> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.givechariot.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.givechariot.com/disbursements/for-grantmakers/eligibility-and-requests.md).
# Eligibility and Requests
Before a disbursement can proceed, Chariot checks the recipient organization for disbursement eligibility. These checks help confirm that funds are being sent to an eligible nonprofit and that relevant organization information is current.
***
### What Chariot checks
Chariot evaluates data that may include:
* Section 501(c)(3) or other applicable tax eligibility
* IRS Publication 78 status
* Foundation and exemption classification codes
* Office of Foreign Assets Control and other sanctions screening
* Other compliance and risk criteria required by Chariot and its financial partners
***
### If a nonprofit is ineligible
If the recipient does not meet Chariot's eligibility criteria, Chariot returns an error and identifies the reason when it can be provided.
1. Review the error in the dashboard or API response.
2. Confirm that you used the intended EIN.
3. If the EIN is correct, do not repeatedly resubmit the same disbursement.
4. Follow the displayed next step or contact if you believe the source data is incorrect or outdated.
An eligibility error is different from an organization-not-found error. Ineligible means Chariot found the organization but it did not satisfy one or more required checks.
***
### If an organization is not found
Some legitimate organizations may not appear in standard IRS nonprofit datasets. Religious institutions are a common example because some are not required to file the same forms as other nonprofits. If Chariot cannot find the EIN, you will be asked to provide some additional information.
Provide as much of the following information as you have:
* Legal organization name
* EIN
* Mailing address
* Website
* Contact email
Chariot reviews the organization, verifies its information and eligibility, and adds it to the database when appropriate. You can monitor the request in the dashboard or through the API, and Chariot will update you as its status changes.
#### Send funds before verification is complete
If your organization wants to proceed without waiting for Chariot's standard verification to finish, the nonprofit-request workflow may provide an option to execute the grant immediately.
#### Alternatively, request a nonprofit before making a disbursement
If you'd like to add a nonprofit to Chariot's database before initiating a disbursement, you can submit a request directly from the Nonprofits page.
Navigate to the Requests tab and click Create a Request. You'll be prompted to provide some basic information about the nonprofit. Once your request has been reviewed and the EIN has been approved and added to Chariot's database, you'll be notified.
***
### Add recipient contact or address information
If your records contain a current nonprofit contact email or verified mailing address, add it when you create the disbursement or while Chariot is validating the recipient. You can provide this information in the dashboard or through the API.
Better recipient information can speed account-claim outreach, help Chariot validate the correct mailing address, and reduce returned checks.
---
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