At Wheels for Good, we recognize that donors deserve to know where their contributions are going and how they are being used. With the prevalence of scams and questionable nonprofit practices, it’s natural to be skeptical. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that every nonprofit we partner with meets high standards of transparency and accountability.
This page outlines our multi-step verification process, highlighting the critical checks we perform before selecting a charity partner. We believe in transparency as a norm, not an exception, and we’re dedicated to safeguarding your trust as we work together for positive change in our community.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All charity partners must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations.
- We prefer charities with a program-expense ratio of 70% or higher.
- Each nonprofit undergoes an annual re-verification process.
- We verify state charitable registrations for compliance.
- All principals of partner charities must be publicly disclosed.
- We check for any complaints filed with the Attorney General's office.
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We begin by verifying the nonprofit's IRS 501(c)(3) status through the Pub78 database and EIN records to confirm their legitimacy.
State Registration Check
Next, we conduct a state charitable registration lookup in the state where the nonprofit operates to ensure compliance with local laws.
Financial Review
We review the nonprofit's Form 990 to evaluate their financial health, specifically looking for a program-expense ratio of at least 70%.
Reputation Assessment
We assess the charity’s reputation by checking ratings on Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar for additional validation.
Governance and Complaints Check
Finally, we verify board governance and search for any complaints lodged against the charity to ensure there are no red flags, such as self-dealing.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub78 Lookup
How: Visit the IRS Pub78 website to confirm the 501(c)(3) status of any charity. This ensures they are recognized as a legitimate nonprofit organization.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Utilize Charity Navigator to evaluate the financial health and transparency of charities, ensuring they align with our standards for partnership.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Check the state Attorney General's registry for any complaints filed against the charity, providing insight into their operational conduct.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Access the charity's Form 990 through the IRS website or GuideStar to review their financial ratios and accountability in spending.
✓ Better Business Bureau Report
How: Consult the BBB Wise Giving Alliance for ratings and reports on the charity's trustworthiness and operational transparency.
Real impact, real numbers
In the past year, Wheels for Good has partnered with local charities like 'Hope in Action,' resulting in the distribution of over 5,000 meals to families in need. Our vetted partners utilized 85% of their funds directly on program costs, demonstrating effective use of donor contributions. With your support, we’ve raised over $100,000 that has directly impacted local communities, allowing nonprofits to expand their outreach and enhance their services.
Kansas City oversight
Kansas City has a strong framework to protect donors, including a state-level charity registrar and an Attorney General's office that oversees charitable practices. Donors can file complaints or inquire about the status of nonprofits through these local resources. Additionally, Missouri's charitable registration laws help ensure that organizations operate with integrity, making it easier for donors to make informed decisions.
FAQ
What if a charity has a poor rating on Charity Navigator?
How can I be sure my donation is being used appropriately?
What happens if a charity fails to meet your standards?
Are newly established charities eligible for partnership?
What kind of complaints might disqualify a charity?
How often are charities re-verified?
Can I find out more about the charities you partner with?
More transparency pages
At Wheels for Good, we believe that informed donors are empowered to make a difference. We invite you to explore our vetted charity partners and join us in supporting their impactful work. Together, we can create lasting change in our communities while ensuring your contributions are handled with the utmost transparency and care.