GuideStar, now part of a larger organization called Candid, is a massive online resource that provides information on nonprofit organizations in the United States, and some in Canada. It allows users to research different charities and nonprofits to see things like their mission statement, financial data, and even their nonprofit status which verifies they are tax-exempt.
With over 1.9 million nonprofits in their database, GuideStar is a valuable tool for both donors looking to support worthy causes and for nonprofits themselves. It is often used by government agencies and foundations to “vet” a nonprofit before they engage them with a contract or award a grant.
GuideStar uses a system of Seals of Transparency to indicate how much information a nonprofit has shared on its profile. These seals range from bronze to the most prestigious, platinum. Attaining each higher level requires the nonprofit to supply more details. These seals help GuideStar users assess credibility and effectiveness of charities.
Unclaimed signifies tax returns might exist but the nonprofit has not added any information to its profile. Nonprofit tax records are public so GuideStar requests access to them from the IRS. Much like Google and Yelp, a nonprofit must “claim” their listing before entereing information that will earn them a GuideStar Seal of Transparency. Unclaimed listings clearly asks “Is this your profile?“
Bronze signifies basic information like contact details and mission statement.
Silver adds program info and branding.
Gold includes financials and leadership.
Platinum showcases an organization’s goals and the impact they create.
Expired shows the nonprofit once had a bronze, silver, gold, or platinum seal of transparency but the data entered is more than two years old. This is indicated by no seal on the listing and no “Is this your profile?” question.
David Robert Lambert 
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