Introduction

Charity Navigator – An overview in their own words.

Charity Navigator is the country’s largest and most-used independent evaluator of nonprofits. Our mission is to make impactful giving easier for all. We serve as a trusted guide for over 9 million donors annually, providing them with the ratings, information and resources needed to find and support trusted charities that align with their passions.

We provide a comprehensive and transparent rating system for more than 240,000 U.S. nonprofits, with a complete database of all 1.6 million IRS 501c3 registered organizations. Our ratings offer a view of a charity’s effectiveness, helping donors give with confidence. This independent analysis not only informs donors but also provides valuable metrics to nonprofits, encouraging best practices that drive greater efficiency and impact.

With an estimated influence on the philanthropic sector in the billions of dollars each year, Charity Navigator is a powerful force for good. Our innovative Giving Basket, launched in 2015, has alone helped raise over $250 million for more than 60,000 charities, demonstrating the power of data-driven philanthropy to transform lives.

Additionally, available for integration on 3rd party platforms we have Charity Cause Funds managed by analysts, nonprofit ratings & insights, curated charity lists, disaster response charity lists, nonprofit alerts & monitoring (sources include news media, State AG, bankruptcy filing, confirmed legal judgements, in addition to IRS and OFAC).  

Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator

Data

This is an overview of the key data that this provider collects and shares.

Data Types

Various types of data available from this provider.

Attribute Status
Organization Profiles Available
Grants/Transactions -
Demographics  -
Compliance/Due Diligence Data Available
Evaluation/Impact Data Available
Contextual Data  -

Intended Core Users

The intended core intended users of the data, taxonomies or infrastructure.

• Funders and Foundations
• Researchers
• Individual Donors
• Businesses
• GMS Vendors
• Product Providers

Answer:

Yes

User Contributed Data

Ability for users to contribute and update their data and information.

Contributed data brings in perspectives directly from the people and organizations doing the work, ensuring information is timely, accurate, and grounded in lived experience. It helps keep datasets current, fills gaps that centralized sources may miss, and increases trust by reflecting community voices. This, in turn, makes the data more useful for funders, nonprofits, and researchers who rely on it to make equitable and informed decisions.

Nonprofits can claim their profile on Charity Navigator’s Nonprofit Portal. Go to: https://www.charitynavigator.org/landing-pages/for-nonprofits/

Answer:

US Domestic Only

Geographic Focus

Specific geographic foci of the data.

Data Sources & Update Frequencies

This section captures the various sources of data this provider draws from and how often they update.

Data Source Availability Update Frequency
US IRS Available Monthly
US Treasury Not Available -
US State Attorney’s General Available Real-Time
Other Government Sources Not Available -
Contributed/User Provided Data Available Monthly
Web-Scraped Data Available Monthly
Original Insights/Analysis Available Monthly
Original Research Available Monthly
Other Not Available

Access

This section highlights how this provider makes their data accessible for use, and whether there is a cost associated with each access point.

Channel Pricing Access
Front-End Websites Free to All
Desktop Applications We Do Not Offer This
APIs Free for Noncommercial
Raw Datasets Custom Pricing
Taxonomies (Owned) We Do Not Offer This
Taxonomies (Third Party) We Do Not Offer This
Infrastructure We Do Not Offer This

Pricing

Data Next-Level Practice #1

Offer accessible and equitable pricing that encourages data sharing and reuse.

  • Scale pricing to reward systems and organizations that invest in integrations supporting data contribution and circulation.
  • Reward organizations that contribute their data to centralized data repositories.
  • Scale prices to recognize an organization’s budget, usage of the data, and type of organization. A special emphasis should be placed on expanding access to those previously underserved due to price.

Accessible, equitable pricing ensures that all organizations, regardless of size or resources, can participate in data sharing and reuse, rewarding contributions while expanding access to those historically excluded by cost.

Pricing Information

Details and links to pricing as shared by the provider.

Pricing per request. Contact info@charitynavigator.org

In Progress Nlp

Scaled Pricing

Provide scaled pricing based on organizational budget or type.

Not all organizations have the same financial capacity. A flat fee can unintentionally exclude smaller nonprofits, grassroots organizations, or community-based groups. Scaled pricing ensures that smaller players can access the same tools and data as larger, well-resourced institutions.

Planned Nlp

Pricing Incentives

Pricing incentives for organizations that actively contribute their data.

Offering pricing incentives or features for organizations that contribute data is important because it encourages participation, reduces free-riding, and strengthens the overall dataset. When contributors see tangible benefits—like lower costs or enhanced functionality—they’re more motivated to share, which improves data quality, fosters equity, and builds a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem for everyone.

All of our resources are free to donors and nonprofit organizations. However, we are planning to incentivize nonprofits that claim their Charity Navigator profile and contribute additional information about their organization.

In Progress Nlp

Reward/Tiered Pricing

Reward organizations that integrate your data in their platform or pipeline.

Rewarding or tiering access for organizations that integrate data into external platforms incentivizes wider use and interoperability, ensures data flows across systems rather than staying siloed, and ultimately increases the value and impact of the data for the entire sector.

Developing tiered pricing, from free to paid.

Not Currently Nlp

Underserved Pricing

Placing an emphasis on serving those previously underserved due to price.

Emphasizing access for those previously underserved due to price promotes equity, reduces systemic barriers, and ensures that smaller or under-resourced organizations can benefit from tools and data that are often limited to wealthier institutions.

However, we have partial grant funding to expand rating resources in underserved states and regions of the country for nonprofits.

Technology

Data Next-Level Practice #2

Develop and support the technology required for real-time data sharing.

  • Develop real-time read-write APIs to facilitate bi-directional data flows.
  • Develop webhooks, event-driven, or firehose APIs to immediately signal available updates in datasets.

Real-time data sharing through APIs and webhooks keeps information current, reduces duplication, and ensures systems can respond quickly and work seamlessly together.

Available Nlp

API Documentation

Links to provider API documentation.

Clear documentation lowers technical barriers, speeds up adoption, reduces errors, and encourages innovation by making it easier for others to build on your systems.

Not Currently Nlp

Read/Write APIs

Read/Write APIs that enable bi-directional data sharing.

Providing read/write APIs for real-time data sharing allows systems to seamlessly exchange and update information without manual uploads or delays. It reduces duplicate data entry, improves accuracy, and ensures that funders, nonprofits, and partners are always working with the most current information. Real-time APIs also enable greater interoperability across platforms, which is critical for reducing burden and advancing data-sharing across the sector.

Not Currently Nlp

Webhooks, Event-Driven, or Firehose APIs

Advanced technology to enable real-time data sharing at scale.

Webhooks, Event-Driven, and Firehose APIs enable data to flow automatically as changes happen, rather than relying on manual pulls or batch updates. They make integrations more efficient, reduce lag, and ensure that connected systems always have the most up-to-date information. This kind of real-time, event-based sharing is key for interoperability, reducing nonprofit burden, and supporting more dynamic, responsive data ecosystems.

In Progress Nlp

SDKs, Sandbox User Guides, and Dev Docs

Supporting technical resources for developer enablement with data.

SDKs, sandboxes, user guides, and developer documentation make it easier for organizations to integrate and test your tools effectively. They lower technical barriers, speed up implementation, and empower developers to build reliable connections without constant vendor support. Clear resources like these promote adoption, reduce errors, and ensure that data-sharing works smoothly across systems.

NGO Control

Data Next-Level Practice #3

Give nonprofits control over their data and make it simple for them to maintain their data.

  • Nonprofits should be able to access, download, and use their data whenever they need it, without charge.
  • Nonprofits should be clear on how their data will be used and shared across the sector.
  • Nonprofits should be provided with easy instructions and system links to keep their data updated and to be able to share and reuse their data.
  • Make it simple and easy for nonprofits to claim ownership and gain access to their data profiles.

Empowering nonprofits with ownership and easy access to their data builds trust, reduces burden, and ensures they can keep their information accurate and reusable.

Available Nlp

NGO Downloads

NGO’s ability to download their data without charge.

Nonprofits should be able to access and download their data at any time without a fee because it ensures they maintain ownership and control over their information. This practice reduces administrative burden by eliminating the need to repeatedly reenter data, builds transparency and trust between nonprofits and providers, and prevents vendor lock-in. Free, on-demand access also empowers nonprofits to reuse their data for applications, reporting, and fundraising, aligning with PEAK’s vision of a more equitable and efficient data ecosystem.

Nonprofits can access their profiles at any time or share direct links to their profiles.

Planned Nlp

NGO Tools & Support

Tools and support to help NGOS share their data in useful ways.

Providing easy sharing tools not only empowers nonprofits to tell their story more effectively but also promotes transparency, visibility, and alignment with sector-wide efforts to reduce duplication and streamline data flows.

We’re updating our data collection platform and ratings methodology to provide flexible and scalable impact ratings for all participating nonprofits, regardless of their programs, size, or capacity. The platform will offer nonprofits an intuitive, guided experience. Instead of requiring rigorous data on predetermined outcomes, nonprofits can choose outcomes that align with their mission using simple drop-down menus to build a logic model. No prior data collection practices are required; the platform guides representatives in estimating their impact and assessing evidence strength. Further enhancements include low-lift data collection for beneficiary demographics, program location, and qualitative storytelling, all crucial for donor decisions. The platform incorporates built-in quality assurance to flag anomalies and alert analysts, significantly boosting efficiency by reducing the need for constant human review.

In Progress Nlp

Data Use Policy Transparency

Offer clear explanations about how data will be used, stored, and shared.

Clear explanations of how data will be used, stored, and shared reduce fear of misuse, ensure compliance with privacy and security standards, and give nonprofits confidence that their information is protected. Without this transparency, nonprofits may hesitate to share data or feel disempowered in the process, which undermines equity and weakens the broader data ecosystem.

Available Nlp

NGO Editorial Control

NGO access to update data and profiles directly.

Nonprofits’ information changes frequently, and having direct access to update their own data or profiles ensures accuracy, timeliness, and control. Without a self-service interface, nonprofits must rely on intermediaries or outdated processes, which can lead to errors, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities for visibility or funding. Providing nonprofits with a simple way to manage their own data reduces burden, empowers them to stay current, and strengthens trust in the overall data ecosystem.

Available Nlp

NGO Profile Ownership

Allow NGOs to assert ownership over their data.

Allowing nonprofits to assert ownership and editorial control over their data ensures that they—not vendors or funders—are the ultimate stewards of their organizational identity and information. It prevents misrepresentation, builds trust, and empowers nonprofits to decide how their data is presented and shared. When nonprofits control their profiles, they can keep information accurate and aligned with their mission, while also reinforcing equity by shifting power back to the organizations most affected by how the data is used.

Nonprofits are able to update their profiles, i.e. change its mission statement, update a website URL, etc.

Available Nlp

NGO Data Update Notifications

Notifications when data or profiles are updated by third parties.

Notifying nonprofits when their data is updated safeguards accuracy, builds trust, and ensures they maintain control over their information.

Via email notification. Only available for nonprofits with a current profile on Charity Navigator.

Data Governance

Data Next-Level Practice #4

Offer transparent data governance and update processes.

  • Publicly share your data governance policy on your website.
  • Be open about your governance processes with stakeholders (e.g., funders, GMS vendors, and nonprofits) as you plan to update data systems, processes, and taxonomies.
  • Offer the ability for stakeholders to provide suggestions and input on a rolling basis.

Transparent governance builds trust by clarifying how data is managed and updated while inviting stakeholder input to keep systems responsive and accountable.

Available Nlp

Data Governance Policy Available Online

Publicly share data governance policy.

Publicly sharing a data governance policy demonstrates transparency and accountability in how data is managed. It gives nonprofits, funders, and other stakeholders confidence that clear rules exist for data use, storage, access, and updates. Making this information public builds trust, reduces uncertainty, and sets expectations for ethical and responsible data practices, key to fostering equity and credibility across the sector.

Available Nlp

Transparent Data Governance Update Process

Be open about governance update processes with stakeholders.

Sharing information about how and when data governance policies are updated shows that the organization is actively maintaining and improving its practices. It helps nonprofits and funders understand how decisions are made, when changes might affect them, and how they can stay aligned. Transparency in the update process builds trust, ensures accountability, and signals that governance is not static but responsive to evolving needs and standards in the sector.

Available Nlp

Governance Feedback Loops

Offer the ability for stakeholders to provide input on a rolling basis.

Giving stakeholders and partners a way to provide ongoing feedback on data governance ensures that policies reflect the real needs and concerns of the people most affected. A feedback loop makes governance more inclusive, responsive, and accountable, while also surfacing blind spots that internal teams may overlook. By inviting continuous input, organizations strengthen trust, improve practices over time, and signal that they value collaboration and shared responsibility in managing data.

Via Intercom, Website chat Additionally: If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this Policy or our practices please feel free to write to us at info@charitynavigator.org.

Answer:

Annually

Update Timing

Review cadence of data governance policy.

A clear update cycle builds trust, promotes transparency, and gives stakeholders confidence that policies are actively maintained rather than forgotten. Regular reviews also create opportunities to incorporate feedback, close gaps, and continuously improve accountability.

Charity Navigator executive team as led by our Chief Administration Officer and Legal.

Taxonomies

Data Next-Level Practice #5

Encourage the adoption of modern, common taxonomies.

Provide access to your taxonomies in all the following formats including:

  • Website User Interface
  • CSV Spreadsheet Download
  • APIs
  • Open Database Exports

Share available mappings or crosswalks to these taxonomies.

Providing common taxonomies in multiple formats with crosswalks makes data interoperable, accessible, and easier to integrate across the sector.

Integrated Taxonomies

Integrated taxonomies make the data more interoperable and easier to align with other systems. Using widely adopted taxonomies helps funders, nonprofits, and vendors compare information consistently, reduces duplication, and streamlines cross-platform analysis.

Taxonomy Type Availability Mappings/Crosswalks
Candid Philanthropy Classification System (PCS) Multi-Faceted Integrated by Default for All Not Currently
Geonames Geographic Not Available -
International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) Aid Tracking Not Available -
Impact Genome Standards Impact Measurement Not Available -
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Development Goals Not Available -
System Proprietary Taxonomies Custom Not Available -
Bespoke Custom Taxonomies Custom Not Available Available
Other Taxonomies Not Listed N/A

Answer:

No

Owned Taxonomies

Taxonomies that are stewarded by the provider.

Modern, common taxonomies is important because it ensures that data can be classified in consistent, interoperable ways across the sector. Common taxonomies make it easier for funders, nonprofits, and vendors to compare information, reduce duplication, and align efforts. They also support equity by providing a shared language that helps surface gaps and opportunities, and they enable systems to “talk to each other,” which is critical for data sharing, integration, and reducing nonprofit burden.

Answer:

No

Taxonomy Cost

Cost to use taxonomies.

It’s important for taxonomies to be free because they serve as a shared public good that underpins interoperability across the sector. When taxonomies are freely available, funders, nonprofits, and vendors can all use the same standards without cost barriers, making it easier to align data, reduce duplication, and promote equity. Free access also encourages widespread adoption, fosters innovation, and ensures that smaller organizations with limited resources are not excluded from participating in the data ecosystem.

Taxonomy Licenses

Available taxonomy licenses.

Licenses define how others can use, adapt, and share the taxonomy. Clear licensing builds trust, reduces legal uncertainty, and ensures that funders, nonprofits, and vendors know whether they can freely adopt and integrate the taxonomy into their systems. Transparency around licenses also supports wider adoption, interoperability, and equity by making sure all stakeholders understand the terms of use.

Not Currently Nlp

Taxonomy Formats

Available taxonomy formats.

It’s important to explain what formats taxonomies are available in because accessibility determines how easily others can adopt and integrate them. Providing formats like CSV downloads, APIs, or open databases ensures that funders, nonprofits, and vendors can use the taxonomy in ways that fit their systems. Clear information on formats reduces barriers, promotes interoperability, and encourages consistent adoption across the sector.

Not Currently Nlp

Mapping and Crosswalks

Share mappings and crosswalks to your taxonomies.

Sharing mappings or crosswalks between taxonomies makes data more interoperable and reusable across systems. Without them, funders, nonprofits, and vendors are forced to manually translate or duplicate coding, which increases burden, introduces errors, and fragments the data ecosystem. Providing crosswalks ensures that information classified in one system can be easily understood and aligned with others, enabling smoother data flows, better analysis, and greater equity in how organizations are represented.

Not Currently Nlp

Taxonomy Training

Offer training and/or guidance to support taxonomy implementation.

This is important because even the best taxonomies are only effective if funders and vendors know how to use them correctly. Training and guidance help ensure consistent application, reduce errors, and make it easier for organizations to align their data with sector standards. Without support, funders and vendors may struggle with implementation, leading to fragmented or incompatible data. Offering guidance builds capacity, promotes interoperability, and strengthens the overall data ecosystem by making taxonomies easier to adopt and sustain.

Stakeholders

Data Next-Level Practice #7

Actively collaborate with stakeholders that data collected and stored matches downstream information needs.

Collaborating with stakeholders ensures data collected is relevant, reduces burden, and aligns with real-world needs and uses.

Answer:

Ad hoc process as needed that includes external stakeholders in all key updates

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaboration with core users of your data, taxonomy, or infrastructure.

Engaging stakeholders when deciding what data to collect and how to structure it is important because it ensures the information reflects real needs and priorities. By including funders, nonprofits, and other users in the process, data providers can design systems that are more relevant, equitable, and practical. This collaboration builds trust, reduces unnecessary burden, and increases the likelihood that the data will be widely adopted and effectively used.

Share Feedback

We welcome your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions.

Get Involved

Participate in user focus groups, visioning sessions, and more.

Fund This Work

We’re only getting started, let’s make history together.

Editorial Notes

About the Directories
The NLPs are aspirational and forward-looking, designed to move the sector beyond current practice. Not all vendors or providers have adopted them yet, that’s expected. We encourage you to engage your chosen partners around the NLPs.

Join the Directories
We welcome and encourage new participants. Together, our community of GMS vendors and data providers are working to make philanthropy’s data more connected, equitable, and reusable. To get started, visit Join the Directories.

Disclaimer
Information in these directories was voluntarily shared by the providers. It is for reference only and does not imply endorsement. For updates or corrections, please contact us.