At AMCF, we believe the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency is a powerful tool for building trust and credibility in the Muslim nonprofit sector. As we prepare to launch the 2025 cycle of the AMCF Women’s Giving Circle, we will be using the Candid platform to streamline the nomination process and promote greater transparency.
All nominated organizations will need to use Candid as their application platform and must obtain a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency in order to be considered for funding by voting members of the Giving Circle.
If you represent a nonprofit—or are thinking of nominating one—here’s why earning a Platinum Seal is a smart investment in your visibility, fundraising potential, and long-term growth.
What Is the Candid Seal of Transparency?
The Candid Seal of Transparency is a nationally recognized designation earned by sharing key organizational information on Candid.org, the most widely used database for nonprofit verification and research. Candid—formed by the merger of GuideStar and Foundation Center—serves over 10 million users each year, including funders, donors, journalists, and institutional grantmakers.
There are four levels of the Candid Seal:
- Bronze: Basic info (mission, programs, contact)
- Silver: Financials and leadership
- Gold: In-depth strategy, goals, and demographics
- Platinum: Key performance indicators and measurable impact
The Platinum Seal is the highest level, showing that your organization is both transparent and outcome-driven.
Why the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency Matters
1. Funders Rely on It
More than 78,000 funders and partners use Candid to guide their giving. Many institutional funders now require or strongly prefer nonprofits with a Seal—especially at the Gold or Platinum level.
2. Increased Visibility
Nonprofits with a Seal receive 53% more profile views than those without. This boost helps your organization stand out on platforms like AmazonSmile, Facebook Giving Tools, and Network for Good.
3. Builds Public Trust
Transparency builds confidence. Sharing your financials, leadership, and impact metrics shows funders and donors that your organization is well-managed and trustworthy.
4. Strengthens Strategic Alignment
Completing your profile helps clarify internal goals, strategies, and outcomes. It’s as valuable for your team as it is for potential funders.
5. Boosts Fundraising Potential
According to Candid, organizations with a Platinum Seal raise up to 40% more than those without. A complete, high-quality profile positions your nonprofit for success.
How to Earn the Candid Platinum Seal (It’s Free!)
Any registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. can earn a Seal of Transparency. Here’s how:
Step 1: Visit www.candid.org and search for your organization. Claim or create your profile.
Step 2: Add core organizational info—your mission, programs, leadership, and contact details—to reach the Bronze level.
Step 3: Upload financials, board members, and DEI data to advance through the Silver and Gold levels.
Step 4: For the Platinum Seal, you’ll need to provide:
- 1–5 key results or performance metrics your organization tracks
- Descriptions of your goals, strategies, and capabilities
- Reflections on progress and learning
Helpful Resources:
- Go for the Gold (Candid Article)
- How to Obtain a Candid Seal (Webinar)
- Platinum Seal Overview (Guide)
What This Means for the 2025 AMCF Women’s Giving Circle
For the 2025 cycle, the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency will serve as the full application for all nominated organizations. This process ensures that Giving Circle members have access to up-to-date, consistent data on each nonprofit’s mission, leadership, and impact.
Nomination Window:
🗓 August 1 – September 5, 2025
Each current Women’s Giving Circle member may nominate one eligible organization during this time.
To view last year’s nominees and profiles, visit:
🔗 amuslimcf.org/womensgc-2024-giving-circle-nominees
In Summary
Earning a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency is one of the most effective ways to build trust, attract funders, and communicate your impact. And for 2025, it’s also your gateway to being considered for the AMCF Women’s Giving Circle.
Whether you’re preparing for nomination or helping a nonprofit take the next step, now is the time to prioritize transparency, storytelling, and strategic growth.
🧭 An orientation webinar for all nominees will be hosted by AMCF in August.
Questions or need help updating your profile?
👉 The AMCF team is here to support you.
Let’s build a more transparent, connected philanthropic future—together.