Free Nonprofit Tax ID& EIN Lookup Tool
Enter a 9-digit EIN to instantly verify tax-exempt status, 501(c)(3) classification, recent Form 990 filings, and financial data.
Find EINs on IRS.gov or the organization's website
Instant Verification
Get nonprofit details in seconds from IRS data
501(c)(3) Status
Verify tax-deductible status for donors
Due Diligence
Check nonprofit status before granting
What Is an EIN Lookup for Nonprofits?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a tax-exempt organisation. Every US nonprofit, charitable foundation, and tax-exempt entity has one. An EIN lookup lets you verify that an organisation's EIN is valid, confirm its 501(c)(3) status, and check its basic registration details — all from public IRS records.
Our free tool queries the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer database, which aggregates IRS data on over 1.8 million tax-exempt organisations. You'll see the organisation's legal name, location, deductibility classification, and foundation type. This is the same publicly available information used by grant-makers, major donors, and compliance officers to verify nonprofits before awarding funds.
Who Uses EIN Lookup?
Why 501(c)(3) Verification Matters
For donors, confirming 501(c)(3) status before giving ensures your donation is tax-deductible. The IRS only allows deductions for contributions to organisations that hold current 501(c)(3) status — and that status can be revoked if an organisation fails to file required returns for three consecutive years. Approximately 275,000 organisations lost their tax-exempt status in 2011 alone when the IRS began automatic revocation for non-filers.
For grant-makers and foundations, EIN verification is a baseline due diligence step. Most private foundations and corporate giving programmes require valid 501(c)(3) status as a minimum eligibility criterion. Without it, grants to an organisation may not count as "qualifying distributions" under IRS rules — creating tax liability for the foundation.
EINs are also used throughout the grant application process: on IRS Form W-9, on federal grant applications through Grants.gov, and on fiscal sponsorship agreements. Having your EIN correct and your status current is essential infrastructure for any nonprofit seeking funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a nonprofit's EIN?
Nonprofits are required to make their EIN publicly available. You can find it on the organisation's IRS determination letter, on any Form W-9 they've issued, on their annual Form 990 (which is public), on their website (often in the footer or "donate" page), or directly on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool at apps.irs.gov.
What is the difference between 501(c)(3) and other 501(c) classifications?
501(c)(3) is the most common tax-exempt classification and covers charitable, religious, educational, and scientific organisations. Donations to 501(c)(3) organisations are tax-deductible for donors. Other classifications like 501(c)(4) (social welfare organisations), 501(c)(6) (trade associations), and 501(c)(7) (social clubs) are also tax-exempt but donations to them are generally not deductible. Always check the specific classification when confirming deductibility.
What does 'deductibility' mean in the search results?
The deductibility field indicates whether charitable contributions to the organisation are tax-deductible under IRS rules. "Contributions are deductible" means the organisation holds 501(c)(3) status and donations can be claimed as charitable deductions on US federal tax returns. If the field shows anything else, verify directly with the IRS before claiming a deduction.
Can a nonprofit lose its 501(c)(3) status?
Yes. The IRS automatically revokes 501(c)(3) status if an organisation fails to file required annual returns (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N) for three consecutive years. Status can also be revoked for violations of private benefit rules, political campaign intervention, or other compliance failures. Organisations can apply for reinstatement, but this can take months. Our tool reflects current IRS data — always verify status before making significant gifts or grants.
Is this different from the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search?
Our tool uses the same underlying IRS data as the official IRS search (apps.irs.gov/app/eos), sourced through ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. The official IRS tool is more comprehensive for edge cases and recently updated statuses. For critical grant decisions or legal purposes, we recommend cross-referencing with the official IRS tool. Our tool is designed for quick, everyday verification.
Do I need an EIN to apply for grants?
Yes, for most formal grant applications. Private foundation grants, federal grants (Grants.gov), and many corporate giving programmes require a valid EIN. Organisations without an EIN — such as grassroots groups or informal collectives — often need to work with a fiscal sponsor (a registered 501(c)(3) that receives and administers funds on their behalf). If you don't yet have an EIN, you can apply for one for free through the IRS website.