GuideStar USA, Inc. (GuideStar) and all organizations using licensed GuideStar data
agree to:
- Comply with all applicable laws.
- Fulfill all promises and abide by all statements made through Web sites and promotional
materials.
- Present all information on nonprofit organizations as accurately as possible. Data
will be provided in context, and the sources of the data will be clearly identified.
- Publish and abide by an information privacy policy to protect Web site visitors
as well as organizations contained in the GuideStar database.
- Provide adequate security measures to protect GuideStar data and other valuable
information from unauthorized access or misuse.
- Provide full disclosure and clear instructions to all users of their services. Such
disclosure includes but is not limited to:
- All applicable costs and fees that might apply;
- The organization status (profit or nonprofit) and means of funding operations.
- Publish hours of service. Make all necessary efforts to provide reliable services
during these hours. Services include but are not limited to Web sites, customer
service, and general business office.
- Provide a prompt response to all queries and a reasonable attempt to resolve all
issues.
GuideStar Standards for Internet Philanthropy
Additionally, any organization using licensed GuideStar data to support financial
transactions between donors and nonprofit organizations agrees to:
- Comply with all applicable laws, including but not limited to charity solicitation
and tax laws.
- Provide full disclosure and clear instructions to all users of its services. This
information, prominently placed, will include but is not limited to:
- An explanation of all donation transaction tools;
- An explanation of the transaction security measures in place;
- An explanation as to whether donors? personal information will be passed on to others,
either for free or for a fee;
- Policies and procedures with regard to notification of the nonprofit organization
and the donor about the gift;
- Policies and procedures with regard to disbursement of funds received;
- Policies and procedures with regard to donor inquiries and resolution of disputed
transactions;
- Full disclosure of all costs associated with the transaction, including how costs
are calculated, who pays the costs, and how the organization sustains itself if
it does not take a fee from the transaction;
- An explanation of potential tax implications of these transactions and
the suggestion that donors consult their own counsel;
- Answers to frequently asked questions about the transaction.
- Provide all applicable documentation to donors and nonprofit organizations, including
tax receipts as required by the IRS.
© 2013 GuideStar USA, Inc.