• Create an account: Go to the Candid website and create a free account if you don’t have one.
• Find your nonprofit profile: Search for your organization using its name or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Claim the profile: Follow the prompts to verify your connection to the nonprofit. Only a designated staff member can claim the profile, but you can invite others later to manage it​ (GuideStar)​(Candid).

NOTE: If you nonprofit is alreay claimed then the current management has to “Add Managers” to allow your email to update the profie.

• Basic organizational details: Complete the fundamental information for your nonprofit, including:
  • Mission statement
  • Address and contact info
  • Tax ID (EIN)
• Leadership information: Provide the names and titles of key staff members and board members​ ( Candid insights ).
• Publication: Once all required fields are completed, publish your updates to earn the Bronze Seal​ ​ (GuideStar)​(Candid).

• Program details: Add information about your nonprofit’s programs, including:
  • Program names
  • Descriptions of the services provided
  • Geographic areas served
• Goals and beneficiaries: Share key objectives and the target population that benefits from your services​ ( GuideStart ).
• Publication: After entering these details, publish to earn the Silver Seal​​ ​ (GuideStar)​(Candid insights).

• Financial information: Upload detailed financial documents such as:
  • Audited financial statements (if available)
  • IRS Form 990
  • Fiscal year details, including revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Include DEI data for your organization to further demonstrate your transparency.
• Publication: After Once financials and DEI data are in place, publish your profile to obtain the Gold Seal​​ ​ (GuideStar)​(GuideStar).

• Impact metrics: Provide quantitative data that shows the impact of your nonprofit’s work. Some examples include:
  • Number of individuals served
  • Outcomes from specific programs (e.g., scholarships awarded, animals rehabilitated, etc.)
  • Any relevant performance indicators specific to your mission
• Strategic goals: Upload a strategic plan or similar document, or use past grant applications or board reports to outline your nonprofit’s goals and strategies​ ( GuideStart ).
• Publication: After After inputting impact metrics and goals, publish your updates to earn the highest level, the Platinum Seal (GuideStar)​(Candid insights).