GuideStar

Guidestar is a United States nonprofit information service and database that aggregates and presents data on charitable organizations. It provides profiles intended for donors, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, covering aspects such as mission statements, program descriptions, geographic reach, governance, finances, and IRS Form 990 filings.

Profile pages typically include details about an organization's purpose, programs and outcomes, leadership and board membership, financial statements, fundraising activities, and contact information. The data are drawn from IRS filings, annual reports, audited financials, and disclosures provided by the nonprofits themselves. Users can search by organization name, location, cause, or keyword, and many profiles offer access to downloadable documents and related records.

Guidestar is operated by Candid, a nonprofit information provider formed in 2019 through the merger of Guidestar and the Foundation Center. Since the merger, GuideStar has functioned as a service within Candid, often branded as GuideStar by Candid, and continues to expand its data coverage and tools for nonprofit transparency and due diligence.

Access to information varies by product tier. Basic nonprofit profiles are generally available for free, while more detailed data, analytics, and export capabilities are offered through paid subscriptions or partnerships aimed at funders, researchers, and organizations requiring deeper insights.

Usage and impact: Guidestar is widely used for grantmaking decisions, due diligence, benchmarking, and sector research. However, data quality and completeness can vary by organization and jurisdiction, and some records may not reflect the most current information until updates are published.