Donor skepticism is entirely reasonable, especially when it comes to charitable organizations. At Drive Change, we prioritize trust and transparency by implementing a rigorous vetting process to ensure that every nonprofit we partner with meets high standards of integrity and effectiveness. This page outlines our multi-step verification process, designed to provide you with confidence in our charity partners.
Our commitment to transparency means you can independently verify the legitimacy and effectiveness of our charity partners. We take great care in ensuring that every organization we support aligns with our mission and your values, so you can feel good knowing that your contributions are making a meaningful difference.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Verified IRS 501(c)(3) status via pub78 and EIN database.
- Conduct state charitable-registration lookups based on the nonprofit's operating state.
- Review Form 990 filings to ensure program expense ratio of 70% or more.
- Check ratings from Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar.
- Verify board governance practices to prevent self-dealing.
- Conduct annual re-verifications of all partner organizations.
How it works, step by step
Initial Research
We begin by collecting essential documentation from potential charity partners, including their IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, tax ID (EIN), and foundational details needed for further vetting.
State Compliance Check
Next, we verify their compliance with state regulations by conducting a state charitable-registration lookup for their respective state of operation, ensuring they are registered and in good standing.
Financial Review
We meticulously review Form 990 submissions, favoring those with a program expense ratio of 70% or higher. This ensures that the majority of funds are being directed toward their mission.
Third-Party Ratings Assessment
We assess ratings from reputable third-party organizations like Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, and the ECFA seal to gain insights into the organization’s credibility and operational efficiency.
Governance and Complaint History Check
Finally, we examine the board governance structure for self-dealing practices and review any history of complaints lodged with the Attorney General's office to ensure accountability.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub78 Lookup
How: Donors can independently verify an organization's 501(c)(3) status by utilizing the IRS pub78 database, which provides a list of eligible charities.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Visit Charity Navigator to check the nonprofit’s reviews and ratings, which reflect their financial health and accountability standards.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Conduct a search in the state Attorney General's charity registry to confirm the organization is registered and free from complaints.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Access the nonprofit's Form 990 filings through platforms like Guidestar or the IRS website to review their financial transparency and program efficiency.
✓ Better Business Bureau Assessment
How: Review the nonprofit's BBB profile to evaluate their trust ratings and complaint resolution history.
Real impact, real numbers
Through our vetted charity partners, Drive Change has significantly impacted the Fort Worth community. For instance, last year we allocated $100,000 to a local food bank, which provided over 250,000 meals to families in need. Additionally, we supported educational initiatives that enrolled over 500 students in after-school programs, promoting literacy and STEM skills. Every dollar contributes to meaningful outcomes that enhance the lives of our neighbors.
Fort Worth oversight
In Fort Worth, Texas, the state has a robust charity registration process overseen by the Texas Secretary of State, ensuring that nonprofits operate above board. Additionally, the Texas Attorney General's office plays a critical role in enforcing regulations and addressing complaints against charitable organizations. Local consumer protection resources are available to assist donors in verifying the legitimacy of their charitable contributions.
FAQ
How do I know if a charity is legitimate?
What red flags should I look for in a charity?
Why is the program expense ratio important?
What happens if a charity fails to meet your standards?
How often do you re-verify your charity partners?
Can I independently verify your vetting process?
What if I have concerns about a charity you support?
More transparency pages
At Drive Change, we believe that your contributions deserve to be handled with the utmost care and integrity. We invite you to explore our vetted charity partners and feel confident that your donations are making a real difference in the Fort Worth community. Together, we can drive change and uplift those in need.