In an era where donors are increasingly cautious about where their contributions go, we at Drive to Give prioritize transparency in all our charitable partnerships. We believe that you have every right to question the legitimacy of nonprofits before you donate, and our multi-step verification process is designed to give you peace of mind.
This page will provide you with a detailed overview of how we vet our charity partners, ensuring they meet stringent requirements. Transparency is not just an ideal we strive for; it is the foundation of our mission to foster genuine connections between generous donors and reputable organizations.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All partners must be IRS 501(c)(3) verified organizations.
- EIN and state charitable registration checks conducted.
- Preferred program expense ratio is 70% or higher.
- Review of Form 990 for transparency and accountability.
- Checks against Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar.
- Ongoing board governance verification, specifically for self-dealing.
- Annual re-verification to ensure continued compliance.
How it works, step by step
Initial Application
Organizations interested in partnership must submit an application detailing their mission, programs, and financials. This initiates our thorough evaluation.
IRS Verification
We verify the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) status through IRS pub78 and cross-reference their EIN with state records to confirm legitimacy.
Financial Review
We analyze the nonprofit's Form 990, focusing on an acceptable program expense ratio of 70% or more, ensuring funds are directed towards their mission.
Third-Party Ratings Check
Each partner is assessed against reputable watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance to confirm their standing and reliability.
Final Verification and Approval
After all checks, an annual re-verification process is conducted to maintain oversight and ensure ongoing compliance with our standards.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub78 Lookup
How: Verify the organization's 501(c)(3) status by searching their EIN or name on the IRS's Pub78 database to confirm they are a recognized public charity.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Look up the nonprofit on Charity Navigator to assess their financial health and transparency ratings, ensuring they meet our standards before partnership.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Check your state's Attorney General's registry for any complaints lodged against the organization, which is crucial for evaluating their operational integrity.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Access the nonprofit's Form 990 documents through platforms like GuideStar or the IRS website to review their financial transparency and accountability.
✓ BBB Wise Giving Alliance Check
How: Examine the organization's standing on the Better Business Bureau's site for compliance with their charity standards, giving insight into their trustworthiness.
Real impact, real numbers
Through our dedicated partnerships, Drive to Give has facilitated over $500,000 in donations to local Charlotte charities in the past year alone. These funds have supported vital programs such as youth education initiatives, food security for families in need, and community health services. For example, one partner organization used our donations to feed over 1,200 families each month, highlighting the real-world impact of our efforts and the generosity of our donors.
Charlotte oversight
In North Carolina, charities are regulated by the state’s Attorney General, which oversees charitable registration and complaint processes. Drive to Give adheres to these regulations, contributing to a trustworthy local charity landscape. Local consumer protection resources also empower donors to make informed decisions about their contributions. By leveraging these state-level checks, we ensure our partners in Charlotte operate transparently and ethically.
FAQ
What if a charity I care about doesn’t meet your criteria?
How often are charities re-evaluated?
What happens if a charity is found to have issues?
How do you handle anonymous principals?
Can donors suggest charities for partnership?
Why is a program expense ratio important?
Are your vetting processes transparent?
More transparency pages
At Drive to Give, we invite you to join us in empowering our community through informed giving. Your contributions matter, and we are here to ensure they make a meaningful difference. Explore our vetted partners and trust that your generosity is in capable hands.