What is a determination letter?
A determination letter is an official document issued by the IRS confirming that an organization has been recognized as tax-exempt or charitable.
This document serves as proof of your nonprofit status and is required during the verification process.
Why Is the Determination Letter Required?
To protect donors and ensure platform integrity, Charity Bridge Fund verifies every nonprofit before granting full access.
Your determination letter helps us:
Confirm your organization’s official nonprofit status
Validate that your organization is eligible to operate on the platform
Verify that you are an authorized representative of the organization
Without this document, we cannot complete your charity activation.
Who Is Eligible for Verification?
Charity Bridge Fund verifies nonprofits that meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure support reaches organizations most in need.
To qualify, your organization must:
Have valid 501(c)(3) status recognized by the IRS
Have experienced funding loss tied to federal government actions (direct or indirect)
Be facing recent or unexpected financial disruption
Examples of eligible situations include:
A federal grant reduced or terminated
A government contract canceled mid-cycle
Increased demand due to federal funding cuts (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid)
Long-term funding loss tied to policy or funding shifts
Organizations that do not meet these criteria may not be eligible at this time. However, we do encourage nonprofits to reach out and explain the funding situation.
How Determination Letter Verification Works
When claiming your charity, you will be asked to submit key information and documents as part of the verification process.
Required Documents
You’ll need the following documents to represent your nonprofit on our platform:
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
501 (c)(3) IRS determination letter.
In some cases, additional documentation may be requested, especially for fiscally sponsored organizations.
How Long Verification Takes
Most nonprofits are verified within 2 business days, depending on how complete and accurate the submission is.
Delays may occur if:
Documents are unclear or missing
EIN or determination letter does not match IRS records
Additional verification is required
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
My Organization Changed Its Name
If your organization has changed its legal name since the determination letter was issued:
Upload the updated determination letter, or
If you've updated the original letter, email us at nonprofits@charitybridgefund.org and provide documentation showing the legal name change so we can expedite verification.
We Lost Our Determination Letter
If you no longer have your determination letter, you can:
Request a copy from the IRS using Form 4506-A
Download verification from the IRS Exempt Organizations database
EIN Errors
If your EIN does not match IRS records:
Double-check formatting and accuracy
Ensure it matches your determination letter exactly
Contact support if the issue persists
My Document Was Rejected
Your document may be rejected if:
The file is unclear or incomplete
The information on the letter does not match IRS records
The document is not an official determination letter
Double-check your upload and ensure it meets all requirements before resubmitting.
Need Help With Verification?
If you’re unsure about your document or experiencing issues during verification, contact our team:
📧 nonprofits@charitybridgefund.org
We can review your case and help complete the process faster.
Helpful Tips
To avoid delays in verification:
Double-check your EIN before submitting
Upload a clear and legible PDF
Ensure your determination letter is valid and current
Ongoing Review and Adaptation
Charity Bridge Fund understands that no single framework can capture the full scope of funding disruptions nonprofits are experiencing. The funding environment continues to change, and the effects of federal actions may surface in new and unexpected ways.
Organizations that are experiencing disruption but do not clearly fit within these guidelines are encouraged to apply and share their experience. Charity Bridge Fund is committed to ongoing review and adaptation to ensure our approach remains responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of the nonprofit sector.
FAQ
What is a determination letter for a nonprofit?
A determination letter is an official IRS document confirming that an organization is recognized as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt or charitable.
Why does Charity Bridge Fund require a determination letter?
It ensures that only verified nonprofits can access platform features and receive donations.
Can I verify my nonprofit without a determination letter?
No, a determination letter or equivalent official verification is required to complete the process.
What if my nonprofit changed its name?
Submit your original determination letter along with legal documentation showing the name change and contact support for assistance.
How do I get a copy of my determination letter?
You can request it from the IRS using Form 4506-A or download verification from the IRS Exempt Organizations database.
What happens if my document is rejected?
You will need to correct any issues (such as clarity or mismatched EIN) by reaching out to us at nonprofits@charitybridgefund.org.
What documents are required to verify my nonprofit?
To complete verification, you’ll need:
Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your IRS determination letter
Documentation showing funding loss (such as a grant revocation letter, if applicable)
Additional documents may be requested for fiscally sponsored organizations.
How long does nonprofit verification take?
Most nonprofits are verified within 2 business days, depending on how complete and accurate the submission is.
What happens if I enter the wrong EIN?
If your EIN does not match IRS records, you’ll receive an error during the request to claim the charity.
Double-check the number and formatting before resubmitting. If the issue continues, contact support for assistance.
Can fiscally sponsored nonprofits apply?
Yes. Fiscally sponsored organizations can apply, but must provide:
The sponsor’s determination letter
A sponsorship agreement
The sponsor’s EIN
You should contact support before submitting to ensure proper setup.
Can I update my documents after submitting them?
Yes. If your verification is pending or your documents were rejected, you can contact support to update your documents.
What happens after my nonprofit is verified?
Once approved:
You’ll receive an email with your claim code
Your charity status will update to Active in your dashboard
You’ll be able to complete your profile and create projects
What happens if my nonprofit loses 501(c)(3) status after verification?
Your account will be paused, and new donations will not be processed until your status is restored or you establish a fiscal sponsorship.
Can I verify more than one nonprofit under the same account?
Yes. You can claim multiple nonprofits as long as you have the required documentation for each organization.
Can international nonprofits apply?
At this time, only U.S.-based nonprofits with valid IRS 501(c)(3) recognition are eligible.
International organizations may participate through a U.S.-based sponsor nonprofit.
What if my bank account name doesn’t match my nonprofit’s legal name?
Funds can only be distributed to a bank account that matches your organization’s legal name. Make sure your banking details align with your official records.
Completing your nonprofit verification is a critical step in accessing the full capabilities of Charity Bridge Fund. By submitting accurate documentation and meeting eligibility requirements, you help ensure transparency, protect donor trust, and position your organization to successfully receive and manage funding on the platform.