Frequently Asked Questions about the GuideStar® Database

How big is it?
GuideStar's database includes information on all IRS-registered 501(c) nonprofit organizations. Currently, there are more than 850,000 organizations in the database, including public charities, private foundations, and other 501(c) organizations to which contributions may be tax deductible.

The database is designed to handle a range of information from organizations. Included are program descriptions and financial information, as well as newsletters, press releases, and classified ads supplied by the organizations themselves. From IRS Form 990, there are 900 fields of information.

Where does GuideStar® get its information?
Information in the database comes from three main sources:
  • The Internal Revenue Service's Business Master File (BMF) of section 501(c) nonprofit organizations. The BMF provides only rudimentary information about an organization-its name, address, and, sometimes, basic financial information.

  • IRS Forms 990 or 990-EZ, the financial returns that nonprofits with incomes of more than $25,000 must file. The Form 990 provides information on an organization's mission, programs, goals, accomplishments, finances, and leaders. Only about one-third of the nation's public charities are required to file the Form 990, however.

  • The organizations themselves. In addition to providing program and financial information, nonprofits can post newsletters, press releases, and classified ads with their reports in the GuideStar® database. All organizations in the GuideStar® database are invited to participate in GuideStar® by registering and competing an online questionnaire. Participation in GuideStar® is free.
Why are there differing amounts of information for organizations?
The amount of information listed for each nonprofit organization depends upon the information available to GuideStar® and the participation level of the organization.

The basis for information on the organizations in the GuideStar® database is the Internal Revenue Service's Business Master File (BMF). At a minimum, the name and address for an organization, taken from the BMF, is on the GuideStar® Report. These are the organizations listed on the Search Results page with no icon.

In other instances, GuideStar® obtained an organization's IRS Form 990, a public document that nonprofit organizations with revenues over $25,000 must file annually with the IRS. These reports, marked on the search results with a green icon, contain purpose, program service accomplishments, and financial information.

All organizations are invited to provide supplemental data to their listings and to create a full set of GuideStar Pages™ which include information on their mission, program services, finances, accomplishments, goals, and leadership. In addition, they can post online newsletters, press releases, and classified ads. These organizations are marked with a blue icon in the search results.

Is there a charge to me for using this Charity Search?
No. Donors may use the database for free. Also, nonprofits can add information to their GuideStar Pages™ for free.

© 2000 Philanthropic Research, Inc.