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Domestic Vetting Documentation Requirements

  • Updated

YourCause + Blackbaud requires specific documentation to be submitted when a nonprofit organization is completing its Domestic Vetting application.

 

 

Why do I need to submit this documentation?

A U.S.-based nonprofit organization may not be currently eligible for giving in the Global Good Network due to one of the following:

  1. They have an IRS configuration that requires further documentation to ensure compliance with the Global Good Network guidelines.
  2. They are not currently listed in the IRS Business Master File (BMF) or Pub78 file. These files are the IRS's definitive record of tax-exempt organizations, including Group Exemptions, Government Entities, and Supporting Organizations.

The documentation we request as part of your Domestic Vetting application allows us to vet your organization and ensure it meets all the criteria legally allowed to receive charitable donations and grants through the Global Good Network.

 

What documentation do I need?

The documentation required will depend on the type of organization that you represent. Organization types include:

 

Standard 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

You will need to provide one (1) document:

  1. IRS Letter of Determination

Visit Applying for Tax-Exempt Status on the IRS website for instructions on obtaining a letter of determination.

 

Nonprofit organization that is exempt under a group exemption

You will need to provide two (2) documents:

  1. IRS Group Exemption Letter* / IRS Letter of Determination - The letter provided must be a copy of an IRS-issued document with the organization's name and EIN pre-printed on it. Federal IRS EIN Issuance or EIN Verification letters are both acceptable documents. Self-certifying documents will not be accepted.
  2. Parent Verification Letter - A copy of the letter from the parent organization verifying your organization's inclusion as a subordinate in good standing under its 501(c)3 group exemption with the IRS must be provided. This letter must include the specific details noted here. Templates can be downloaded from the Sample documents and templates section.

*A group exemption is the IRS's recognition of a parent organization and its subordinates as tax-exempt. An IRS Group Exemption Letter has the same effect as an individual exemption letter except that it applies to more than one organization. See IRS Publication 4573 for more information.

 

Nonprofit organization that is considered a Supporting Organization by the IRS

You will need to provide a completed Supported Organization Questionnaire along with the supporting documentation outlined in the questionnaire. This is available in the Sample documents and templates section or can be downloaded directly here.

 

Stand-alone church

A stand-alone church that does not legally fall under a group exemption will need to provide two (2) documents:

  1. IRS Tax Document - This is a copy of an IRS-issued document with the name and EIN of your organization pre-printed on it. Federal IRS EIN Issuance or EIN Verification letters are both acceptable documents. Self-certifying documents will not be accepted.
  2. Certification Letter - You may download the Certification Letter - Church or other religious organization template to complete.

 

Government entity

You will need to provide two (2) documents:

  1. IRS Tax Document - This is a copy of an IRS-issued document with the name and EIN of your organization pre-printed on it. Federal IRS EIN Issuance or EIN Verification letters are both acceptable documents. Self-certifying documents will not be accepted.
  2. Certification Letter - You may download the Certification Letter - Government Entity to complete.

 

Sample documents and templates

Parent Verification Letter

This letter from the parent organization verifies your organization's inclusion as a subordinate in good standing under its 501(c)3 group exemption with the IRS. It must fit the following specifications:

  • Includes the name, address, and EIN of your organization
  • Signed by an authorized representative of the parent organization. The signature must include the signer's printed name and title.
  • Must be dated no older than six (6) months at the time of submission to Blackbaud
  • Must be provided in a non-editable PDF format. Word documents or links to web documents are not accepted.

Download templates

Several templates based on organization type are available for download below. 

 

Certification Letter

This letter verifies that you are either a church or other religious organization (stand alone church) or government entity. This is required for organizations that select Stand Alone Church or Government Entity It must fit the following specifications:

  • Includes the name, address, and EIN of your organization
  • Signed by an authorized representative of the parent organization. The signature must include the signer's printed name and title.
  • Must be dated no older than six (6) months at the time of submission to Blackbaud
  • Must be provided in a non-editable PDF format. Word documents or links to web documents are not accepted.

Download template

Templates based on organization type are available for download below. 

 

Supported Organization Questionnaire

Download the questionnaire to be completed here.

 

 

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