Free tool
Charity lookup for your will
Find a charity's exact legal name, tax ID (EIN) and 501(c)(3) status from IRS filings, then copy wording for your will or beneficiary forms. Many charities have similar names, so naming the right one matters.
Data from IRS filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Churches and very small charities often don't file Form 990, so they may not appear; ask the organization for its legal name and EIN. Before you sign, you can confirm status with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
Why the legal name and EIN matter
A will might be read decades after you sign it. If it names "the cancer society," your executor may have to guess between several organizations with similar names, and a court may have to decide. Using the charity's full legal name, its city and state, and its federal tax ID (EIN) removes the doubt.
Our wills also include a backup clause: if a charity you name no longer exists or can't accept your gift, your executor gives it to the qualifying charity whose purposes come closest. How we designate gifts.
Common questions
Where does the charity data come from?
From the Form 990 tax filings that charities send the IRS, as published by ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. It shows each organization's legal name, EIN, location, tax-exempt status and recent finances.
Why can't I find my church or a small charity?
Churches and most charities with less than $50,000 a year in revenue don't file a full Form 990, so they may not appear. Ask the organization for its exact legal name and EIN, or search the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
What's the difference between a charity's name and its legal name?
Many charities use a shorter public name. The legal name is the one registered with the state and the IRS, sometimes ending in "Inc." or "Foundation". Use the legal name and EIN in a will so there's no doubt.
Are gifts to every organization here tax-deductible?
Search results are limited to 501(c)(3) organizations, which can generally receive deductible gifts and charitable bequests. Each organization's page shows its status; confirm it with the IRS before a large gift.
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