Nonprofit FAQ

Q. What is WyoGives?

WyoGives, an initiative of the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, brings the state together as one community to raise money and awareness for Wyoming’s nonprofits on one day each year and on one website. WyoGives.org is an easy-to-use platform where individuals can search and donate to nonprofits across the state that are making a difference in our communities every day.

Q. Who is the host of WyoGives?

WyoGives is hosted by the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, whose mission is to amplify, cultivate, and advocate for Wyoming’s nonprofits. The Wyoming Nonprofit Network is a statewide association for charitable nonprofits.

Bonterra/GiveGab is our platform partner that provides the technology and support for WyoGives.org.

Q. When is WyoGives?

WyoGives is held each July. This year, the 6th Annual WyoGives is on July 16, 2025, from midnight to 11:59 PM! Donors can make online donations on WyoGives.org anytime within these 24 hours. Donations cannot be pre-scheduled.

Q. How can my nonprofit participate?

Nonprofits must apply each year to participate in WyoGives. The application period for WyoGives 2025 was open March 19 to June 16. Sorry, we do not accept late applications, and no exceptions are made. Typically, the application period opens in mid-March and closes at least one month before the giving day. The Wyoming Nonprofit Network encourages organizations to mark their calendars for March annually and check back here for more information on how to apply.

Q. What is WyoGives Connect?

WyoGives Connect is our online communication hub for participating nonprofits. This is where they can find important announcements, resources, training links, incentive pool information, FAQ responses, marketing support, space to connect with other participating organizations, 1-1 technical assistance, and more! The WyoGives team (Wyoming Nonprofit Network staff) no longer sends out emails. Once organizations receive notice that they have been approved to participate in WyoGives, the administrator for their WyoGives account receives an email with a link to join WyoGives Connect. At least one person from each organization is REQUIRED to create an account in WyoGives Connect. This is a separate platform from the WyoGives.org account/dashboard.

Q. What are online and offline donations?

Online donations are contributions received on July 16th via the WyoGives.org platform. There are different online payment options; see the Donor FAQ for more information.

Offline donations are contributions you receive via checks or cash as part of your WyoGives campaign. You can add these to your dashboard to include them in your fundraising total.

Q. How can I access donor reports, and how will we receive donations?

Donation reports can be accessed on your organization’s dashboard (on the left side menu under "Reports"). Step-by-step instructions for accessing donor reports will be provided following WyoGives.

Each online donation to a participating nonprofit will be disbursed directly from Bonterra via direct deposit into your bank account within 5-7 business days.

Q. How much of each gift will my organization receive?

For processing fees, please take a look at the Donor FAQ page. Donors can choose to cover the fees. If they do, 100% of the gift will go to the receiving organization.

Q. Will donors receive a receipt when they make the online contribution?

Yes, a formal email tax acknowledgment from the event will be emailed automatically as soon as the donation is made.

Q. Should my organization also send a tax acknowledgment letter?

No. Bonterra must issue all donor acknowledgments for tax purposes, which will be emailed to the donor immediately after the donation. The participating organization may issue a separate informal “thank you” but must not issue the formal tax acknowledgment that references the donation amount.

Q. What are the prizes and how does my organization enter to win them?

Prizes are given in various categories and designed to encourage organizations to utilize available tools and training, promote their WyoGives campaign, and engage with donors. Once finalized, prizes will be added to the WyoGives website. Organizations that win a prize will receive the funds via a check from the Wyoming Nonprofit Network approximately three to four weeks following the giving day.

Q. Is there an incentive pool or match this year?

Any incentive pools or matches administered by the Wyoming Nonprofit Network will be posted on the website when finalized. The donor sets all incentive pool and match criteria, not us. Participation in WyoGives does not mean your organization will qualify for any incentive pools or matches. If you are a participating organization, you can find information on any incentive pools or matches administered by the Wyoming Nonprofit Network in WyoGives Connect.

Participating organizations are encouraged to recruit a matching sponsor for their campaign. See the Matches & Challenges Training Video on this page.

Q. What are some suggestions for helping to develop an effective WyoGives campaign for our organization?

Invest the time in learning the platform and building your profile.
Develop and execute a campaign plan to drive traffic to your profile. While success is never guaranteed, dedicating time and effort to your campaign significantly improves your chances of achieving your goals.
Utilize the training videos, toolkit, and WyoGives Connect.
Engage your board of directors and volunteers in the campaign.
Build a campaign team of your supporters, especially those active in social media.
Recruit a few key peer-to-peer fundraisers who are excited and prepared to fundraise on your behalf.
Recruit a matching sponsor as an additional incentive for your donors.
Be intentional about thanking donors.

State Charitable Solicitation Registration

Q. What is state charitable solicitation registration?

Nonprofits are held to a high standard of government regulation and public scrutiny. And that is with good reason! Eligible 501(c) nonprofits are exempt from federal corporate taxes and have access to public funding. These benefits are not typically available to for-profit businesses, so laws are in place to protect the public and ensure nonprofits do not abuse their financial advantages. The IRS and states all have requirements for nonprofits.

The IRS provides tax exemptions to eligible nonprofits under IRC 501(c). Public charities and private foundations receive 501(c)(3) tax exemption. The IRS scrutinizes organizations when they apply for 501(c)(3) but also ensures that those organizations meet the ongoing obligations to remain eligible. Nonprofits must file a 990 tax form each year with the IRS to disclose their financial data for the year.

Each state has its own set of requirements. Nonprofits are typically incorporated in a given state as a nonprofit corporation. The state in which the nonprofit has been incorporated will impose requirements on the nonprofit, and those responsibilities typically span across multiple state agencies. Usually, nonprofits must submit an annual filing to the corporation's division of the secretary of state, maintain their license to fundraise (charitable solicitation registration), file for a state business license, and maintain state-level tax exemption with the revenue department. As nonprofits expand outside of the state or operate nationwide, they must also comply with the same items in each other state. Wyoming does not require registration for charitable solicitations, but you may be soliciting donations in other states that do require registration.

Q. When I check the box on GiveGab to declare state charitable solicitation registration compliance, what am I attesting to?

When you check the box you are attesting (defined as "declaring that something exists or is the case") that your organization is compliant with applicable state fundraising requirements in the states in which you may solicit donors using the GiveGab platform. More information about Nonprofit Compliance Requirements can be found here: https://www.harborcompliance.com/nonprofit-compliance-guide