Understanding the 990PF

Using US Foundation tax forms for donor research

Using US Foundation Tax Forms For Donor Research

Do you love tax forms? I think I can guess your answer – because who does? Usually, tax forms are intimidating, incomprehensible and just plain boring, so why would you read them beyond filing your own? Let us explain to you why you should and why these documents can be a great resource.

The great thing about the tax system in the US is that it is very transparent. Foundations and NGOs have to publicly file their tax documents, which gives you access to a treasure trove of information. These tax forms are called ‘990s’ and being able to read and understand them will be a total game-changer for you and your fundraising and donor identification research.

When you look at these forms for the first time, however, they can be overwhelming. They are filled with numbers, endless columns with cryptic information, and can be hundreds of pages long. So, where do you start and what should you look for?

In this free course, our experienced instructor Erik Detiger will share how you can easily access the information you need to understand a potential donor and how to use that intelligence strategically in your donor research.

What will you learn from this course?

  • What a 990PF is
  • How to access a donor’s 990PF
  • What information do 990s provide
  • Quickly searching 990s for key details
  • How the information in a 990 can help with your donor research

Who should take the course?

  • NGO managers and executive directors
  • Donor or prospective researcher
  • Fundraising and development professionals for local and international NGOs
  • Non-profit consultants and consulting firms
  • Fundraisers for local NGOs and small organizations
  • Fundraisers for a cause close to their heart
  • Students

What are you waiting for? Sign up and learn how to use the hidden information in US tax forms to your advantage and get one step ahead of the competition to win your next grant.

We are looking forward to working with you.


Your Instructor


Erik Detiger
Erik Detiger

Hello! My name is Erik Detiger and I am a professional with over two decades of experience working in the field of international philanthropy and fundraising. As a highly successful international project manager and fundraising professional, I have raised over US$200 million for numerous international projects from a wide variety of government agencies, foundations, and institutions. I am the founder of Philantropia - an independent consultancy based in New York specialized in international fundraising and philanthropy and am excited to share my knowledge with you on this platform.


Course Curriculum


  Understanding US Foundation PF990 For Donor Research
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!