Join the Integrity Movement

Maintaining trust
so ministries
cantriumph.

No matter what triumph looks like for an organization, ECFA is an indispensable leader and partner, helping organizations maintain a healthy and trusted reputation to effectively reach the world for Christ. Hurt and hopelessness cannot win. Let ECFA come beside you. Because together, we triumph.

Why Become ECFA Accredited?

Access
Trust-Building Resources

ECFA is a one-stop shop for ministries of all sizes to access the latest information they need to maintain financial accountability, responsible governance, and leadership integrity.

Display the ECFA Seal

As an ECFA member, you earn the right to display the ECFA seal to your ministry partners to show that your organization has achieved this "symbol of trust" and is committed to operating above reproach.

Never Walk Alone

We don’t just offer you the "seal" and walk away until it’s time for renewal. Our team of experienced, professional staff with accounting, finance, and law credentials will be by your side so you can focus on reaching the world for Christ.

ECFA membership contributes to the integrity and witness of the entire Christian community.

It's undeniable the image of Christian ministry has been scarred by the actions of a select few organizations. Membership in ECFA is a powerful statement that a ministry acts responsibly and honors its commitment to accountability.

Studies by independent academic researchers have shown that being an ECFA member influences the donation decisions of many Christian donors. More donors are now seeking the ECFA seal of approval before giving.

Ministry member with child pumping water Ministry members praying with community members

ECFA is not self-regulation. It is peer accountability, a biblical demonstration of the church caring for its own.

Peer accountability has proven effective in many professions, such as accounting, legal, medical, and higher education. The varying missions ECFA Members pursue are all linked by a common proclamation that "Jesus is Lord!".

Though we may differ in what we do for Christ, the why is always the same. Because of that, peer accountability is vital as we all pursue Christ's renown through our work as His Church.

Church interior

ECFA was formed in response to threatened legislation.

The fact that many organizations have chosen to adhere to ECFA's independent accountability standards has helped prevent this threat. As a reputable accreditation agency, ECFA plays a role in safeguarding ministries from government interference, even those not affiliated with ECFA.

Man with backpack sitting on bed

The Secular Nonprofit Community recognizes ECFA

ECFA has a reciprocal relationship with many state Attorney General offices, is involved with the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO), and has provided input to the IRS.

While not a lobbying organization, ECFA has been a resource for members of Congress on legislation affecting the "faith-based" community and has participated in legal cases through petitions and briefs.

Doctor helping smiling children

ECFA conducts press interviews frequently.

These range from the best-known news agencies to many regional and specialized media outlets, including the Christian press. Whenever there is big news in the charity world—regardless of whether the organization in question is an ECFA member or not—these media outlets often consult ECFA.

A room of people talking with each other Three African women laughing

The more ministries adhere to ECFA standards, the more trust the world will have in each individual ministry.

Our membership is increasingly aware of ECFA's impact, which is directly related to the seal's value. This recognition is due to ECFA's firm stance in upholding its biblical standards of accountability, which are supported by the professionalism, fairness, objectivity, and consistency of the Standards Advisory Committee and Board, who are among the finest experts in the country.

Three teenagers talking to an older woman

Inspiring confidence in givers is a high priority in ECFA's mission of enhancing trust.

More than ever, donors invest their money in organizations that display integrity and transparency in their work. The new generation of givers no longer starts from a place of trust in ministries, giving those with the ECFA seal a head start on building trust with donors.

ECFA is widely promoted through many channels. Its website, which hosts ministry profiles, attracts a vast audience and continues to grow. The public frequently contacts ECFA for membership verification, profiles, and information on charitable giving.

Two boys laughing

ECFA is the best defense for any ministry falsely accused of wrongdoing.

ECFA's independence is a key to its success in denying accreditation and vigorously defending its members in good standing when appropriate.

Volunteer holding a box of food A group of women reading the bible

ECFA membership contributes to the integrity and witness of the entire Christian community.

It's undeniable the image of Christian ministry has been scarred by the actions of a select few organizations. Membership in ECFA is a powerful statement that a ministry acts responsibly and honors its commitment to accountability.

Studies by independent academic researchers have shown that being an ECFA member influences the donation decisions of many Christian donors. More donors are now seeking the ECFA seal of approval before giving.

Ministry member with child pumping water Ministry members praying with community members

ECFA is not self-regulation. It is peer accountability, a biblical demonstration of the church caring for its own.

Peer accountability has proven effective in many professions, such as accounting, legal, medical, and higher education. The varying missions ECFA Members pursue are all linked by a common proclamation that "Jesus is Lord!".

Though we may differ in what we do for Christ, the why is always the same. Because of that, peer accountability is vital as we all pursue Christ's renown through our work as His Church.

Church interior

ECFA was formed in response to threatened legislation.

The fact that many organizations have chosen to adhere to ECFA's independent accountability standards has helped prevent this threat. As a reputable accreditation agency, ECFA plays a role in safeguarding ministries from government interference, even those not affiliated with ECFA.

Man with a backpack sitting on bed

The Secular Nonprofit Community recognizes ECFA

ECFA has a reciprocal relationship with many state Attorney General offices, is involved with the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO), and has provided input to the IRS.

While not a lobbying organization, ECFA has been a resource for members of Congress on legislation affecting the "faith-based" community and has participated in legal cases through petitions and briefs.

Doctor helping smiling children

ECFA conducts press interviews frequently.

These range from the best-known news agencies to many regional and specialized media outlets, including the Christian press. Whenever there is big news in the charity world—regardless of whether the organization in question is an ECFA member or not—these media outlets often consult ECFA.

A room of people talking with each other Three African women laughing

The more ministries adhere to ECFA standards, the more trust the world will have in each individual ministry.

Our membership is increasingly aware of ECFA's impact, which is directly related to the seal's value. This recognition is due to ECFA's firm stance in upholding its biblical standards of accountability, which are supported by the professionalism, fairness, objectivity, and consistency of the Standards Advisory Committee and Board, who are among the finest experts in the country.

Three teenagers talking to an older woman

Inspiring confidence in givers is a high priority in ECFA's mission of enhancing trust.

More than ever, donors invest their money in organizations that display integrity and transparency in their work. The new generation of givers no longer starts from a place of trust in ministries, giving those with the ECFA seal a head start on building trust with donors.

ECFA is widely promoted through many channels. Its website, which hosts ministry profiles, attracts a vast audience and continues to grow. The public frequently contacts ECFA for membership verification, profiles, and information on charitable giving.

Two boys laughing

ECFA is the best defense for any ministry falsely accused of wrongdoing.

ECFA's independence is a key to its success in denying accreditation and vigorously defending its members in good standing when appropriate.

Volunteer holding a box of food A group of women reading the bible
 

Four Steps to ECFA Accreditation

Determine if your ministry or church is ready to apply:

  • Nonprofits must have held a 501c3 for at least one year
  • Churches must have been in existence for at least one year
  • Generate $50,000 or more in annual revenue
  • Review ECFA's Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship

Fill out the application at ECFA.org/JoinEZ and provide preliminary documents:

  • Statement of Faith
  • Board list
  • Bylaws
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • IRS Form 990 (if required)

Schedule a one-hour call with our applications team to evaluate:

  • Your ministry in light of ECFA's seven standards
  • Your ministry's governance, financial, and fundraising practices
  • Next steps for your ministry's accreditation process

Submit required documentation:

  • CPA prepared financial statements for the most recent 12-month fiscal period
  • Conflict of Interest policy
  • Most recent annual report (if applicable)
  • Three most recent fundraising appeals distributed to donors (if applicable)
  • IRS determination letter (if applicable)
  • Form 1023 and attachments (if applicable)
Apply for Accreditation

Common Questions

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.

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Access Innovative Resources

Accredited churches and nonprofits have unlimited access to our vast library of resources to help you excel in leadership financial accountability, board governance, and much more.

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14

Million

The number of givers that support ECFA organizations

97%

of Members

How many ECFA members renew their accrediation each year

2

Billion

The number of people served globally each year through the great diversity of ministry

ECFA members total
revenue ranges from
$50,000 to over
$4 billion.

ECFA is the largest
nonprofit accreditor
in the U.S. and the
only with biblically
based standards of
accountability.

Local churches are
the fastest-growing
membership
segment of ECFA.

Start Your
Application Today

ECFA proactively reaches out to its members all year long to make sure we are meeting your needs. Our goal is to provide your organization with ongoing support so you can focus on reaching the world for Christ.

Questions?


Our team would love to help with your application questions! Reach out using the form below or give us a call.