How to View Public Nonprofit Information
It can be a challenge to find information on nonprofit organizations, but one of the easiest ways todo so is to access the 990 forms the institution has filed with the IRS. The 990 form offers complete grant lists, financial information, staff compensation, application guidelines and the names of the organization's officers, board and trustees. The 990 form is often the best source of information when it comes to small or medium-sized charities because it offers the largest amount of information. Some larger charities may host similar information on their websites. The forms are generally one or two years behind.
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Instructions
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Check the nonprofit's official website first, if it has one. If you cannot find the information you're looking for there, call the organization. If you still cannot find what you need, you can look at the 990 form nonprofit charities must file with the IRS. The nonprofit organization might list the 990 forms on their website, but many charities don't. Check "About," "FAQ," "Terms" or other relevant pages for the information. If you can't find the 990 forms on the official website, you'll have to search other avenues.
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Visit database sites like the Foundation Center's "Foundation Finder" or the GuideStar site. The Foundation Center website offers a 990 form specific search.
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Narrow your search results on the database sites by searching by organization name, state, ZIP code, employer identification number and the fiscal year in which you're interested.
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Find what you need on the forms. The first page of the form lists the organization's name, address, grants paid and assets. The list of officers, board members and trustees is located on Page 6. Page 9 includes application information and Page 10 lists grants paid. Oftentimes supplementary pages will be included and will supply extra information. In 2007, the IRS redesigned the 990 form and in 2009 these changes took effect.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also call the IRS, the nonprofit organization itself or the state's Attorney General's office and request the form be mailed to you.
The bylaws of nonprofit organizations are often not considered public documents.
References
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