Prior to publishing your app to Apple's App Store, you will need to create an Apple Developer account for your organization. Apple requires each app to be published on its own Apple Developer account. Luckily, the Developer account is completely free to registered Non-Profits.
We recommend getting started on this process as soon as possible because it may take a few weeks to fully finalize the account. Here's a quick guide to setting up your Apple Developer account.
NOTE: You will need to create an organizational nonprofit account, as opposed to an individual account. You will be prompted to select the account type upon enrollment. Selecting an individual account will result in us not being able to publish your app.
Additional information is provided by Apple here.
D-U-N-S Number
The first thing you'll need to collect is your D-U-N-S Number, if you don't have a D-U-N-S number (most people do not) create one here:
First Sign into your iTunes account here, if you don't have one, create one here. (ALWAYS ADD COMPANY NAME WHEN GIVEN THE OPTION)
Once registered or signed in, click here to search for your D-U-N-S number.
After entering your information, click submit. If you already have a D-U-N-S number, it will be emailed to you. If you do not, the page will prompt you, asking if you'd like to forward your information to D-U-N-S. Click yes. **NOTE** Please make sure the address associated with your D-U-N-S number is accurate. If it is not up to date, Apple may require that an update be made before you can move forward.
It will take about 5 business days to get a D-U-N-S number back. Once you receive your D-U-N-S number, you may be required to wait 7 days before using it. If so, you will be required to wait 7 days before enrolling in the Apple Developer program.
Two-Factor Authentication
Apple requires that two-factor authentication be set up on your Apple ID account before applying for the Apple Developer account. This article that Apple provides will walk you through the process. Please keep in mind that if two-step verification is set up on your Apple ID account, you will need to enable two-factor authentication before we can move forward.
Apple requires that an iPhone, iPad or Mac device is used in the process of setting up two-step authentication. We are not able to complete this step for you.
TIP: Two-step verification codes will be 4 digits long. Two-factor authentication codes are 6 digits long. If you receive a 6 digit verification code when you attempt to log in to your Apple account, you have successfully completed this step!
Join the Apple Developer Program
Step 1: Once logged into your iTunes account go to https://developer.apple.com/. Select "Join the Apple Developer Program."
Step 2: Click the "Enroll" button at the top of the page.
Step 3: Click "Start Your Enrollment."
Step 4: Click "Continue enrollment on the web."
Step 5: If you haven't set up your two-factor authentication, you will be prompted to do so. Two-factor authentication is a step required by Apple to complete the enrollment process.
Step 6: Confirm your personal information. The first and last name listed should be the same as the name listed on your Apple ID account. This name will not appear in the App Store, but this person will be considered the Account Holder. The Account Holder may be changed at a future date if needed.
The phone number and address should be your organization's information.
Select "Continue."
Step 7: Select your entity type. If your organization is a registered nonprofit, you will select the "Nonprofit" option. If you set up an Individual account, we will not be able to have access to publish your app.
Step 8: Enter your Legal Entity Name and D-U-N-S Number. Please ensure that your legal entity name is entered exactly as it is listed on your D-UN-S profile.
If your legal name or D-U-N-S number results in error of any kind, please contact D&B directly. You may submit a ticket directly to D&B here.
Step 9: Next, add your organization's website and phone number.
Apple requires that you have an active website displaying your organization's name and logo. If a domain name is submitted, but the website is not yet live, your application will not be approved.
Please enter a phone number that you wish to be contacted at. This can be your personal number, or your organization's number.
You will not need to add your Tax ID/National ID.
Step 10: You will be asked if you have the authority to sign the legal agreements presented in this enrollment form. Please ensure that you are the owner/founder of your organization, or that you have been given authority from your organization to complete these agreements.
The "work email" you enter should be an email you check regularly, as you will receive updates from Apple to that address. This email must be associated with your website domain name, and cannot end in Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc. For example, "info@churchbase.com" is an acceptable email if your organization name is Church Base.
To waive your $99/year membership fee, select the option to request a fee waiver. Keep in mind that if you plan to offer your app for a price in the App Store, you will not be eligible for the fee waiver.
Step 11: After about 24-48 hours, Apple will contact you to verify your organization's nonprofit status. Once this is verified and they have no further questions, they will approve your application.
The last step of this process will be inviting Church Base's publishing team as an admin to the account. Click here for steps on how to complete that process.
NOTE: Your account will need to be renewed yearly by the Account Holder in order to keep your app live and downloadable on the App Store. If your account expires, Apple will remove your app from sale, and the app will not be available again until the account is renewed.