What is GuideStar?
GuideStar is the premier hub for information on nonprofit organizations. GuideStar’s mission is “to revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving.” GuideStar gathers and disseminates information to grantmakers, donors, and potential supporters so they can easily use the information learn more about your nonprofit and make better decisions. GuideStar wants to help nonprofits share their whole story through program, finance, and impact information.
Why should I update my nonprofit’s GuideStar profile?
If you have heard it once, you have heard it a million times: transparency. Transparency helps build and maintain trust with those who support your nonprofit, including potential new grantmakers. Updating your GuideStar profile is an easy way you can share information about your nonprofit.
You and your nonprofit are doing great work. You are making an impact in your community, so share it.
Here are five reasons that you should claim and/or keep your profile updated:
- Grantmakers use the information provided on your profile to make award decisions.
- The information is networked with more than 120 websites and apps like AmazonSmile, Network for Good, Blackbaud, Change.org, Razoo, and Foundant/Grant Hub.
- GuideStar recently refreshed their website and the data they collect. Read about it here: New GuideStar Seals, New Data, New Profiles
- If you are a 501c3, you already have a profile, so why not keep it up to date? Give grantmakers and potential donors the information they need straight from the source.
- It’s Free.
How do I update our profile?
Head over to Guidestar.org and claim your profile. Updating your nonprofit’s GuideStar profile could be the key element for a grantmaker or donor to say yes to making a grant award or donation.
Is your nonprofit’s profile up to date? Take ten minutes to update your profiles so you are ready for your grantmaker to find and read your profile!