Note: This article by James Tanner was published previously on the Genealogy’s Star blog site and is used with the author’s permission.

The Family History Guide Association, a 501(c)(3) public charity organization, is the funding organization behind The Family History Guide website. I am the Chairman of the Board of The Family History Guide Association.

GuideStar by Candid is a vetting organization that investigates non-profit charities. If you have ever wondered if your donation to a non-profit was doing what it was supposed to do, you can see the profile of the non-profit corporations. Receiving a Guidestar Platinum Transparency Seal shows that The Family History Guide Association has provided GuideStar with all of the information shown on this webpage: Funders reward organizations with Seals. Here is a short description from GuideStar Seals of Transparency.

GuideStar Seals of Transparency indicate that a nonprofit has provided key information to its GuideStar profile. This recognition shows commitment to transparency. By providing up-to-date information, nonprofits allow potential donors and funders to make educated decisions.

Here is what a Seal of Transparency implies:

Is a Seal of Transparency a rating or endorsement by GuideStar?

No, it’s not. GuideStar is not a watchdog and we do not evaluate nonprofits. Our goal is to provide unbiased information to help donors and key stakeholders make educated decisions about nonprofits and the work they do. A Seal of Transparency indicates that a nonprofit has updated its Nonprofit Profile by providing specific information. The Seal level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum) is determined by how much information the organization has shared. Again, it is not a rating or endorsement by GuideStar.