Set up a Candid (GuideStar) account
Personal setupSocial Presence · about 15 min · Charity applicants and founders
Candid (formerly GuideStar) is the canonical public registry of US nonprofits. Donors and funders use it to research charities.
You set up a personal account first to see how that research works — your organization’s Candid profile and transparency seal come later, once you’re recognized.
Personal research account now, organization profile later
This is your own account for learning the nonprofit landscape — not your charity’s Candid profile. Seeing how donors and funders research organizations here makes your own profile and transparency seal far stronger when you claim them after IRS recognition.
- 1
Create your account
Go to candid.org and create a free account with your real name and email.
- 2
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Turn on two-factor authentication if Candid offers it in your account settings.
Open one of your authenticator apps — FFC has you install both Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator (see the Multi-Factor Authentication guide). Use the one that matches the account where you can; for sites that aren’t Google or Microsoft, either app works.
When the site shows a QR code, open your authenticator app, tap + / Add, and scan the QR code. The app starts showing a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Type the current code back into the website to confirm.
Always save the backup / recovery codes the site gives you right after setup — store them in your password manager. They are how you get back in if you lose your phone.
- 3
Find charities like yours
Search by cause, location, or NTEE code to see organizations doing the same or a near-identical mission in your area.
Note at least three comparable charities — you’ll be asked for these, and studying them sharpens what makes your organization distinct.
Common questions
Is this the same as my charity’s Candid profile?
No. This is your personal research account. Your organization’s Candid profile — and the Bronze-through-Platinum transparency seal — come later, once your charity is IRS-recognized and you claim and complete its profile.
Why do I need to find three comparable charities?
It sharpens what makes your organization distinct, and FFC asks for them during validation. Searching by cause, location, or NTEE code on Candid is the fastest way to find organizations doing your exact or near-exact mission.
Next setup guides
Stuck on any step? Text Clarke Moyer at (520) 222-8104 — every step is meant to be simple, so if something doesn't match what you see, ask.