Kickstart a successful fundraising year with Candid Seals of Transparency 

In this digital age, effective fundraising requires more than a strong proposal. Nonprofit organizations need a robust online presence to ensure that they’re discoverable by potential funders and donors. However, many nonprofits are constrained by limited resources and struggle to prioritize marketing and communications efforts to increase their visibility.  

That’s where Candid’s Seals of Transparency come in. Any nonprofit can earn a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Seal by demonstrating its commitment to transparency and sharing information about its mission, programs, financials, leadership, and/or goals and metrics. Candid Seals have helped nonprofits reach more funders and donors and significantly boost their fundraising. We’re happy to announce that the 2024 Seals of Transparency have launched, and it’s free to earn by claiming or updating your Candid nonprofit profile. Funders and donors look to Candid profiles to guide their giving decisions, so taking a few minutes to earn a Seal will help kickstart your 2024 fundraising year.   

How to attract more funding with Seals

Millions of visitors come to Candid’s GuideStar to find nonprofits to support, and earning a Seal instantly gives nonprofits a competitive edge.   

1. Give funders accurate and up-to-date information about your nonprofit

Candid profiles inform donor-advised funds and charitable giving platforms like Network for Good and Facebook. Funders and donors use the information on your Candid profile as a trusted source to help guide their decisions. By earning a Seal of Transparency and keeping your profile up to date, you provide the information funders need to support you and ensure that funds go to the right place. 

2. Get more donations through in-the-moment giving 

Make it easier for people to support your cause. Take advantage of in-the-moment giving through donations with Apple Pay. Nonprofits with a Bronze Seal are eligible to accept donations with Apple Pay through their donation platforms. With a new way to accept donations, you can attract more contributions.  

3. Establish strong relationships by keeping funders in the loop

Funders want to hear from you and stay up to date on your progress on funded projects. Earning a Candid Seal will allow you to share your full profile using a unique sharable link, so funders have all the information they need in one place. You can also share your profile link at conferences and industry events to expand your reach to potential funders and donors.  

How Candid Seals of Transparency benefit nonprofits 

Nonprofits report that earning a Seal has raised their profile and made it easier to raise funds. Jamie Austin, a board member of Village Enterprise Fund, says, “The Platinum Seal helps us stand out since there are so many nonprofits for donors to choose from.” 

Not only does a Seal boost a nonprofit’s visibility; it also demonstrates its credibility. “It gives us confidence to put the seal in our email signatures and on our website to show donors that we are a reputable nonprofit,” said Nailah Roque, school partnerships manager at The Funds for Portland Public Schools. 

In addition, maintaining a Candid profile saves organizations time and labor. Instead of having to provide details about their mission, financials, and other required information piecemeal, they can send potential funders to their profiles and focus on their work.  

Earn your 2024 Seals today

If your nonprofit hasn’t got a Seal, you can get started in three simple steps: 

1. Claim your organization’s nonprofit profile on Candid’s GuideStar.  

2. Fill in basic information like address and mission to earn your first Bronze Seal. 

3. Share your accomplishment on social media and other marketing channels to attract more funding. 

If you already have a Seal and would like to upgrade to the latest 2024 Seal, follow these simple steps: 

1. Log in to your account on Candid’s GuideStar. 

2. Review or update your information.  

3. Click “Publish” to save changes. 

To kickstart a successful fundraising year, your nonprofit needs to ensure that funders can find you online and stay connected to your impactful work. Funders and donors look to Candid profiles to guide their giving decisions, so it’s important to keep your profile up to date and earn the latest Seal. Get your 2024 Seal of Transparency today! 

Learn more about 2024 Candid Seals of Transparency by joining our free webinar on February 13, 2024.