If your nonprofit’s annual revenue or expenses total less than $1M and you earn a Gold Seal of Transparency or higher, you can receive a free year of access to Foundation Directory Essential through Candid’s Go for the Gold promotion.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Update your nonprofit profile to earn a 2023 Gold Seal

Step 2: Once you have published your profile updates, go into the Benefits section of the profile form and go to the Find funders for free using Foundation Directory Essential and a special coupon code for Foundation Directory Essential will be available.

Step 3: Subscribe to Foundation Directory Essential and enter your coupon code at checkout to get access to your complimentary annual subscription

(Please note: you must use a credit card in order to redeem the coupon.)

Update your nonprofit profile today to take advantage of this special offer.

Candid is committed to helping small nonprofits achieve their fundraising goals. Pairing your profile with a Foundation Directory subscription enables you to easily identify, connect, and establish relationships with funders to secure the grants you need to succeed. Earn your Gold Seal today to maximize your fundraising potential.

Need help earning your Seal? Visit our handy help guide.

Is my nonprofit eligible?

To qualify for the Go for the Gold promotion you must be authorized to provide information about a 501(c) (3) nonprofit whose annual revenue or expenses is less than one million dollars and earn, at minimum, a Gold Transparency Seal between January and December 31, 2023

How do I earn a 2023 Gold Seal of Transparency?

Earning a Seal is quick and easy! Simply, upload your nonprofit’s Board Chair name, leadership demographics, and audited financial report or basic financial details.

Seals are earned in sequential order. You must earn Bronze and Silver prior to earning Gold.

(Note: The 990 does not qualify in place of an actual Audited Financial. If you do not have an Audit, you can fill out the section where you manually add the Revenue, Expenses, the Assets and Liabilities for 2021 or 2022.)

Why should I earn a 2023 Gold Seal of Transparency?

Seals give funders insights into your organization, enabling educated grant giving decisions. Potential donors are actively seeking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) information, earn a Gold Seal to provide it and demonstrate your commitment to transparency.

Research also links earning a Seal of Transparency to a 53% increase in contributions for nonprofits.

What happens after I earn my Seal?

Eligible nonprofits who earn a 2023 Gold Seal within the promotion effective dates need to go into the Benefits section of the profile form and go to the Find funders for free using Foundation Directory Essential and a special coupon code for Foundation Directory Essential will be available. Once you have coupon code you need to subscribe to Foundation Directory Essential and enter your code at checkout to get access to your complimentary annual subscription.

Please note: If your organization files a 990-N, you will need to reach out to us at GoforGold@candid.org to receive the coupon code.

What is Foundation Directory?

Foundation Directory is a premier grant seeking tool that provides the most exhaustive and up-to-date knowledge and insight on the social sector to fuel any fundraising mission. With Foundation Directory, you can put Candid's extraordinary resource and fundraising expertise to work for your organization, project, or client, while uncovering information on all 240,000+ U.S. foundations. It's the smartest, fastest way to win more funding.

Eligibility requirements