Donor skepticism is healthy and necessary in today’s charitable landscape. At Wheels of Change, we place immense value on trust and transparency, recognizing that the integrity of nonprofit organizations is paramount to our mission of making a difference in Atlanta. Our rigorous vetting process is designed to ensure that every charity partner we collaborate with is credible and effective.
This page outlines the specific steps we take to evaluate potential nonprofit partners before they receive any proceeds from our fundraising efforts. We believe that transparency should be the norm, and we invite you to explore how we ensure that your contributions support only the most qualified and trustworthy organizations in our community.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All nonprofit partners must have an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) status.
- Minimum program expense ratio of 70% is preferred, with a strict threshold of 60%.
- Verification of state charitable registration for compliance.
- Annual review of Form 990 to confirm financial integrity.
- Checks against Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and ECFA seals.
- No tolerance for self-dealing or anonymous principals in board governance.
How it works, step by step
Initial Application
Nonprofits seeking partnership submit an application along with their IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. We verify this via the IRS pub78 database and the EIN database.
State Registration Verification
We conduct a state charitable-registration lookup to ensure compliance with regulations in their state of operation. This step is crucial to ascertain their legal standing.
Financial Review
We assess the nonprofit's Form 990 filings, focusing on their program expense ratio. A preferred ratio is 70% or more, with any group falling below 60% being flagged for further review.
Reputation Check
Each candidate nonprofit is cross-referenced against Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and ECFA seals. We check for any past complaints on record with the state Attorney General.
Board Governance Review
We verify the governance structure of the nonprofit to ensure no self-dealing takes place through related-party transactions. Annual re-verification ensures ongoing compliance.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: Donors can confirm the nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status by accessing the IRS pub78 database, ensuring the organization is recognized as a public charity.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Utilize Charity Navigator to review the nonprofit's financial health, accountability, and transparency ratings, offering insights into their operational effectiveness.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Review each state's Attorney General’s registry to confirm the organization complies with state laws regarding charitable organizations and check for any complaints.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Access the most recent Form 990 filings on Guidestar or other databases to evaluate the financial practices and program efficiency of the nonprofit.
✓ Better Business Bureau Review
How: Check the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to assess their accreditation status and any consumer complaints that may have been lodged against the nonprofit.
Real impact, real numbers
In the past year, Wheels of Change has partnered with various local nonprofits to support critical community programs. For instance, with your donations, we helped fund a youth mentorship program that served over 500 students, ensuring that 80% of participants improved their academic performance. Additionally, we supported a local food bank that distributed over 100,000 meals to families in need, showcasing the tangible impact of contributions made through our vetted partners.
Atlanta oversight
In Atlanta, the Georgia Secretary of State oversees the registration and compliance of charitable organizations. The state also has a robust complaint process facilitated by the Attorney General, ensuring that any grievances related to nonprofit practices can be addressed. Furthermore, local consumer protection resources are available to assist donors in verifying the credibility of nonprofit organizations operating in the area.
FAQ
What happens if a charity partner is found to be non-compliant?
How often are charity partners re-evaluated?
What types of organizations do you vet?
How do you handle complaints against charity partners?
What are common red flags you look for during vetting?
Is there a minimum financial threshold for partner charities?
Can donors independently verify partner charities?
More transparency pages
Your trust is essential to our mission at Wheels of Change. We invite you to engage with us, ask questions, and explore our vetted charity partners. Together, we can create lasting change in Atlanta and support organizations that truly make a difference. Join us in this journey of transparency and impact.