Table of Contents

What is an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free, federal nine-digit tax identification number that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to nonprofits, charities, organizations, and businesses. In your case, it’s like a social security number for your nonprofit. Nonprofit organizations and charities are required to have their EIN prior to filing for tax exemption and securing their 501c3 nonprofit status.

Where can I find my organization’s EIN?

An EIN follows this format: XX-XXXXXXX. Below are a few places you might be able to find your organization’s EIN:

  • An EIN is public information and can often be found on GuideStar.org
  • The notice that was issued by the IRS when you applied for your EIN.
  • You may have used your EIN to open a bank account, or apply for any type of state or local license.
  • Previously filed tax returns should include your organization’s EIN.
  • Ask the IRS to search for your EIN by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.

How do I apply with my organization’s EIN?

You will need to provide the following information:

  • the full name of your organization
  • the EIN number of your organization
  • the contact information of the Executive Director or someone otherwise authorized to sign the contract on behalf of your organization. This includes: first and last name, title, email, phone and address.
  • banking information, including the name on the account, the name of the bank, the account type, account number, and routing number.

My organization does not have 501c3 status, can I still apply?

Yes, in this case, if you have a fiscal sponsor, you can apply with your fiscal sponsor’s EIN number. Fiscal sponsorships can create an opportunity for organizations who have not yet secured a 501c3 nonprofit status to receive grants and donations to fund projects. Note: There are no additional administrative dollars set aside for GO Grant fiscal sponsors.

How do I apply with a fiscal sponsor?

You will need to provide the following information about your fiscal sponsor:

  • the full name of the organization
  • the EIN number of the organization
  • the contact information of the Executive Director or someone otherwise authorized to sign the contract on behalf of the organization. This includes: first and last name, title, and email.
  • banking information, including the name on the account, the name of the bank, the account type, account number, and routing number.

Prior to applying, we encourage you to communicate with your fiscal sponsor. They will be responsible for signing the contract as well as receiving and disbursing the GO Grant funds.

Can federally recognized Tribal Nations apply without an EIN?

Yes. Those authorized to apply on behalf of a federally recognized Tribal Nation do not need to provide an EIN.

How do I apply on behalf of a Tribal Nation?

In order to expand funding opportunities for this community, we ask these applicants to simply include the following information in the case where an EIN in unavailable:

  • Tribe Name
  • Band Name (optional)

Prior to applying, we encourage you to communicate with your Tribal leadership. They will be responsible for signing the contract as well as receiving and disbursing the GO Grant funds. You will need to provide the following information:

  • the contact information for the person authorized to sign the contract on behalf of your Tribal Nation. This includes: first and last name, title, and email.
  • banking information, including the name on the account, the name of the bank, the account type, account number, and routing number.