Free Lookup Tool

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 identifier assigned by the IRS. Having an EIN does not itself establish tax-exempt status. This lookup helps you find an organisation’s public record, legal name and reported classification; confirm current status and deductible-contribution eligibility with the official IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.

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?

Foundation program officers verifying grant applicants
Corporate philanthropy teams vetting donation recipients
Individual donors confirming tax-deductibility before giving
Nonprofits verifying their own IRS registration details
Accountants and advisors working with charitable organisations
Researchers and journalists investigating nonprofit finances
Grant consultants checking client eligibility status
Planned giving advisors confirming 501(c)(3) status

Why 501(c)(3) Verification Matters

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a nonprofit's EIN?

You may find the EIN on the organisation’s IRS determination letter, a Form W-9 it provides, a public Form 990, its website, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. Match the legal entity as well as the number.

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 reports the classification recorded in the source data. It is not a guarantee about a particular donation or proof of current 501(c)(3) status. Verify eligibility and recent changes directly with the IRS before relying on it for a grant or tax decision.

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. Public records can lag behind changes — verify current status directly with the IRS 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.

Built into FundRobin

EIN Lookup for Nonprofit Due Diligence

An EIN is the identifier behind US nonprofit verification, Form 990 research, fiscal sponsorship checks, and many grant applications. FundRobin turns basic tax ID lookup into a faster due diligence step for funders and grant-seeking teams.

Verify the Legal Entity First

Names change, chapters share similar branding, and fiscal sponsors may administer funds for informal groups. Searching by EIN reduces ambiguity because it ties your research to a specific legal entity in IRS and public filing data.

Connect EINs to Grant Readiness

Many funders request an EIN on applications, W-9 forms, and due diligence documents. Keeping the correct EIN, status, and filing history together reduces errors before a deadline and helps teams prepare compliant submissions.

Connected funding work, not more admin

FundRobin brings discovery, fit scoring, proposal drafting, documents, and follow-up into one customer workflow so teams can act on funding intelligence instead of copying it between tools.