September 2018 
By Bentonne Snay, guest blogger

Did you know that millions of US donors and grant makers look at GuideStar Nonprofit Profiles to inform their funding decisions? Seriously, seven million donors and funders via GuideStar’s 200+ partners!

In conducting research to identify prospective grant makers for our nonprofit clients recently, I learned that several foundations, particularly financial institution-based foundations, rely on GuideStar not only to view nonprofits’ financials via Forms 990 but also for other information about nonprofits being considered as potential grantees. GuideStar also powers giving portals, including AmazonSmile, Facebook, Network for Good, Salesforce.org, and others; all major U.S.-based donor-advised funds, including Fidelity Charitable and Charles Schwab Foundation; 35,000+ private foundation staff members; and 16+ leading community foundations.

So how can you take advantage of this powerful and free marketing and promotions opportunity?  It is simple…

Update/edit your nonprofit’s GuideStar Nonprofit Profile (profile) in 3 easy steps:

1. Go to https://learn.guidestar.org/update-nonprofit-reportto request access to your profile.
2. Allow GuideStar to verify your identity and provide you with secure access to your profile.
3. Update/edit your nonprofit’s profile so it describes your unique story and impactful outcomes.

GuideStar, which is financed by donors and grant makers, wants nonprofits like yours to enhance your Nonprofit Profile with detailed information that funders want and need to make the most informed funding decisions. Thus, GuideStar awards “Seals of Transparency,” making it easier for potential donors and grant makers to compare the nonprofits seeking more funding than they have available and aiding in their decision-making about which nonprofits most deserve funding.

When you are ready to update your GuideStar Nonprofit Profile so your nonprofit can easily be found by potential donors and grant makers (and begin to earn the Bronze Seal of Transparency, click on this link: https://www.guidestar.org/ManageNonprofit?hsCtaTracking=eb169fb8-fc8f-4883-8910-cbda94df5cca%7C790f546c-550f-4d0c-abaf-b6415ebbbe6a.

For nonprofit organizations seeking additional information on fundraising, especially grants research, writing and reporting, check out our website at wwww.thesnaygroup.com. If you think our services would benefit your nonprofit, please complete our Grant Readiness Questionnaire on the website and also at http://thesnaygroup.com/index.php/grant-readiness-questionnaire/.

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About the Author: Bentonne Snay

Bentonne Snay, President and CEO of The Snay Group, Inc., is an experienced executive and fundraiser with more than 30 years in the nonprofit sector, including 27 years as a grant professional and a Grant Professional Certified since 2011.