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Equivalency Determination

NGOsource Equivalency Determination on File

SEED Madagascar is proud to be listed in the NGOsource repository of Equivalency Determination (ED) certified organizations.

An Equivalency Determination (ED) allows U.S. grantmakers to confidently donate to international nonprofits like SEED.

To achieve ED certification, an organization must go through a rigorous evaluation process. This review looks closely at the organization’s purpose, operations, governance, and financial transparency to confirm that it meets the standards of a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

While grantmakers can carry out this process on their own, it can be lengthy and complex. That’s where NGOsource comes in. NGOsource is a U.S. public charity that streamlines the ED process, making it clear and straightforward for both donors and international partners. Thanks to NGOsource’s support and our generous donor, SEED successfully completed this certification.

Trusted in the UK, Recognized Internationally

In the United Kingdom, SEED is a registered charity with over 25 years of experience delivering development and conservation projects in Madagascar. This long history demonstrates our commitment to high standards of governance, transparency, and impact.

However, UK charitable status does not automatically extend to the U.S. The ED certification bridges that gap, officially recognizing SEED as the equivalent of a U.S. 501(c)(3) (though we are not legally classified as one).

This certification confirms that SEED:

  • Is organized and operated solely for charitable purposes
  • Meets the same governance, accountability, and transparency standards as U.S. nonprofits
  • Manages donations responsibly and effectively to deliver measurable impact

The review also affirmed that SEED’s board, leadership, and staff are united in upholding the highest standards of nonprofit governance. In short,  we’ve been thoroughly vetted and recognized as a reliable, responsible partner ready to turn your generosity into real impact in Madagascar.

Why Equivalency Determination Matters

Beyond providing peace of mind, ED certification brings practical benefits for both donors and SEED:

For U.S. Donors 

  • Simplified Giving: Because SEED already holds an ED certification, new donors can reuse our existing determination, saving time and reducing costs compared to starting a new application.
  • Global Impact: Your gift reaches across borders to make a tangible difference in Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations, where around 80% of people live on less than $2.15 a day.

For SEED

  • Expanded Partnerships: ED certification allows us to connect more easily with U.S. donor entities and foundations.
  • Credibility and Trust: It demonstrates our strong governance and transparency to international funders.
  • Long-Term Collaboration: It paves the way for ongoing, meaningful partnerships focused on sustainable impact.
     

Is ED Right for You?

ED is especially suited for U.S. donor entities and foundations who want to support SEED’s work in Madagascar. Because there’s typically an establishment fee (around $250), it’s most cost-effective for donors contributing $3,000 or more.

If that sounds like you, you’re in the perfect position to make a lasting difference. We’ve outlined a simple step-by-step process to show just how easy it is to help us transform lives in Madagascar.

Step by step process for donors

  1. Email us

              ○   Send a message to mark@seedmadagascar.org to let us know you’d like to donate through an ED

  1. Create an NGOSource account (if you don’t already have one)

              ○   Sign up at NGOSource and become a member

  1. Send us an NGOSource invitation

              ○   From your NGOSource account, send an invitation to us so we can begin the equivalency process.

  1. Certification status check

              ○   Since we are already in the NGOSource repository, our orgnisation’s information is already saved and the process will move quickly.

              ○   If we aren’t in the repository, we will complete NGOSource’s questionnaire and upload required documents.

  1. NGOSource reviews the documents

              ○   NGOSource reviews the submitted materials and may request additional information from you or us.

  1. Equivalency Determination

              ○   NGOsource will notify you and us once the equivalency determination is complete.

If Equivalency Determination seems like the right fit for you, get in touch at Mark@seedmadagascar.org. We’d be happy to answer any questions, share our experience and start the process.

FAQs

ED (Equivalency Determination) is a good-faith determination that an international organization, like SEED Madagascar, is the equivalent to a US public charity.

ED allows donors to give internationally with confidence. It also minimises administrative burden for both donors and the organisation.

NGOSource is a leading intermediary that facilitates the ED process. Other organisations are similar intermediaries. Attorneys or accountants are also able to complete the process.

For new certifications it takes 10 weeks, but if we are already in the repository it just takes one business day.

We provide our governing documents, organisational chart, financial statements, descriptions of our activities and programmes, and proof of our registration as a UK charity. These documents demonstrate our legitimacy, transparency and operational integrity.

The ED’s validity will be noted on the ED certificate. Typically, EDs are valid for 1.5 years, but this can vary based on financial reporting timelines.

No. The ED confirms we meet U.S. charity requirements for grantmaking purposes, but SEED Madagascar is not legally a 501(c)(3).

Donor entities and foundations start the process by creating an NGOSource account and sending an invitation to us.

  • ED allows you to make an international impact on underfunded causes
  • Reduces administrative work for international donations
  • Increases confidence in our legitimacy and transparency
  • For long-term donors, ED renewals are quicker and easier

Since we are already in NGOSource’s repository, the fee for a new donor is just $250, making ED particularly cost-effective for donations over $3,000. This is in comparison to our Global Giving Platform which takes a percentage of donations for administrative costs.