Reports based on the Forms 990 or 990-EZ are more complete. In addition to including its EIN, name, address, and NTEE, a charity must also list its purpose, accomplishments, senior officers, and board members for the appropriate reporting year. Last year, the IRS began requiring each charity to include a telephone number on the 990. The 990 does not, however, require a charity to list its Web site address or to state explicitly which regions it serves. Nor are charities required to classify their supporters.
Reports containing information provided by the organizations are the most complete.
Nonprofits enhance or update their GuideStar Reports by filling out an online questionnaire. This opportunity is provided to the organizations at no charge. An organization can, but is not required to, provide its Web site address, up to three NTEE codes, information about the kind of contributions it wishes to receive, a description of its geographic reach, a statement about how it assesses its programs, and a list of its board members. In the near future, we will post an article specifically for nonprofit organizations to tell them about your suggestions. We plan to add this information next year.