FAQS

The first step in researching a non-profit organization is to go directly to the organization’s website. Typically, their website should provide the organization’s mission, vision, and values, and will often include information about the executives, board (and board size), and other leaders of the organization. Occasionally, the organization’s website may also have financial and key employment stats available (often in the form of an annual report or year in review), be sure to look in all areas and tabs – at the top and the bottom of the organization’s website!

Beyond the organization’s website, here are a few additional websites you might consider:

GuideStar nonprofit reports and forms: Through Guidestar, some information, like the organization’s 990 form, annual reports, and balance sheets, may be available with a free membership. Be sure to look at the company’s 990 form – it contains information regarding number of employees and volunteers, total revenue, total assets and expenses, and much more!

Foundation Center: Access 990 forms through the site’s 990 Finder.

NCCS (National Center for Charitable Statistics): Search for information on public charities, foundations, and more.

Some of our library databases contain official tax forms, annual reports, executive information, organizational history, and more for non-profits. Try searching within:

Hoover’s: Simply type in the organization’s name, and if information is available, it should pop up in your search results. Alternatively, you could also try clicking on Advanced Search, type in the non-profit's name, then click on Nonprofit in the Company/organization type box.

Mergent Online: Upon entering the database, click the D&B Private Company Database button. This will include private companies/organizations in your search. Some non-profit organizations may have select pieces of information available via this search process.

Be sure to also search our library databases for articles about the non-profit you’re researching. This may include newspaper, magazine, and journal articles. Try the following databases to start:

• Business Source Complete
• Business via ProQuest