Contents

• Overview
• Start an Application
• Step-By-Step Instructions
  • Start an Application
  • If Your Organization is Already Listed 
  • If Your Organization is NOT Listed 
    • Step 1: Search for Your Organization
    • Step 2: Create a New Organization Using GuideStar or SAM.gov  (⭐Recommended) 
    • Step 3: Create a New Organization Manually
    • After Creating an Organization

Overview

This guide shows Applicants how to apply on behalf of an organization in Next. 
 

Understanding Applicant Types: 

• When applying for programs through Next, you have two options:

  • Individual Applicant: You are applying as yourself for personal purposes

  • Organization Applicant: You are applying on behalf of an organization (such as a nonprofit, business, or other entity)

    📌Note: This guide covers organization applications only. 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Start an Application

1. Go to the program's URL and log in or create a new account (For help creating an account, see ➡️ How to Create Your Account (Applicants). 

2. On the Program Info page, select Apply.

3. Select "I am applying on behalf of an organization."

If Your Organization is Already Listed

If your account is already associated with an organization in Next, you'll see your organization listed. Select it to continue.

⚠️If you're not associated with an organization, follow the steps below:

If Your Organization is NOT Listed

• If you don’t see an organization listed, it means your account is not yet associated with one.
• Follow the steps below to search for and join an existing organization or create a new one.

Step 1: Search for Your Organization 

• Always search first, as your organization may already exist in Next from applications submitted by others. 

1. Select Search Existing Profiles. 

2. The search options available depend on the program. You may be able to search by Organization Name, EIN, UEI, or an Organization ID (such as “STAARS Vendor ID”).

3. Click Search.

Search Results 

A. If the system finds your organization: 

• Select Request to join. 
  • An email is sent to the Admin of that Organization. 
  • Once the request is approved, you'll receive an email to proceed with the application.
     
• Return to the program list or exit the platform until your account is approved.
  
  

B. If no results appear:

• Continue to Step 2.
   

Step 2: Create using GuideStar or SAM.gov (⭐Recommended) 

This is the fastest way to set up your profile. Your organization's information will be automatically populated, reducing errors and saving you time. It also helps program administrators verify your organization more easily.

About These Options

• GuideStar (Candid) is a nonprofit database that contains public information about organizations, including Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), locations, and mission details. (GuideStar data provided by Candid). 
   

• SAM.gov is a federal database for organizations that do business with the U.S. government. It includes Unique Entity Identifiers (UEIs) and compliance status information.

  ⚠️IMPORTANT: SAM.gov may not be available depending on the program you're applying to. It's controlled by the organization managing the application.  

1. Select either Create Using GuideStar or Create Using SAM.gov.

2. The search options available depend on your program. You may be able to search by Organization Name, EIN (for GuideStar), or UEI (for SAM.gov).

3. Click Search. 

Search Results

A. If the system finds your organization: 

1. Select View

2. Confirm it's correct and select Continue.

3. Complete all required fields and any applicable optional fields.

4. Select whether it's a Parent or Child Type Organization.

5. Click the Create Organization button at the bottom.


 

➜ If no results appear: 

• Select the back arrow and try a different search.
• Or, continue to Step 3.
   

Step 3: Create a New Organization Manually 

⚠️Use this option only if your organization is not found in GuideStar or SAM.gov.

1. Select Create New Organization.

2. Complete all required fields and any applicable optional fields.

3. Select whether it's a Parent or Child Type Organization.

4. Click the Create Organization button at the bottom.

After Creating an Organization 

1. A confirmation message will appear stating that the organization has been created. 

2. In the confirmation message, click Go To Application to continue. 

• Next will either start the Eligibility Check (if required) or take you directly to the Intake Form (main application).

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