and video with GuideStar's site visitors. Review the required information for Exchange participation >

Which browsers are compatible with the GuideStar Exchange Form?

Firefox and Internet Explorer work best.

Is it possible to update our nonprofit report without becoming a GuideStar Exchange member?

Yes. Your organization may update its nonprofit report without becoming a GuideStar Exchange member. This can be done by completing the fields with a single asterisk in the Basic Nonprofit Report section of the on-line form to update nonprofit reports . You do not need to upload documents to your report, however, an annual report may assist donors with their giving decisions. Documents are only required for GuideStar Exchange membership.

Is there a charge to be listed on the GuideStar Exchange?

There is no charge.

Some of the information I entered in the GuideStar Exchange Form is not being displayed in my organization’s GuideStar report. Why?

Some of the fields on the GuideStar Exchange Form are displayed only to GuideStar Premium subscribers. Other fields help inform GuideStar’s research on the nonprofit sector and are not visible on the GuideStar site. By sharing your organization’s information with GuideStar, you have not only updated your report but also helped increased knowledge of the sector and reached out to the millions of people who use our partner sites. Thank you for taking the time to complete the GuideStar Exchange Form.

Where can I learn more about the GuideStar Exchange and about completing the GuideStar Exchange Form?

Try our new GuideStar Exchange tutorial. This free, 50-minute video includes instructions on completing the GuideStar Exchange Form.

Can I upload all my board member and senior manager information at once, or do I have to upload each one manually?

You can now upload them all at once, although you can still upload information manually, if you prefer.

To upload information on multiple board members or senior managers, download the appropriate template from the GuideStar Exchange Form. Please note that if you do choose to use the template, it will overwrite any previously entered names.

If I need to update my board members or senior staff, when I download the template, do I have to reenter all the information?

No.

I used the templates to update the information for my board members and senior managers. When I uploaded, it deleted all the previous information. Can I get that information back?

Unfortunately, no. If you are going to use the template to upload information on multiple board members or senior managers, please be sure to include all the names you want to appear.

I downloaded the template to update the information for my board members and senior managers. What format do I need to save my final file as?

Excel, csv, or Notepad.

How do I use the template to update the information?

1. Download template as an Excel, csv, or Notepad file by pressing the "Get Board Members template" or "Get Senior Staff template" button.
2. Fill in the required fields for all board members and senior managers.
3. Save the file to your computer as an Excel, csv, or notepad document.
4. Click the browse button and select the file from your computer.
5. Upload the completed file by pressing the "Upload and Replace Board Members" or "Upload and Replace Senior Staff" button.

Can I display my organization's GuideStar Exchange Seal on my Web site?

If your organization has earned the GuideStar Exchange Seal, you are welcome to display it on your site. To obtain the Seal:

1. Log in on our site.
2. Click the Update Nonprofit Report button.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the Update Nonprofit Report page and click the Benefits link for your organization.
4. Click the Get the GuideStar Exchange Seal Widget link.
5. Follow the instructions on the GuideStar Seal Widget page.

Will the GuideStar Exchange Seal include a link to my GuideStar profile?

Yes. The widget customizes the seal for your organization. The code will include your organization's name as it appears on GuideStar as well as a link to your organization's GuideStar profile.

Can I embed my GuideStar Exchange Seal in my Facebook page?

Not at this time, although we may add this functionality in the future. We will continue to look for ways to serve your organization better and look forward to your suggestions. Please click the feedback link on the lower right-hand corner of your browser and send us your comments.

Why did my GuideStar Exchange Seal disappear from my Web site?

There are several reasons why your GuideStar Exchange Seal may have disappeared:

1. Your organization did not click "Send to GuideStar" under the "Review Changes" tab the last time you updated your profile.
2. The IRS has revoked your organization's tax-exempt status.
3. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has listed your organization as an entity engaged in or supporting terrorism.
4. Your organization has violated the Terms of Use for the GuideStar Web site, the GuideStar Exchange Terms of Use, or our policies for posting information on GuideStar.