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FAQs: Nonprofit Reports

  1. What are GuideStar Reports?
  2. Where do you get your nonprofit report data?
  3. If an organization is listed on GuideStar, does it have GuideStar's "seal of approval"?
  4. Why don't all organizations have financial information?

  1. What are GuideStar Reports?

    GuideStar Reports are Web pages displaying information on a single nonprofit organization. The amount of information available on these pages depends on each organization's participation level. The most active nonprofits provide information for their GuideStar Reports, upload documents, and post pictures, add news releases, etc. GuideStar Reports are found by searching the site and selecting one of the organizations on the search results page.

  2. Where do you get your nonprofit report data?

    Financial information comes from the IRS Business Master File of exempt organizations and IRS Forms 990, 990-EZ, and 990-PF. Other information, such as an organization's programs, accomplishments, and goals, are obtained directly from the organization or from the organization's Form 990 or 990-EZ.

  3. If an organization is listed on GuideStar, does it have GuideStar's "seal of approval"?

    No. GuideStar does not judge nonprofits; it is not a watchdog organization, we practice neutrality. GuideStar's goal is to help donors make their own judgments, based on the information provided on the Web site.

    You will see the GuideStar Exchange Seal on GuideStar Exchange members' nonprofit report pages. This seal indicates that the nonprofit has updated their nonprofit report to the fullest, thus becoming a GuideStar Exchange member.

  4. Why don't all organizations have financial information?

    Financial information is only available for organizations that file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ. Many exempt organizations do not file a 990. For example, only about one-third of the nation's 900,000-plus public charities file. The remaining charities are not required to file either because (a) they have incomes of $25,000 or less or (b) they are faith-based organizations and are therefore exempt from filing.