At WheelWise, we recognize that trust is a crucial component of charitable giving. Donors often have valid concerns about where their contributions are going and how effectively they are being used. Our commitment to transparency means we take these concerns seriously and have established a rigorous vetting process for our charity partners.
In this section, we outline the multi-step verification process we employ before a nonprofit can become a recipient of our proceeds. By detailing our methods and criteria, we aim to build confidence in our charity partnerships and ensure that your donations make a meaningful impact.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All partners must have a valid IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.
- We verify organizations using the IRS pub78 and EIN databases.
- State charitable registration is checked for compliance in their operational state.
- Organizations must submit Form 990 with a program-expense ratio of 70% or higher.
- Verification includes checks with Charity Navigator, BBB, and GuideStar.
- Annual re-verification processes are put in place to uphold standards.
How it works, step by step
Initial Eligibility Check
We begin by confirming that the nonprofit has a valid IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, checking it against the IRS pub78 database and ensuring the EIN is also valid.
State Registration Verification
Next, we verify the state charitable registration of the nonprofit based on their operational state, ensuring they comply with local laws.
Financial Review
We analyze the organization’s Form 990 to ensure that their program-expense ratio meets our preferred threshold of 70% or more, indicating effective allocation of resources.
Reputation Check
We assess the nonprofit’s standing with established entities like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau for additional scrutiny.
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Finally, we conduct annual re-verifications to maintain oversight and ensure ongoing adherence to our standards.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: You can independently verify a nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status using the IRS pub78 database, which provides current eligibility information.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Visit Charity Navigator to review the nonprofit's financial health, accountability, and transparency ratings, helping you gauge its credibility.
✓ State Attorney General Registry
How: Access your state’s Attorney General website for records of any complaints filed against the nonprofit, ensuring they have a clean operational history.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Review the nonprofit's Form 990 documents, available through various platforms, to assess their financial practices and program expense ratios.
✓ BBB and GuideStar Verification
How: Check with the Better Business Bureau and GuideStar for ratings and seals that signify commitment to transparency and ethical practices.
Real impact, real numbers
In 2022, WheelWise directed $250,000 to verified nonprofit partners focusing on education and community development in New Hampshire. These funds supported over 500 local families by providing essential resources, such as educational materials, mentorship programs, and job training workshops. Our charity partners consistently demonstrate effective utilization of resources, achieving over 70% of their total expenditures directly towards program services, thus amplifying the impact of every dollar donated.
New Hampshire oversight
In New Hampshire, the Secretary of State's office oversees charity registrations, offering a statewide database for public inquiry. The Attorney General also plays a critical role in maintaining charitable integrity, providing a process for filing complaints against nonprofits. Local consumer protection resources are available to assist donors in navigating charity-related inquiries and ensuring their contributions go to deserving causes.
FAQ
How do you ensure the charities are legitimate?
What red flags do you look for during vetting?
Can I verify a charity myself?
What happens if a charity is found to be non-compliant?
Is there a risk of fraud with your charity partners?
How often do you review your charity partners?
Who oversees the charity vetting process?
More transparency pages
Your trust matters to us. By providing transparent insight into how we vet our charity partners, we hope to empower you to make informed decisions when donating. Explore our partner list and join us in making a positive impact in New Hampshire's communities.