LibGuides: Nonprofit Organizations - research sources for reporters: Databases of Nonprofit Organizations (2024)

Researching Nonprofit Organizations

Most tax-exempt nonprofit organizations must file a public financial document called a form 990 every year with the IRS. The tools in this guide will help you background or investigate a nonprofit organization.

Databases on Nonprofits

Databases for finding a nonprofit organization's990 filings with the IRS,other financial information, and public records.

  • If the nonprofit has a contract with a public agency, performance and financial audits may exist.Find or file a Freedom of Information Request for audits and reports.
LibGuides: Nonprofit Organizations - research sources for reporters: Databases of Nonprofit Organizations (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest source of funding for reporting nonprofits? ›

1. Individual Donations. Individual donations are one of the most important sources of funding for nonprofits.

What organization is the largest source of nonprofit information? ›

Unlocking the World's Largest Nonprofit Database

The breadth and depth of the GuideStar database are unmatched. Millions of people use the information they find on GuideStar to make decisions about nonprofits.

What is a nonprofit database? ›

A nonprofit database is a dynamic, multifunctional platform designed to help nonprofits manage their relationships with donors, members, volunteers, and other constituents. There are so many ways your nonprofit can use a nonprofit database—also known as a nonprofit CRM or donor database.

What records should nonprofits keep? ›

→ Corporate governance, credit card transactions, donor records, employment matters, fundraising activities, licenses (for such things as raffles), insurance, investments and banking, serving/treating patients, programs and activities, real estate sales, leases and other contracts with vendors, tax-exempt certificates ...

What are the three sources of funding that nonprofit organizations rely on? ›

How are nonprofits funded?
  • Fees for goods and/or services.
  • Individual donations and major gifts.
  • Bequests.
  • Corporate contributions.
  • Foundation grants.
  • Government grants and contracts.
  • Interest from investments.
  • Loans/program-related investments (PRIs)

What is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit organization? ›

About Us. United Way Worldwide is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit. Our global mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good.

What is the difference between a 501c and a 501c3? ›

A 501(c) organization and a 501(c)3 organization are similar in designation, however they differ slightly in their tax benefits. Both types of organization are exempt from federal income tax, however a 501(c)3 may allow its donors to write off donations whereas a 501(c) does not.

Which is the most successful nonprofit organization in the US? ›

With revenues of $23 billion in 2022, Lutheran Services in America tops the list of the highest-earning nonprofits in the United States, according to an analysis by Forbes. The network of 300 Lutheran organizations is one of only three nonprofits bringing in more than $10 billion annually, as our chart shows.

What 3 states have the largest number of non profit organizations? ›

The greatest number of public charities is gen- erally found in states with the largest popula- tions. California, New York, and Texas reported the largest number of public charities; they also have the largest populations.

What is the difference between a nonprofit and a NPO? ›

Nonprofit vs.

The terms nonprofit organization (NPO) and not-for-profit organization (NFPO) are sometimes used interchangeably. There are, however, key distinctions: A nonprofit must offer some social benefit. A not-for-profit may exist to serve its membership rather than society at large.

Is there a database for charities? ›

Working closely with the IRS and other government agencies, private sector service organizations, and the scholarly community, NCCS builds compatible national, state, and regional databases and develops uniform standards for reporting on the activities of charitable organizations.

What does a nonprofit database coordinator do? ›

This position works closely with the Development and Finance teams. Primarily, they ensure efficiency and timeliness in processing donor information and donations using best practice techniques to maintain optimal data integrity.

What is the 5 percent rule for nonprofits? ›

This rule mandates private foundations distribute 5% of their asset value annually for charitable purposes. Over the years, private foundations have proven to be an essential source of charitable giving. In 2022, they contributed over $105 billion in charitable donations, up from nearly $103 billion in 2021.

Do nonprofits need an audit every year? ›

Charitable corporations with gross revenues of $2 million or more must prepare annual financial statements audited by an independent certified public accountant (CPA). The statements must use generally accepted accounting principles. The independent CPA must follow generally accepted auditing standards.

What records must be kept forever? ›

Important papers to save forever include:
  • Birth certificates.
  • Social Security cards.
  • Marriage certificates.
  • Adoption papers.
  • Death certificates.
  • Passports.
  • Wills and living wills.
  • Powers of attorney.
Feb 7, 2024

Which of the following comprise the largest funding source of nonprofits? ›

Research has shown that many nonprofits build their funding models around a dominant source of revenue. While individual giving is the largest source, some nonprofits may rely heavily on one of these major sources for their funding needs.

What is the top revenue source for nonprofits? ›

8 Top Nonprofit Revenue Streams
  • Individual Donations. Individual donations is an umbrella term for many types of fundraising that involve individuals donating to your organization. ...
  • Matching Gifts. ...
  • Volunteer Grants. ...
  • Corporate Sponsorships. ...
  • Member Dues. ...
  • In-Kind Contributions. ...
  • Grants. ...
  • Product Sales.
Jan 29, 2024

Where does the largest donation to nonprofits come from? ›

On average, about 88% of nonprofit funding comes from the top 12% of donors. Because they supply so much funding to your organization, your major donors are the ones who essentially provide the resources you need to keep your nonprofit afloat.

How do most nonprofits receive their funding? ›

Community donations

A recent study showed that 69% of nonprofit funding comes from individuals. Community fundraisers and social media campaigns can be great ways to encourage more donations from members of your community.

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