If you want to change your Facebook page from a business page to a nonprofit page, the process is straightforward but requires a few steps. Here is an overview of how to change your Facebook page from business to nonprofit:
Check Eligibility Requirements
Before changing your page, make sure your organization meets Facebook’s eligibility requirements for nonprofit pages. To qualify, your organization must:
- Be a legally registered nonprofit, charity, or nongovernmental organization (NGO)
- Have a mission focused on addressing social issues for the public good (not promoting a specific product, brand, or political candidate)
- Not violate Facebook’s Pages, Groups and Events Policies
Review these requirements carefully before moving forward with switching your page type.
Gather Required Documentation
To verify your nonprofit status, Facebook requires documents showing your organization’s official legal registration. The specific documentation needed depends on your country and legal structure. Some examples include:
- IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter (for registered US charities)
- Certificate of Incorporation (for registered nonprofits in Canada, UK, Australia etc.)
- NGO Registration Certificate (for NGOs in India and other countries)
Consult Facebook’s Nonprofit Eligibility Help Center to learn exactly which documents you need. Make sure you have the required documentation ready before starting the switch process.
Export Data from Current Page
Before changing your page type, export important data from your current business page that you want to retain. This includes:
- Page history
- Photos and videos
- Posts and stories
- Events
- Messages
- Followers and administrator lists
To download this data, go to your page’s Settings menu and use the “Download Info” option. Save this data so you can transfer it to your new nonprofit page once it’s set up.
Submit Request to Switch Page Types
Once you’ve gathered the required documentation and data, submit a request through Facebook to change your page type from business to nonprofit:
- Go to your business page and click “Settings” at the bottom
- Click “Page Type” in the left menu
- Select “Change Page Type”
- Choose “Nonprofit Organization” and click “Continue”
- Read overview and select “Request Change”
- Upload eligibility documentation when prompted
Facebook will review your request and documentation. The review may take a few days. Do not delete your existing page while waiting.
Set Up New Nonprofit Page
Once Facebook approves the type change request, you will see an option to create your new nonprofit page. Follow the prompts to set up the new page:
- Enter basic information like page name, category, description
- Upload profile and cover photos
- Select applicable nonprofit page features
- Invite other admins
Use the data you exported earlier to add key info and media to your new page right away. The more you can pre-populate, the easier transitioning fans will be.
Notify Fans of Page Change
With your new nonprofit page created, post an announcement on your original business page letting fans know about the change. In your post:
- Explain that you are transitioning to a nonprofit-specific page
- Include a link to the new page and instructions to follow it
- Specify when you plan to stop posting to the business page
Encourage fans to take any action needed, like liking your new page, to continue seeing updates.
Transfer Remaining Data to Nonprofit Page
After allowing some time for your followers to transition to the new page, transfer over any other data you want to preserve:
- Re-upload photos, videos, stories
- Repost key updates and events
- Export and import messages as needed
Take time to get your new page looking how you want before deleting the old business page.
Delete Old Business Page
Once you are fully established on the new nonprofit page:
- Go to your old business page
- Click “Settings” then “General”
- Select “Permanently delete page”
- Confirm deletion
The business page will be removed from Facebook. Redirect any website links as needed to your new page.
Use Nonprofit Page Features
Facebook provides several features specifically designed for nonprofit pages. Take advantage of these to promote your mission and engage supporters:
- Fundraising Tools – Add Donate buttons, create Facebook fundraisers, and enable nonprofit donations.
- Storytelling – Share stories about how your nonprofit helps people and communities.
- Events – Promote special events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities.
- Volunteer Recruiting – Recruit and coordinate volunteers right through Facebook.
Review all available nonprofit page features under your Page Settings menu for more options.
Track Performance
Make use of Facebook’s Page Insights feature to track your new nonprofit page’s performance. Monitor key metrics like:
- Page followers
- Post reach and engagement
- Website clicks
- Fundraising and donations processed (if applicable)
Analyze this data regularly to inform your nonprofit social media strategy and optimize your Facebook presence.
Conclusion
Transitioning your Facebook page from a business to nonprofit provides access to useful features and more accurately represents your organization. With some strategic planning and patience going through the steps, you can successfully convert your page. Maintain open communication with followers during the change and leverage nonprofit-specific tools after. This will help your Facebook presence better support your philanthropic mission.