Why This Rejection Happens
You selected the "Charity" or "Non-Profit" special use case, but TCR could not verify your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status via the IRS database using the EIN provided.
Root Cause Analysis
The Fix
Verify your status or change campaign type.
Option A: Upload Letter
Upload your IRS Determination Letter (CP 575) if available in your CSP portal.
Option B: Standard Campaign
If you are a non-profit but not a 501(c)(3), register as a "Standard Brand" and select "Mixed" or "Marketing" use case.
Related Rejection Codes
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What reviewers check for code 9002
Code 9002 is reported as "Charity Missing 501c3 Proof". The Charity use case is reserved for registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Reviewers verify tax-exempt status and that messages concern the organization's mission, events and donations. Charity content sent under another use case, or charity registration without proof of status, is rejected.
Where code 9002 comes from
Code 9002 is a campaign review reason code used to report a specific deficiency found during manual campaign vetting. CSPs surface it in the rejection notice alongside any other codes found in the same review, so check for companion codes before resubmitting. It is marked High severity: it blocks approval, but it is fully fixable by correcting the submission and resubmitting.
Fix and verify before resubmitting
- Confirm 501(c)(3) status in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
- Register the brand as a nonprofit with the exact IRS legal name and EIN.
- Select the Charity use case and declare charity content.
- Provide proof of status (IRS determination letter) if requested.
- Keep samples focused on mission updates, volunteering and donations.
- Resubmit with a note that references code 9002 (Charity Missing 501c3 Proof) and lists each change made.
Sample resubmission note
Many CSPs let you add a note for the reviewer when you resubmit. A short, specific note shows what changed and speeds up the second review. Example for Studio Juniper Salon:
Studio Juniper Salon corrected the deficiency reported as code 9002 (Charity Missing 501c3 Proof). Changes made: confirm 501(c)(3) status in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search; register the brand as a nonprofit with the exact IRS legal name and EIN; select the Charity use case and declare charity content. All URLs, keywords and auto-replies were re-tested from an external network before this resubmission, and the campaign text now matches the live opt-in exactly.
Common mistakes that keep code 9002 coming back
- Registering a 501(c)(4) or (c)(6) as a charity.
- Sending donation appeals under a marketing campaign without declaring charity content.
- Using a fiscal sponsor's EIN without documentation.
Related rejection codes
- Code 8001: Charity Content Without Attribute
- Code 2131: Verbal Script Missing STOP Instructions
- Code 2128: Opt-in Form Missing HELP Instructions
- Code 2127: Verbal Script Missing STOP Instructions
- Code 2126: Opt-in Form Missing STOP Instructions
- Code 2124: Verbal Script Missing Frequency Disclosure
Frequently asked questions about code 9002
Can a church use the Charity use case?
Churches are often 501(c)(3) without a determination letter. Provide documentation your CSP accepts, or use a standard use case.
Do charity campaigns get special pricing?
Some carriers offer reduced fees for verified charities. Ask your CSP.