State Policy Network is pleased to offer a new grant opportunity to state think tanks to help them achieve a GuideStar Seal of Transparency.
Why your GuideStar Seal matters
Private foundations and other major donors are increasingly using GuideStar to verify and research potential grantees and to obtain, compare, and analyze key data about organizations.
State Policy Network will award grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to state think tank affiliates that upgrade their ranking by November 1, 2021.
Grants will be awarded based on the following outcomes:
- Upgrades to Bronze before November 1, 2021 = $1,000 per organization
- Upgrades to Silver before November 1, 2021 = $2,500 per organization
- Upgrades to Gold or higher before November 1, 2021= $5,000 per organization
Note: The grant amounts are cumulative, and the maximum any one organization will receive is $5,000.
How to upgrade your GuideStar Seal
GuideStar Seals of Transparency are obtained by updating your organization’s profile with required information. As they scale up, the Seals require increasing amounts of information about an organization and its goals and effectiveness. The information must be from the last two fiscal years.
- A Bronze Seal enhances funders’ search results within GuideStar regarding your organization. Nonprofits that have GuideStar seal on their profile rank higher in search engine results.
- A Silver Seal enhances credibility by sharing financials. When financial information is added to your GuideStar profile, it provides a level of transparency for foundations to view the stewardship of past funding.
- A Gold Seal showcases your wins and programs. Highlighting all the amazing things your organization has accomplished shows that your organization has the ability to execute your mission and are a good investment for foundations.
- A Platinum Seal shares measurable results of your organization’s efforts. Sharing metrics and measures of success for organization on GuideStar provides concrete, quantitative evidence of what your organization is capable of accomplishing.
To easily identify and complete the appropriate next steps for your organization, download SPN’s Checklist for Improving Your GuideStar Seal.
How to receive your grant award
After your organization has made the essential changes and received an upgraded GuideStar Seal, please complete the verification form below in order to claim your grant award.
All Seal upgrades and related verifications must be submitted by November 1, 2021.