GuideStar
Claim this toolAccess comprehensive nonprofit data for informed giving, grantmaking, and partnerships.
Free plan available, paid tiers aboveVisit WebsiteFreemiumVisit Website
Tracked since2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- Free plan available, paid tiers above. Compare plans
Key facts
- Provides comprehensive data on 1.8 million nonprofits.
- Enables donors, grantmakers, and businesses to make informed decisions.
- Offers tools for nonprofits to enhance transparency and attract funding.
Pros
- Extensive database covering a vast number of nonprofits
- High data quality and accuracy from validated sources
- Tools for both data consumers (donors, grantmakers) and data providers (nonprofits)
- API access for integrating nonprofit data into other platforms
- Enhances transparency and trust in the nonprofit sector
Cons
- Advanced features like GuideStar Pro require a paid subscription
- The free tier may have limitations on data depth or search capabilities
- Reliance on self-reported data from nonprofits for some profile elements
What is GuideStar?
GuideStar, powered by Candid, provides a robust platform for accessing detailed information on 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations and thousands of faith-based nonprofits. It serves donors, grantmakers, and businesses by offering insights into financials, leadership, and missions, enabling more effective philanthropic decisions and strategic partnerships. Nonprofits can also claim and update their profiles to enhance transparency and attract support.
The platform centralizes authoritative data derived from validated sources like 990s and direct reporting, ensuring daily updates and accuracy. GuideStar Pro offers advanced research capabilities for efficiently identifying and vetting potential nonprofit partners. Additionally, Candid provides API solutions to integrate this premier nonprofit data directly into other systems and applications, powering various philanthropic initiatives and platforms.
Available on: Web
Key Features
- Searchable database of 1.8 million tax-exempt organizations
- Access to financial data and leadership information
- Nonprofit profile claiming and updating for transparency
- Seal of Transparency program for nonprofits
- GuideStar Pro for advanced nonprofit research and partnerships
- Nonprofit data API solutions for system integration
- Authoritative data derived from 990s and direct reporting
- Daily data verification and updates
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Sep 29, 2026
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nonprofit Profile | Free |
|
| GuideStar Pro | Contact us |
|
| Nonprofit API solutions | Contact us |
|
Is GuideStar worth the price?
Fair value
The 'Nonprofit Profile' free tier is generous for basic organizational management.
It's best for nonprofits needing a free basic profile and larger organizations or developers willing to negotiate for advanced data access.
Reviews
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GuideStar FAQ
How does GuideStar ensure the accuracy and timeliness of its nonprofit data?
GuideStar sources its data from validated sources, including IRS 990 forms and direct reporting from nonprofits. This information undergoes best-in-sector proprietary data processing and is verified and updated daily to maintain accuracy and provide the most current insights.
What specific benefits does a nonprofit gain by earning a Seal of Transparency?
Earning a Seal of Transparency allows nonprofits to provide donors with crucial information about their organization, mission, financials, and leadership. This increased transparency builds trust, enhances credibility, and can significantly improve a nonprofit's ability to attract and secure support from donors and grantmakers.
Can businesses leverage GuideStar's data for purposes other than direct philanthropy?
Yes, businesses can utilize GuideStar's data to identify valuable nonprofit partners for corporate social responsibility initiatives, employee engagement programs, or strategic alliances. GuideStar Pro offers efficient tools for researching organizations that align with specific business goals, and API solutions allow for deeper integration into business systems.
What kind of information is typically available through the nonprofit API solutions?
The nonprofit API solutions provide access to premier nonprofit data, enabling users to power their own platforms and applications. This includes comprehensive insights into an organization's financials, people/leadership, mission, and other key operational details, allowing for customized data integration and analysis.
Beyond IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations, what other types of nonprofits are included in the database?
In addition to 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations, GuideStar also includes data on thousands of faith-based nonprofits. This broad coverage ensures a more comprehensive view of the nonprofit sector for users seeking diverse organizational types.
Source: guidestar.org