Nonprofits and churches earn ECFA accreditation by proving that they meet high standards in financial management and transparency, board governance, and stewardship. ECFA’s seal of integrity—awarded exclusively to accredited organizations—has been a proven symbol of trust for over 40 years inspiring confidence with donors and greater generosity to Christ-centered causes.

Ministries applying for accreditation receive coaching by the experienced professionals at ECFA through a rigorous application process to meet all the ECFA standards. Member organizations must continue to follow and demonstrate their commitment to the ECFA standards through an annual accreditation renewal.

ECFA-accredited organizations are also given specialized education and training throughout the year with weekly news and updates, quarterly in-depth educational outreaches, other accountability programs, and the availability at any time to connect with an ECFA team member with questions about the accreditation standards and other nonprofit best practices.

The first step to earning ECFA accreditation is easy by submitting a short online application. Click here to get started!

"... Taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration of this generous gift, for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

2 Corinthians 8:20-21 (NASB)

As scripture teaches, we have a duty to be above reproach in how we manage God’s resources. This means taking precautions or practical steps to demonstrate integrity—not just in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Trustworthy practices are more important than ever for nonprofits and churches in today’s world that has become increasingly skeptical of all institutions, including the Church

ECFA is the largest nonprofit accreditor for donors in the U.S. and the only one that bases its standards directly on biblical principles. We help coach ministries through a thorough vetting process to demonstrate that they meet all of ECFA’s high integrity standards. We continue to support organizations in their compliance with the standards through an annual accreditation renewal and provide ongoing training and resources from ECFA’s professional staff throughout the year.

Displaying the ECFA seal of integrity and accountability can bring additional credibility to your ministry as you share the gospel and connect with givers.

Plus, as an ECFA member, you’ll receive free, unlimited access to a wealth of ECFA resources and training to help maintain high standards and enhance trust with donors.

The initial application fee to apply for ECFA accreditation is $500. Check with us about an application fee waiver if you learned of ECFA from a recent conference or another referral.

There is also an annual accreditation fee each year due at the time of your annual ECFA accreditation renewal (either January 31 or July 31, depending on your ministry’s fiscal year).

Keep in mind the most significant expense for ministries is not usually ECFA’s accreditation fee but the external cost of annual financial statements prepared by an independent CPA, which are required for accreditation under ECFA Standard 3.

No. ECFA accreditation is for churches and nonprofits of all sizes and types. The minimum total revenue to apply for accreditation is $50,000 per year. Although many larger ministries and churches are ECFA-accredited, the majority of our members are much smaller. About one-third of ECFA’s members have annual total income less than $1 million.

Yes. Local churches qualify for ECFA accreditation, and today, churches are the fastest-growing membership segment of ECFA-accredited organizations.