Your skepticism as a donor is not only understandable but welcome. At Capital Wheels, we recognize the importance of ensuring that every contribution is directed towards credible and effective nonprofit organizations. This transparency page outlines our rigorous vetting process to assure you that every charity we partner with has undergone extensive evaluation.
We believe that transparency should be the norm, not the exception. Our multi-step verification process is designed to filter out potential scams and organizations that do not meet our high standards. Read on to explore the specific steps we take to ensure that your generous donations support worthy causes.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All charity partners hold valid IRS 501(c)(3) status.
- We verify EINs through the IRS Pub78 database.
- Form 990s are reviewed for a program-expense ratio of 70% or higher.
- State charitable registration is confirmed for each organization's operating state.
- We check for independent audits on Form 990 submissions.
- Complaints and governance issues are investigated before partnership approval.
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We start by verifying the charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status via the Pub78 database to ensure they are recognized as a public charity.
State Registration
Next, we conduct a state charitable-registration lookup specific to the charity’s state of operation to confirm compliance with state laws.
Financial Review
We analyze the charity's Form 990 documents, focusing on program-expense ratios and looking for a threshold of 70% or more dedicated to direct programming.
Reputation Check
We cross-reference the charity with sources like Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar to verify their standing and track record.
Ongoing Re-verification
Annually, we re-verify all charity partners, ensuring they continue to meet the standards we set forth and maintain compliance.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub78 Lookup
How: Donors can verify the charity's 501(c)(3) status by accessing the IRS Pub78 database online, which lists recognized organizations.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Charities must file Form 990 annually. You can request a copy directly from the organization or view it online through sites like GuideStar.
✓ AG Registry Check
How: Each state has an Attorney-General registry where you can check if a charity is registered and if any complaints have been filed against them.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: You can assess a charity's ratings and reviews by searching for them on Charity Navigator, which provides insights into their financial health and transparency.
✓ BBB Wise Giving Alliance Review
How: Use the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to verify if a charity meets their standards for trust and accountability, ensuring your donations are in good hands.
Real impact, real numbers
In our most recent partnership with a local food bank, Capital Wheels contributed $50,000, which enabled the food bank to distribute 250,000 meals to families in need across Albany County. With a program-expense ratio of 75%, this partnership exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that donations are utilized effectively, creating tangible outcomes for our community.
Albany oversight
In Albany, the New York State Department of Law oversees charitable organizations and maintains a registry for public access. If you have any concerns about a charity's legitimacy, the Attorney General's office provides a complaint process for reporting suspicious activities. Local resources, including the Albany County Consumer Protection office, are also available to assist donors in making informed decisions.
FAQ
What if a charity has a low program-expense ratio?
How do you handle complaints against partnered charities?
What happens if a charity fails to maintain 501(c)(3) status?
Can I see the vetting records for charities you support?
What are red flags you look for in nonprofits?
How often do you re-evaluate your charity partners?
Is there a way to report suspicious activities of charities?
More transparency pages
Your confidence in our charity partnerships is paramount. At Capital Wheels, we strive to maintain the highest transparency standards so that your donations truly make a difference. Explore our vetted partners or reach out to us for any questions you may have.