At ReviveRides, we recognize that donors are right to be skeptical about where their contributions go. That's why we have established a rigorous vetting process for our charity partners, ensuring that every organization we support meets the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Our commitment to transparency not only benefits the charities we partner with but also reinforces donor confidence in our mission.
This page outlines the various steps involved in our charity vetting process, from verifying IRS status to conducting thorough reviews of financial health and governance. We believe in full disclosure because transparency should be the norm, not the exception, in charitable giving.
✓Key facts you can verify
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter verified through pub78
- EIN database checked for authenticity
- State charitable registration confirmed for operation
- Form 990 review with a program-expense ratio of 70%+
- Checks for Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar seals
- Board governance verified to prevent self-dealing
- Search for history of complaints and issues
- Annual re-verification ensures continued compliance
How it works, step by step
Initial Application Review
Prospective charity partners submit an application which is initially assessed for completeness and eligibility. This includes checking for necessary documentation like their IRS 501(c)(3) status.
IRS and State Verification
We verify the charity's IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter using pub78 and check their EIN in relevant databases. Additionally, we confirm their charitable registration in the states where they operate.
Financial Assessment
A review of the charity's Form 990 is conducted, with a focus on program-expense ratios. We prefer organizations with ratios above 70%. Any organization below 60% is flagged for further consideration.
Governance and Compliance Check
We verify the charity's board governance structure, ensuring there are no self-dealing transactions or conflicts of interest. A thorough search for any complaints or issues is also conducted.
Annual Re-Verification
Every year, we re-verify our charity partners to ensure they are maintaining their compliance, financial health, and good standing with regulatory bodies.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: You can independently verify a charity's IRS status by searching for their EIN on the IRS pub78 database, confirming their 501(c)(3) status.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Check Charity Navigator to evaluate a charity’s financial health, including their program-expense ratios and overall rating.
✓ State Attorney General Registry
How: Navigate to your state’s Attorney General website to confirm a charity’s registration status and to review any complaints filed against them.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Form 990s can be accessed through various platforms like GuideStar, providing insights into a charity's financial practices and expenditures.
✓ Better Business Bureau Accreditation
How: Review the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to ensure the charity is accredited and check their compliance with recommended best practices.
Real impact, real numbers
Through our vetted charity partners, ReviveRides has significantly impacted the community by providing over $100,000 in vehicle donations to local families in need. Each donation not only helps families gain reliable transportation but also supports local nonprofits in their mission to uplift the community. In 2023 alone, our partners have successfully facilitated job placements for over 200 individuals, proving the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts.
Utah oversight
In Utah, we adhere to the state’s charity regulations, which are overseen by the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. This office provides resources for reporting charity-related complaints, aiding in consumer protection. We also encourage donors to familiarize themselves with the local charity registration requirements, ensuring the organization they support is compliant with state laws.
FAQ
What if a charity has an anonymous principal?
How do you handle new 501(c)(3) organizations?
What’s your minimum program ratio for approvals?
What if a charity’s state registration has lapsed?
How do you handle complaints against charities?
What is self-dealing, and why is it a concern?
How often do you re-verify charities?
More transparency pages
If you are ready to support a vetted charity partner through ReviveRides, we invite you to learn more about our mission and how to contribute. Your trust is paramount, and together, we can create a lasting impact in our community.