Frequently Asked Questions

Beta Report Pages FAQs

  1. What is a beta report page?
  2. Why is GuideStar creating new report pages?
  3. How can I make suggestions about how to improve the beta report pages?
  4. How can I manage the information on my organization's beta report page?
  5. What is the GuideStar Exchange?
  6. My organization does not qualify to be listed on the GuideStar Exchange. What can I do?
  7. Where can I get more information on the GuideStar Exchange?
  8. I have completed my organization's GuideStar Exchange Form (GEF). What happens now?
  9. Is there a charge to list my organization on the GuideStar Exchange?
  10. Can I see an example of a completed report page?

Answers:

1. What is a beta report page?

It is a test version of a new report page we are developing. The pages are not the final versions we will be posting on our Web site, but they're close enough to show in public so that we can work the bugs out.

We would like your feedback on the new pages. Your comments and suggestions will help us launch a final version that is bug free, efficient, and, most of all, helps you to be more successful—both during your visits to GuideStar and as you use the information you find here.

2. Why is GuideStar creating new report pages?

Our users' needs are evolving, and our site needs to evolve with (and sometimes ahead!) of them.

Today's donors and funders want hard facts to guide their giving decisions-they want to know that the nonprofits they support are legitimate organizations, and they want to know that those organizations are using their resources wisely. That's why we require each nonprofit listed on the GuideStar Exchange to upload its letter of determination and most recent independent audited financial statement. The information we post in the beta report pages is designed to meet the needs of individuals and donors. (See questions 4-8 below for more information on the GuideStar Exchange.)

Nonprofits want to reach out to Internet users in new and more engaging ways. They want to upload their logos, photos, and video. Our current report pages don't allow them to do any of these things. Our new beta pages do.

3. How can I make suggestions about how to improve the beta report pages?

Click the Tell us what you think button at the top left of any beta report. The button will take you to a short survey. Feel free to fill out the survey as often as you have new feedback on the beta pages to share with us.

4. How can I manage the information on my organization's beta report page?

Apply to be listed on the GuideStar Exchange by completing the GuideStar Exchange Form (GEF).

5. What is the GuideStar Exchange?

The GuideStar Exchange is a new initiative designed to connect nonprofits with current and potential supporters. Any organization that has an IRS letter of determination and an annual independent audited financial statement can be listed on the Exchange.

Millions of people come to GuideStar to learn more about nonprofit organizations. The GuideStar Exchange allows nonprofits to share a wealth of up-to-date information with GuideStar's vast on-line audience of grantmakers and individual donors.

6. My organization does not qualify to be listed on the GuideStar Exchange. What can I do?

(a) Complete the GuideStar Exchange Form survey by clicking the Tell us what you think button on the form and (b) update your information using the GuideStar Information Form on our main site.

Launching the new GuideStar Exchange program in beta allows us to test the elements of the program as well as the new report pages. We are interested in hearing from organizations that do not qualify but are interested in our new program. Based on the feedback we receive, we may change our posting policy or the membership criteria to become listed on the GuideStar Exchange.

Your feedback is valuable. We want to hear from you.

7. Where can I get more information on the GuideStar Exchange?

See our GuideStar Exchange FAQs.

8. I have completed my organization's GuideStar Exchange Form (GEF). What happens now?

GuideStar staff will review your GEF with in two business days. If it is complete, we'll post the information to your beta report page and send you an e-mail to let you know. Your GEF information will appear in your beta report page the day after we send the e-mail.

If you need to provide additional information or if we have questions about your GEF, we'll e-mail you.

9. Is there a charge to list my organization on the GuideStar Exchange?

No. Thanks to the support of generous foundations, we are able to offer this service at no charge to the organizations listed on the GuideStar Exchange or to the users who access our beta report pages.

10. Can I see an example of a completed report page?

Click here to view GuideStar's beta report page.