What to do if GuideStar.org thinks I'm a bot

  • Enable Javascript. Check by visiting the local setting via this address: chrome://settings/content/javascript?search=javascript

  • Try clearing the cache.

  • Try opening guidestar.org in incognito mode or a private browser session. 

  • Was Chrome updated recently, including any third-party browser extensions?

Third-party browser extensions may prevent Distil’s javascript check from running, which may cause Distil to assume you are a bot and not a browser. If you have add-ins installed we recommend:

  1. Uninstall the extensions from their browser

  2. Load guidestar.org from a different browser (possibly one you have not customized with add-ins).

Security Upgrades to Our Website and Hosted Platforms

Due to a series of vulnerabilities in Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) over the past few years, as well as to meet the PCI Council’s requirements, GuideStar released security upgrades to our website and hosted platforms. We will only support TLSv1.2. Support for older versions of certain browsers may be dropped.

The browsers in question are: 

  • Any version of Internet Explorer earlier than v11

  • Any Safari browser earlier than v7

  • Any Android browser earlier than v5

Issues With Updating A Nonprofit Profile

If you are receiving error messages while updating your nonprofit profile or messages that GuideStar is currently working on fixing an issue, below are a few suggestions to try before contacting us.

  • Make sure your internet browser is up-to-date.

  • Remove all text formatting if copy and pasting from a document to a nonprofit profile field (use Notepad or use clear formatting in Word).

  • Photos, images, and logos File size: no larger that 750 KBResolution: no larger than 450px x 300pxAcceptable formats: JPG, GIF, or PNG

If you continue to experience technical issues after trying our recommended solutions, please get in-touch with Support. Also, include the following information in your request.

  • Organization name and EIN

  • Browser version being used, i.e. Google Chrome Version 55.0.2883.87, Internet Explorer 11 Version 11.0.9600.18537.

  • Steps that you are attempting and at what point the issue occurs.

  • If possible send a screen shot and the date you experienced the issue.

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