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GuideStar

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uuid0006817

Namestring
GuideStar
Legal namestring
Candid
Websiteurl
guidestar.org
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
1994
Descriptiontext

GuideStar, founded in 1994 and now operating under the Candid brand following the 2019 merger with Foundation Center, is the largest information source on nonprofit organizations and private foundations in the United States. Its core product is a searchable database of 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations plus thousands of faith-based nonprofits, built by combining IRS Form 990 filings with direct nonprofit-reported data, verified and updated daily. The platform layers a proprietary Seal of Transparency rating system (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) that lets nonprofits demonstrate accountability and helps donors, grantmakers, and businesses evaluate organizations.

Underneath the consumer-facing site, GuideStar runs an enterprise data business that exposes the same corpus through API solutions consumed by 230+ partner platforms and applications, including Meta, Salesforce, PayPal, Sage Intacct, Vanguard Charitable, Foundant, and Network for Good. It offers four monetization streams: free nonprofit profile claims (freemium), GuideStar Pro subscriptions for advanced research, enterprise API and data solutions, and custom consultation services. Pricing for Pro and API tiers is not publicly disclosed; free profile updates are the primary acquisition surface for the long tail.

GuideStar operates as part of Candid, a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York with an office in Williamsburg, and employs 51-100 people. Its go-to-market combines product-led growth (free profiles), enterprise field sales (API integrations), community-led engagement (webinars, profile claiming, learning platform), and an API-first distribution model embedded in major platforms. The current footprint is limited to the United States, with no disclosed international expansion.

Short descriptiontext

GuideStar, part of Candid, provides searchable data on 1.8 million US nonprofit organizations, serving donors, grantmakers, foundations, businesses, and nonprofits through web research, Pro subscriptions, and API integrations powering 230+ partner platforms.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
51–100
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersWilliamsburg, United States
HQ citystring
Williamsburg
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices1 record

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
nonprofit data platform, nonprofit research software, IRS 990 data processing, charity transparency ratings, nonprofit API solutions
Industry2 codes
1Private Foundations
CodeBPAGAKAAPrimaryYes
2API Documentation & Developer Portals
CodeBPAMAOAHPrimaryNo
NAICS code1 code
  • Grantmaking Foundations813211
SIC code1 code
  • Services-Social Services8300
Product category
Nonprofit Data and Research Platform
GTM motion4 records

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model4 records
1GuideStar Pro Subscriptions
TypeSubscription Recurring
Description

Premium subscription service for researching nonprofits with deeper access to financial data, leadership information, and advanced search capabilities

guidestar.org
2API and Data Solutions
TypeSubscription Recurring
Description

Enterprise-grade API access and data solutions for platforms, programs, and applications needing to integrate nonprofit data

guidestar.org
3Free Nonprofit Profiles
TypeFreemium
Description

Free basic profiles for nonprofits to claim and update their information, generating network effects and data coverage

guidestar.org
4Consultation Services
TypeProfessional Services
Description

Schedule consultations for API solutions and custom data needs

guidestar.org
Marketing channels5 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components5 values
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Pricing details2 tiers
1Free nonprofit profiles with Seal of Transparency
ModelFreemiumBilling cadenceMonthly
Notes

Nonprofits can claim and update their profile for free and earn a Seal of Transparency to demonstrate accountability to donors

guidestar.org
2GuideStar Pro for advanced nonprofit research
ModelSubscriptionBilling cadenceAnnual
Notes

Advanced search capabilities, up to three years of Forms 990, revenue and expense data, CEO/Board information - pricing not publicly disclosed

guidestar.org
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeSoftware
Software
Core offering1 text field

GuideStar operates a nonprofit information platform providing searchable access to 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations, with financial, leadership, mission, and governance data. It offers free nonprofit profiles with the Seal of Transparency rating system, a subscription-based GuideStar Pro research product, and enterprise API/data solutions that power more than 230 third-party websites, programs, and applications.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 3 values shown
  • 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations in database
+2 more records
Product overview1 text field

GuideStar is a unified nonprofit data platform that serves as the premier destination for nonprofit research. The core offering consists of the GuideStar platform itself, which provides searchable access to 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations with comprehensive data including financials, leadership information, mission statements, and governance. The platform features the Seal of Transparency system (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze tiers) that allows nonprofits to showcase their credibility to donors. Additional products include API data solutions for programmatic access to nonprofit data, and GuideStar Pro for advanced research and partnership analysis capabilities.

Product and service3 records
1GuideStar (Free Nonprofit Profiles with Seal of Transparency)
CategoryNonprofit data and transparency
Description

Free, searchable profiles of IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations and faith-based nonprofits, including financials, leadership, mission, and governance data, with the proprietary Seal of Transparency rating system for donors, grantmakers, and businesses.

2GuideStar Pro
CategoryNonprofit research subscription
Description

Subscription product offering advanced search capabilities, up to three years of IRS Forms 990, revenue and expense data, and CEO and Board information for nonprofit research, prospect identification, and partnership analysis.

3Candid Nonprofit API Solutions
CategoryNonprofit data API
Description

Enterprise API access and data solutions providing programmatic access to nonprofit data for powering third-party platforms, programs, and applications, with custom data consultations available.

Scale indicator2 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership7 partners
1Meta
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Meta integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data into its platform, enabling users to access nonprofit information and verify charitable organizations through Meta's ecosystem.

2Salesforce
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Salesforce integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data, likely for nonprofit CRM and philanthropic features within their platform.

3PayPal
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

PayPal integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data, potentially for charitable giving features and donor verification.

4Sage Intacct
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Sage Intacct integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data for financial management and accounting features serving nonprofit organizations.

5Vanguard Charitable
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Vanguard Charitable integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data for donor-advised fund and charitable giving services.

6Foundant
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Foundant integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data for grant management and scholarship management solutions.

7Network for Good
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Network for Good integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data for nonprofit fundraising and donor management platforms.

Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight5 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Market position
Competitive moat5 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights7 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Named customers6 records

Each record includes

Name, Industry, Type, Use case, Source, UUID

Segment4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile3 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
Yes

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature4 records

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles1 record

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds1 record

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

GuideStar

Nonprofit Data and Research Platformguidestar.org

GuideStar, part of Candid, provides searchable data on 1.8 million US nonprofit organizations, serving donors, grantmakers, foundations, businesses, and nonprofits through web research, Pro subscriptions, and API integrations powering 230+ partner platforms.

What GuideStar does

GuideStar, founded in 1994 and now operating under the Candid brand following the 2019 merger with Foundation Center, is the largest information source on nonprofit organizations and private foundations in the United States. Its core product is a searchable database of 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations plus thousands of faith-based nonprofits, built by combining IRS Form 990 filings with direct nonprofit-reported data, verified and updated daily. The platform layers a proprietary Seal of Transparency rating system (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) that lets nonprofits demonstrate accountability and helps donors, grantmakers, and businesses evaluate organizations.

Underneath the consumer-facing site, GuideStar runs an enterprise data business that exposes the same corpus through API solutions consumed by 230+ partner platforms and applications, including Meta, Salesforce, PayPal, Sage Intacct, Vanguard Charitable, Foundant, and Network for Good. It offers four monetization streams: free nonprofit profile claims (freemium), GuideStar Pro subscriptions for advanced research, enterprise API and data solutions, and custom consultation services. Pricing for Pro and API tiers is not publicly disclosed; free profile updates are the primary acquisition surface for the long tail.

GuideStar operates as part of Candid, a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York with an office in Williamsburg, and employs 51-100 people. Its go-to-market combines product-led growth (free profiles), enterprise field sales (API integrations), community-led engagement (webinars, profile claiming, learning platform), and an API-first distribution model embedded in major platforms. The current footprint is limited to the United States, with no disclosed international expansion.

GuideStar firmographics

Firmographics
Name
GuideStar
Legal name
Candid
Website
https://guidestar.org
Company type
Private
Founded year
1994
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
51–100 employees
Short description
GuideStar, part of Candid, provides searchable data on 1.8 million US nonprofit organizations, serving donors, grantmakers, foundations, businesses, and nonprofits through web research, Pro subscriptions, and API integrations powering 230+ partner platforms.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

GuideStar industry classification

Industry
Product category
Nonprofit Data and Research Platform
NAICS
Grantmaking Foundations (813211)
SIC
Services-Social Services (8300)
akta.pro primary industry
Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA)
akta.pro secondary industry
API Documentation & Developer Portals (BPAMAOAH)

Keywords

  • Nonprofit data platform
  • Nonprofit research software
  • IRS 990 data processing
  • Charity transparency ratings
  • Nonprofit API solutions

Where GuideStar is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Williamsburg
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GuideStar business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Software
Cost components
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

  1. GuideStar Pro Subscriptions: Premium subscription service for researching nonprofits with deeper access to financial data, leadership information, and advanced search capabilities
  2. API and Data Solutions: Enterprise-grade API access and data solutions for platforms, programs, and applications needing to integrate nonprofit data
  3. Free Nonprofit Profiles: Free basic profiles for nonprofits to claim and update their information, generating network effects and data coverage
  4. Consultation Services: Schedule consultations for API solutions and custom data needs

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
FreemiumMonthlyFree nonprofit profiles with Seal of Transparency
SubscriptionAnnualGuideStar Pro for advanced nonprofit research

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

GuideStar product offering

Product offering

Core offering

GuideStar operates a nonprofit information platform providing searchable access to 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations, with financial, leadership, mission, and governance data. It offers free nonprofit profiles with the Seal of Transparency rating system, a subscription-based GuideStar Pro research product, and enterprise API/data solutions that power more than 230 third-party websites, programs, and applications.

Product overview

GuideStar is a unified nonprofit data platform that serves as the premier destination for nonprofit research. The core offering consists of the GuideStar platform itself, which provides searchable access to 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations with comprehensive data including financials, leadership information, mission statements, and governance. The platform features the Seal of Transparency system (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze tiers) that allows nonprofits to showcase their credibility to donors. Additional products include API data solutions for programmatic access to nonprofit data, and GuideStar Pro for advanced research and partnership analysis capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • GuideStar (Free Nonprofit Profiles with Seal of Transparency) Free, searchable profiles of IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations and faith-based nonprofits, including financials, leadership, mission, and governance data, with the proprietary Seal of Transparency rating system for donors, grantmakers, and businesses.
  • GuideStar Pro Subscription product offering advanced search capabilities, up to three years of IRS Forms 990, revenue and expense data, and CEO and Board information for nonprofit research, prospect identification, and partnership analysis.
  • Candid Nonprofit API Solutions Enterprise API access and data solutions providing programmatic access to nonprofit data for powering third-party platforms, programs, and applications, with custom data consultations available.

Quantifiable outcome

  • 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations in database
  • +2 more outcomes

Companies that use GuideStar

Customer profile

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

GuideStar technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
Yes
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

GuideStar partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.

  • MetacoreTechnology or IntegrationMeta integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data into its platform, enabling users to access nonprofit information and verify charitable organizations through Meta's ecosystem.
  • SalesforcecoreTechnology or IntegrationSalesforce integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data, likely for nonprofit CRM and philanthropic features within their platform.
  • PayPalcoreTechnology or IntegrationPayPal integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data, potentially for charitable giving features and donor verification.
  • Sage IntacctcoreTechnology or IntegrationSage Intacct integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data for financial management and accounting features serving nonprofit organizations.
  • Vanguard CharitablecoreTechnology or IntegrationVanguard Charitable integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data for donor-advised fund and charitable giving services.
  • FoundantcoreTechnology or IntegrationFoundant integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data for grant management and scholarship management solutions.
  • Network for GoodcoreTechnology or IntegrationNetwork for Good integrates GuideStar/Candid nonprofit data for nonprofit fundraising and donor management platforms.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

GuideStar competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

GuideStar social profiles

Digital presence

GuideStar financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

GuideStar leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

GuideStar funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

GuideStar M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GuideStar

What does GuideStar do?

GuideStar operates a nonprofit information platform providing searchable access to 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations, with financial, leadership, mission, and governance data. It offers free nonprofit profiles with the Seal of Transparency rating system, a subscription-based GuideStar Pro research product, and enterprise API/data solutions that power more than 230 third-party websites, programs, and applications.

Is GuideStar a public or private company?

GuideStar is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was GuideStar founded?

GuideStar was founded in 1994. It employs 51 to 100 people.

Where is GuideStar based?

GuideStar is headquartered in Williamsburg, United States, in the North America region.

How does GuideStar make money?

Four revenue lines are on record. GuideStar Pro Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are API and Data Solutions, free Nonprofit Profiles and consultation Services.

Does GuideStar have an API?

Yes. Power your platforms with Candid's APIs to support your organizational needs. Power your systems/applications with our premier nonprofit data via APIs. Schedule consultation available for API solutions. Developer documentation is at candid.org/data/explore-apis.

What industry is GuideStar in?

GuideStar's product category is Nonprofit Data and Research Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAA, Private Foundations, with a secondary code of BPAMAOAH, API Documentation & Developer Portals. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8300.

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Live signals
CalvettifergusonNonprofit Guide: Understanding Grading Agencies & RatingsNon-profit grading agencies serve as independent evaluators, assessing various charitable organizations to foster trust and transparency. Key agencies like Charity Navigator, GuideStar (Candid), GiveWell, and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance provide crucial insights into financial health, operational effectiveness, and ethical conduct, significantly impacting non-profits' reputations and funding opportunities. The article highlights the evolving landscape of non-profit evaluation, emphasizing the importance of digital transparency and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in attracting support.CharitywatchIndeed, There’s Never Been a Better Time to be a “Scammy” NonprofitCharityWatch reports that many nonprofits with high ratings from Charity Navigator and Guidestar still have low program spending and high overhead. It cites examples like Mutts With a Mission and Paws for Purple Hearts, which received CharityWatch's lowest ratings despite such seals. The organization argues the current rating system is flawed and calls for donor support.PR NewswireNBMTM Earns GuideStar's Highest Seal of TransparencyThe National Board of Medication Therapy Management (NBMTM) has earned the 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the highest level of recognition offered by the nonprofit information organization. The seal demonstrates NBMTM's exceptional trustworthiness, financial strength, and fiscal management best practices in its mission of certifying pharmacists who meet specific educational and training requirements. NBMTM disclosed extensive organizational information through its GuideStar Nonprofit Profile to achieve platinum status, which will help the organization communicate its initiatives to donors, grantmakers, and the media.PR NewswireAMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION RECEIVES GUIDESTAR'S 2022 PLATINUM SEAL OF TRANSPARENCYAmerican Skin Association (ASA) announced it has received GuideStar's Platinum Seal of Transparency for 2022, the highest level of recognition awarded by the world's largest source of nonprofit data. The designation recognizes ASA's commitment to responsible fiscal management, accountability, and transparency in reporting progress and results to funders. ASA, established 35 years ago to serve the more than 100 million Americans with skin disorders, noted that this recognition enhances its ability to fund dermatological research and educate youth on sun safety.St. Thomas SourceCFVI Earns GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, 4-Star Rating from Charity NavigatorThe Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands earned GuideStar's Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-star Charity Navigator rating for the second and third consecutive years, respectively. The honors reflect its strong financial health and commitment to accountability, with only a quarter of charities receiving the 4-star rating.PhilanthropyWhat to Know About 3 Charity Monitoring GroupsThe article compares three charity monitoring groups: BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, and Charity Navigator. BBB uses 20 criteria and offers an accredited seal, GuideStar provides transparency seals, and Charity Navigator uses star ratings. Fees vary, with BBB charging for seals and GuideStar offering free listing.PR NewswireThe Actuarial Foundation Reaches GuideStar's Highest Seal of TransparencyThe Actuarial Foundation announced its achievement of the 2020 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, a service of Candid. To reach this level, the Foundation provided extensive information on its GuideStar profile including organizational details, financial data, strategic goals, and quantitative results toward its mission. The Foundation stated this recognition aligns with its commitment to transparency and helps donors evaluate its performance beyond simplistic metrics like overhead ratios.DavTop marksDAV's Charitable Service Trust received a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator in 2019, its 15th consecutive, and GuideStar's Platinum Seal of Transparency in 2020. The Trust uses over 95 cents of every donated dollar for veteran rehabilitation programs.PR NewswireCure Alzheimer's Fund Awarded Platinum Status From GuideStarCure Alzheimer's Fund has been awarded Platinum status, the highest level of transparency recognition, from GuideStar—the world's largest source of nonprofit information. To achieve Platinum level, the organization demonstrated its commitment to transparency by fully sharing organizational, financial, and impact data with donors. Since its founding in 2004, Cure Alzheimer's Fund has contributed over $110 million to Alzheimer's research.PR NewswireHonor Society Foundation Earns GuideStar's Highest Seal of TransparencyHonor Society Foundation has earned the 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the world's largest source of nonprofit information, achieving the highest level of recognition offered by the organization. The nonprofit updated its GuideStar profile with comprehensive information including financial data, organizational goals, strategies, and quantitative results to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability. Executive Director Mike Moradian stated that the Platinum Seal will help the organization better communicate its initiatives on a global scale.