A step-by-step guide to joining Benevity for nonprofits
The Benevity Causes Portal is an entry point that connects you with a global network of donors, volunteers, and grant-makers.
Through this platform, you can:
-
Access new supporters
Connect with companies and individuals eager to support meaningful causes like yours. -
Boost engagement
Increase visibility to attract more donations, grants, and volunteer involvement. -
Increase donations
Drive more contributions and funding for your mission through our network.
Create an account
To get started with Benevity, follow these steps to create your account:
-
Head to the registration page
Begin by navigating to the registration page to initiate the sign-up process. -
Enter your personal details
Provide your first and last name, email address, and create a secure password.
Ensure your email is accurate, as it will serve as your login and main contact for updates. -
Confirm your authorization
Check the box to confirm that you are authorized to manage your organization's profile.
Review and agree to the Benevity Causes Terms of Use to proceed. -
Click register
Continue with the next steps in this guide to complete your organization's registration
Step 1: Identify your organization's location
Select your organization's operating country
from the dropdown menu and click "Start Now"
to proceed.
Please be advised that changing the country at a later stage will reset the entire application process, as required information varies by country. To avoid the need to repeat steps, ensure that the correct country is selected from the outset.
Your Causes Portal application involves five steps in total.
Step 2: Search for your organization
To check if your organization is already listed on the Benevity Causes Portal, search by name or government ID. This ensures you don't create duplicate profiles and helps maintain accurate records.
If your organization is already on Benevity:
If your organization is listed click here for guidance on how to re-claim your organization's account. This will help you ensure that all information is up-to-date, making it easier for potential supporters to find and engage with your nonprofit.
If you're new to Benevity:
If you don't see your organization in the search results, click the "Register New Organization" button under the "Can't find your organization?" section. You'll then be directed to step 3 to provide legal and operational details for verification and registration on the platform.
Step 3: Complete contact details
As the primary administrator representing your organization, you'll need to provide contact details for your organization, including an alternative contact. Since you initiated the registration, you're automatically set
as the account administrator; however, this can be updated once your registration is approved.
Note: If your organization is already listed on the Benevity Causes Portal, you will be asked to provide verification documents to confirm your authority to take ownership of the account.
Step 4: Complete your organization details
For new applications only
To proceed with your registration, please provide the following details to accurately set up your
organization's profile:
-
Legal name of your organization. Enter the official, legally recognized name of
your organization. - Organization type or regulatory body. Specify your organization's type or category (e.g., nonprofit, charity) and indicate the governing regulatory body of your country of registration.
- Government-issued registration number. Provide your organization's unique government-issued registration number to verify its legal status.
- Focus area. Choose your organization's primary impact area (e.g., education, health, environment) and briefly describe its goals and activities. Sharing this information helps supporters understand your mission and connect with your cause.
Benevity tip: Please note that required documentation varies by your organization's country of registration, and the appropriate document requirements will be displayed to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Step 5: Verify your organization
In this step, you'll complete the verification process to ensure that your organization's profile is securely managed and meets Benevity's eligibility. We take fraud prevention very seriously and need to ensure you are the right person to have control over this account. Please note that the documentation required will depend on your organization's location.
If you're new to Benevity:
As a new organization, you'll be required to provide documentation from the regulatory or governing body that authorizes your organization in its operating country. This may include official registration certificates or other legal documents that confirm your organization's legitimacy.
If your organization is already on Benevity:
If your organization is already listed, you may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify your authority as the account administrator. This ensures only authorized representatives can manage your organization's profile, keeping your account secure and up-to-date.
Step 6: Review your application
Before finalizing your application, carefully review all the information you've entered to ensure it is both accurate and complete.
Once you submit your application, you won't be able to make any changes, so double-check each field
to confirm that all details are correct.
Once you're happy with your application, hit submit.
After Registration: What to expect next
After you complete the registration process, our team will review your application, performing a thorough validation and security check. Processing times vary based on your region and our verification queue, with applications typically reviewed within 30 days. Security and fraud prevention are taken seriously at Benevity, each application is carefully evaluated to ensure accuracy and compliance. Please monitor your inbox, including your spam or junk folder, as notification emails sometimes end up there.
Benevity's Commitment to Nonprofit Eligibility and Integrity
Benevity takes nonprofit eligibility very seriously to uphold the integrity of its platform, allowing donors, volunteers, and grant-makers to confidently trust the organizations they support. To learn more, please review our eligibility assessment process. Your organization must also comply with Benevity's Causes Terms of Use and Platform Guidelines.
If additional information is required to complete your registration, you will receive an email with instructions on how to proceed.
Approval Notification and Next Steps
Once your application is approved, you'll receive a confirmation email from donotreply@benevity.org with the subject line "Welcome to Benevity: Your Application is Approved!" This email confirms that your account is activated, allowing you to start applying for grants and connecting with supporters.
Getting started on the Benevity Cause Profile
How to get started
Upon approval, to fully onboard and start engaging with Benevity's global network of supporters, there are a few additional steps to complete:
Set up electronic fund transfers (EFT)
To avoid cheque fees and ensure faster and more secure payments through Benevity, enable EFT to receive donations.
Submit the Self-Certification Declaration
Clarify your internal policies regarding where funds will be directed. You will need to review and update your responses on an annual basis.
Complete your profile
Enhance your visibility by adding your logo and mission statement to make your organization's purpose and identity clear to donors.
Connect with donors and volunteers
Creating a complete and compelling profile on the Benevity Causes Portal is key to attracting donors and volunteers who resonate with your mission. A robust profile helps your organization stand out, increases credibility, and makes it easier for supporters across Benevity's global network to connect with you.
To learn best practices for building a profile that engages potential donors and volunteers, check out our eBook. It provides helpful tips and guidance on optimizing your profile, including:
Highlight your mission and impact
Clearly showcase your nonprofit's purpose, accomplishments, and areas of focus to attract like-minded supporters.
Use visual storytelling
Enhance your profile with impactful images and videos that bring your work to life and foster emotional connections with potential supporters.
Maximize discoverability
Leverage keywords, focus areas, and categories that make it easy for donors and volunteers to find your organization.
The "How to Register Your Nonprofit on the Benevity Causes Portal" eBook is also available in multiple languages: