The State of Not for Profit Transparency - Guidestar Report

A US report finds that 9 out of 10 Not for Profits are embracing on-line disclosure but more can be done.

A new report by GuideStar in the US, reveals that 93 percent of Not for Profits post information about their missions and programs on their Web sites, but that significantly fewer disclose other key information via the Internet.

The State of Nonprofit Transparency, 2008: Voluntary Disclosure Practices is described as the first comprehensive look at NFP’s use of the Internet to communicate information to the public.

Based on a review of 1,837 NFP Web sites and follow-up phone and e-mail surveys, the report offers four key findings:

* Some 93 percent of NFPs disclosed information about their programs and services via the Internet. Three-quarters of this number also posted board and key staff members’ names.
* Only 43 percent posted their annual reports.
* Only 13 percent posted their audited financial statements.

GuideStar, a pioneer in advancing NFP transparency, recommends five steps to increase NFP transparency.

GuideStar recommends that every Not for Profit:

* Regularly update its Web site with current, detailed program and evaluation information.
* Post brief bios for board members and key staff, instead of just their names.
* Post its annual report, if it produces one.
* Post its audited financial statement, if it has one.

The State of Nonprofit Transparency can be downloaded at publications.guidestar.org