I’m a freelancer, and I regularly help nonprofit organizations set up digital services, obtain discounted subscriptions, and complete technical preparations. Recently, nearly all major technology platforms have switched to a unified system for verifying nonprofits through a verification service Goodstack or D-U-N-S.
Since I often deal with this process in practice, I decided to write a detailed blog guide for nonprofits that want to complete Goodstack verification on their own. Below, we’ll explain what this service is, why it is needed, what requirements apply to websites and documents, and how to avoid the most common reasons for rejection.
What is Goodstack, and why do nonprofits need it?
Goodstack (formerly known as Percent) is an international verification platform that leading IT giants use to verify organizations’ legal and nonprofit status.
Previously, many platforms (such as Google) used the TechSoup partner network for verification. Today, however, the application process has been streamlined and is handled directly through Goodstack, without redirecting applicants to third-party websites.
Successfully completing Goodstack verification gives nonprofits access to grants and substantial discounts:
- Google for Nonprofits: free access to Google Workspace for nonprofit organizations, Google Ad Grants for search advertising (up to $10,000/month), and special YouTube features.
- Microsoft for Nonprofits: скидка до 75% на Microsoft 365 Business Premium (от $5.50 за пользователя в месяц) и ежегодный возобновляемый грант в размере $2,000 на облачные сервисы Azure.
- Twilio.org: access to discounts and credits for communication services (SMS, calls) through the Impact Access Program.
What exactly does Goodstack verify?
Goodstack's verification process is based on four key checks:
- Official nonprofit status: the organization must be officially registered with the local regulatory authority in its country as a charity or nonprofit.
- Nonprofit nature and public benefit: the organization's activities must not be aimed at generating profit and must benefit society.
- Verification of the applicant's authority (Association): Goodstack rigorously verifies whether the person submitting the application is actually an employee or authorized representative of this nonprofit.
- Compliance with partner-specific criteria: for example, Google and Microsoft may have additional internal rules regarding eligible types of nonprofits.
Important technical requirements: Email and Website
This is the stage where delays and rejections occur most often. If you are completing the process yourself, pay particular attention to two key points:
1. Business email on the organization's domain
The application must be submitted using an email address hosted on your nonprofit's official domain (for example, [email protected]). Applications submitted from personal email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, Mail.ru) are almost always rejected.
2. An active organization website
A website is the primary digital proof of your nonprofit's activities.
- The website must be fully functional and accessible through your domain name.
- If the website is marked “Under construction” or is a blank page with no information, Goodstack will be unable to verify that the domain belongs to the nonprofit and will reject the application.
- The website must clearly display the nonprofit's official legal name, logo, mission, and a description of its current projects.
What documents are required?
All uploaded documents must be in their original PDF format (without scanning defects, redactions, or edits).
1. Documents confirming nonprofit organization status
- Official certificate of state registration of the nonprofit organization.
- Tax status document / extract from the register of nonprofit organizations.
2. Documents confirming the applicant's affiliation with the nonprofit organization
To confirm that you are authorized to represent the nonprofit organization, you must provide one of the following categories of documents:
- Organization Documents (must have been issued more than 30 days ago and include the nonprofit organization's legal name, the applicant's full name, and signature):
- Organization Bylaws or internal policies;
- Governing Council/Board Meeting Minutes;
- Official Employment Confirmation Letter or employment contract;
- Volunteer Agreement or certificate of volunteer service.
- Bank Documents:
- An official electronic bank statement in PDF format, issued more than 30 days ago and showing the nonprofit organization's legal name.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Start Application: Go to the portal for the relevant program (for example, Google for Nonprofits, Microsoft for Nonprofits, or Twilio) and click “Get Started” / “Register”.
- Organization search: Select your country and search for your nonprofit in the Goodstack database by name or registration number (EIN / OGRN). If the organization is not in the database, you can add it manually.
- Entering information and uploading documents: Provide your contact information, website URL, and mission statement, and attach the required PDF documents.
- Application review: The review process usually takes 3 to 5 business days (in some cases, up to 2 weeks).
- Email monitoring: Be sure to check your inbox and Spam folder. Requests for additional documents are sent from the following addresses
@mail.goodstack.orgor@poweredbypercent.com.
“For Nonprofits” Service: Turnkey Verification Support
If you don’t want to navigate the intricacies of Goodstack’s requirements, set up domain-based email, adapt your website to meet the verification criteria, and communicate with support yourself, I offer a comprehensive service “For Nonprofits”:
- Website preparation: I will bring your website into full compliance with Goodstack’s requirements (adding legal details and your mission statement, and configuring the domain).
- Email setup: I will connect and configure business email on your domain to ensure your application is submitted correctly.
- Document audit and collection: I will review your document package to eliminate potential reasons for rejection.
- Verification Support: I will handle the entire Goodstack application process and work with support until the status is fully approved and the Google, Microsoft, or Twilio nonprofit programs are activated.
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