Organizations & Programs on the Community Platform
General Information, How Tos, & FAQs
What if my organization is not in the Platform's system?
To add an organization to you our system, log in to your personal profile, go to 'my organizations' and click on add organization. From there, fill out the necessary information on your organization. Adding an organization requires the approval of a Community Administrator, which usually occurs within 2-3 business days. For more information on how to add/edit an orgniaztion, click here
Where do the organizations and programs on the site come from?
Engage SENC contains organizations and programs that have filed an IRS Form 990 in our five county region. An organization can be added to the site directly as well, although it would have to be approved by a Community Administrator. Finally, any of the data on the site may have been updated by registered users (and approved by Admins).
How do I find my organization?
The easiest way to find your organization is by searching from the homepage. You can also find your organization on the map - select your area (i.e. county), then your issue area (i.e. environment) and click 'Map It'. Click on your organization's icon, then on the name of your organization - which will be linked to your organization profile. If you do not see your organization on the map, it still may be in our system - we may have an incomplete address or an inaccurate NTEE code (issue area).
I found my organization but something is wrong or missing - how can I update this information?
Updating your information is a great way to help the site stay up to date as well as to reach people who may need your services. To update the information - register/log in, find your organization's profile page (see above for instructions) and click 'Edit Organization'. You can change any information and submit the changes for review. Any changes require the review and approval of a Community Administrator, which usually happens within 2-3 business days.
What are Activity Codes and how do I use them to classify my organization?
Activity Codes are translated from organization NTEE Codes on the IRS Form 990. Activity Codes are used to classify organizations and their programs based on how they serve the community; using Activity Codes, users can not only classify their organizaitons, but programs within their organizations as well. It is critical that Activity Codes accurately reflect your orgnaization because they are used to map organizations and their sources on our resources map.
I just made a change to my organization, why don't I see the new information?
Any changes require the review and approval of a Community Administrator, which usually happens within 2-3 business days.
How often is the IRS data updated?
Our master list of organizations is generally updated monthly; although the IRS sometimes delays release of these files. Our financial data are updated annually. The "Core" data -- basic revenue, expense, asset, liability, and net asset variables -- are updated once a year, usually in March. We generally keypunch the detailed data on program descriptions, more detailed financial data, and chief staff officer information once every 12 months. We initially do this when a partner first implements the site and then every 12 months after that. If partners need data keypunched more frequently, we are glad to discuss options.
Can I make my own private lists of organizations? How?
Yes, on the site we call this a 'Custom List' or 'Resource List'. To create a list, follow these instructions:
1. Go to 'Tools' in the top right corner, then 'Custom Organization Lists'
2. Click 'Create New List'
3. As noted in the message at right, you need to create the list before you can add orgs to it. Fill out the name and description, click 'Save'.
4. This create the (empty) custom list - to edit it, check the box next to the name, then click 'Edit this list'.
5. Now you should see a new box of options at the right, click on 'Add Organization to List'.
6. Now you should see a box that will allow you to search for the organization(s) you want to add. Search by name, size, location, etc. and click 'Submit' to search.
7. On the search results page, you'll see a list of organizations with checkboxes and, at the top, you'll see a grey box. This grey box shows the action that you can perform on the organizations selected below. Click the organization(s) you want to add and then click 'Go' in the grey box. (This will 'Tag Organizations' (first drop down) as "Your Circle Name" (second dropdown)).
How do I 'associate' myself with an organization?
First find the organization's profile that you want to associate yourself with (see above for instructions). Once logged in, click 'Edit Organization' at the top right. On this page, select your relationship with the organization and then you are associated with an organization! Please note that this 'association' is essential on the honors system: there is no systematic verification of this, but it does help Community Administrators when they are reviewing changes on the site.
*** To contact a Community Administrator, please click our 'Feedback' link at the top of the page, or email us at chc@uncw.edu
