Before giving, check the organisation’s current eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions in the official IRS search. A 501(c)(3) classification alone does not guarantee that a particular gift is deductible; donor requirements and limits also apply. Tax-exempt status can be automatically revoked after three consecutive years of missed required returns or notices.
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.