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Nonprofit and Non-Governmental (NGO) Organizations: Researching Nonprofits in the U.S.

Nonprofit Types

This guide covers tools for researching (3) types of nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations:

  • 501(c)(3) charitable, educational, or religious organizations
  • 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations and associations
  • 527 political organizations

► See explanations of organization types from Open Secrets.

► See the IRS website for additional tax-exempt organization types.

U.S. Nonprofit Organizations

527 Organizations

Nonprofit Websites

► To learn more about a nonprofit through its website, navigate the menu to look for information that could be described in these terms:

  • Mission statement, values, and organizational history.
  • Programs, programming, campaigns, "our work," or "what we do" sections for organization activities.
  • Resources or a resource library that could include data, infographics, maps, booklets, and information or education-based materials to support community organizing.
  • Publications including annual reports, research reports, white papers, press releases, and social media feeds.
  • Partnerships, campaigns, or coalition work with other organizations.
  • Staff & Board of Directors lists
  • Donations from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government grants.

► Not sure how to find the information you want from a nonprofit website?

 

Issues & Program Areas

Nonprofit Organizations & Leaders in Context

Information about nonprofits and nonprofit leaders varies depending on the size and influence of an organization. Use the name of a nonprofit or the name of a nonprofit leader as a keyword in the following source types to learn more about a nonprofit and its work in context:

  • LinkedIn & other social media
  • Search by name in Nexis Uni for various business directories and press advisories
  • Search by name in legal resources to find cases or documents submitted to support a case
  • Search by name in newspaper collections
  • Search by name in library databases (GenderWatch, SOCindex, Political Science Complete, etc.) to find magazine and journal articles.

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