Data Services

GuideStar Data Services allows you to tap into millions of fields of information stored in our extensive database. Whether you're looking for information on public charities or private foundations, Data Services can help you get the best information for your research, outreach, or marketing needs.

Where does the information come from?

Sources of our data

  • IRS Form 990

    Public charities with annual revenues of more than $25,000—approximately 250,000 organizations—must file a Form 990 or 990-EZ with the Internal Revenue Service.

    For more than seven years, we have received images of these financial reporting forms directly from the IRS and posted them on our Web site. We have keyed more than 300 fields of information from more than one million forms. This information can be provided to you through GuideStar Data Services.

  • IRS Form 990-PF

    Private foundations of all income levels are required to file an IRS Form 990-PF. This document contains financial and grantmaking activity for these organizations .

    We have digitized more than 100 fields of information from more than 100,000 Forms 990-PF, filed by more than 42,000 private foundations. GuideStar's searchable database includes private foundations that meet any of the following criteria:

    • Grant activity of more than $50,000, give to pre-selected organizations only
    • Grant activity of more than $50,000, give to pre-selected organizations only
    • Total assets of $5 million and greater

    Additionally, grants of $5,000 and greater given by these organizations are accessible through GuideStar Grant Explorer.

  • IRS Business Master File (BMF)

    The GuideStar database also contains information from the IRS Business Master File (BMF). The BMF includes basic data about charitable organizations, including EIN, ruling year, fiscal year, exemption code and NTEE code.

    The IRS updates the BMF approximately 10 times a year; we compare each update to the previous version, adding any new exempt organizations to the database, and updating organizations' addresses and financial information.

How can I get this information?

GuideStar Data Services Products

  • State and MSA Lists—We offer pre-set Excel data files of public charities by state and major city, or metropolitan statistical area (MSA). Derived from public charities' IRS Form 990 and 990-EZ filings and updated monthly, these lists are perfect for your next outreach campaign.
  • Custom Data Services—We will work with you one-on-one to create a data set customized to your individual needs. Put GuideStar information to work for you today!