GuideStar Standards

GuideStar USA, Inc. (GuideStar) and all organizations using licensed GuideStar data agree to:

1. Comply with all applicable laws.
2. Fulfill all promises and abide by all statements made through Web sites and promotional materials.
3. 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.
4. Publish and abide by an information privacy policy to protect Web site visitors as well as organizations contained in the GuideStar database.
5. Provide adequate security measures to protect GuideStar data and other valuable information from unauthorized access or misuse.
6. Provide full disclosure and clear instructions to all users of their services. Such disclosure includes but is not limited to:
   1. All applicable costs and fees that might apply;
   2. The organization status (profit or nonprofit) and means of funding operations.
7. 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.
8. 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:

1. Comply with all applicable laws, including but not limited to charity solicitation and tax laws.
2. Provide full disclosure and clear instructions to all users of its services. This information, prominently placed, will include but is not limited to:
   1. An explanation of all donation transaction tools;
   2. An explanation of the transaction security measures in place;
   3. An explanation as to whether donors’ personal information will be passed on to others, either for free or for a fee;
   4. Policies and procedures with regard to notification of the nonprofit organization and the donor about the gift;
   5. Policies and procedures with regard to disbursement of funds received;
   6. Policies and procedures with regard to donor inquiries and resolution of disputed transactions;
   7. 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;
   8. An explanation of potential tax implications of these transactions and the suggestion that donors consult their own counsel;
   9. Answers to frequently asked questions about the transaction.
3. Provide all applicable documentation to donors and nonprofit organizations, including tax receipts as required by the IRS.

© 2009 GuideStar USA, Inc.

• Back to Top