At Ride Forward, we recognize that in today's world, skepticism surrounding charitable organizations is justified. Donors like you deserve to know where your contributions are going and how they are being utilized. We are committed to transparency and accountability, which is why we have implemented a thorough vetting process for all our charity partners.
In this section, you’ll learn about our multi-step verification process that ensures only the most reputable nonprofits benefit from your donations. By adhering to rigorous standards, we aim to create a trustworthy environment where donors can feel confident that their contributions are making a real difference.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All partners possess a verified IRS 501(c)(3) status.
- Only organizations with program expense ratios of 70% or higher are considered.
- We conduct an annual re-verification of all charity partners.
- Nonprofits must have registered status in the state where they operate.
- Board governance is scrutinized for self-dealing and conflicts of interest.
- We review complaint histories and ensure no unresolved issues with the Attorney General.
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We verify each nonprofit's IRS 501(c)(3) status using the Pub78 database and their EIN registration to ensure legitimacy and good standing.
State Registration Check
We perform a charitable registration lookup in the state where the nonprofit operates to confirm compliance with local regulations and avoid lapsed registrations.
Form 990 Review
Each charity's Form 990 is analyzed, focusing on a program expense ratio of 70% or higher as an indicator of responsible fund allocation.
Third-party Evaluation
We check for ratings and seals from trusted organizations like Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and ECFA to ensure credibility.
Ongoing Monitoring
Our commitment doesn't end once a partner is vetted. We conduct annual re-verifications, checking for any new complaints or changes in compliance status.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub78 Lookup
How: You can confirm a nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) status by searching the IRS Pub78 database using the organization’s name or EIN to verify its tax-exempt status.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Visit websites like GuideStar to access Form 990 filings, which provide detailed financial and programmatic information about the charity's operations.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Check Charity Navigator for independent ratings and evaluations that provide insight into a nonprofit's financial health and accountability practices.
✓ State Attorney General Registry
How: Look up the charity in your state’s Attorney General’s registry for any complaints or actions taken against the organization, ensuring transparency.
✓ BBB Wise Giving Alliance
How: Utilize the BBB Wise Giving Alliance for detailed reports on charitable organizations, including compliance with best practices and transparency standards.
Real impact, real numbers
In our last campaign, we partnered with local nonprofits to provide 500 families in Austin with essential resources. Through your generous donations, we raised $150,000, enabling these organizations to deliver food, clothing, and educational support. This direct impact showcases how your contributions translate into meaningful change within our community, all through vetted and trustworthy partners committed to high program expense ratios and accountability.
Austin oversight
Austin and Texas have robust mechanisms to ensure charitable organizations operate with integrity. The Texas Secretary of State oversees nonprofit registrations, while the Office of the Attorney General handles complaints against charities. This oversight helps protect donors and ensures that charitable contributions are used as intended. Local resources also include consumer protection agencies that provide additional support for informed giving.
FAQ
How do I know my donation is going to a legitimate charity?
What red flags do you look for when vetting charities?
Why is the program-expense ratio important?
What happens if a charity receives a complaint?
How often do you re-verify charity partners?
Can I see the financials of the charities you support?
What if I still have concerns about a charity?
More transparency pages
Your trust is paramount to us at Ride Forward. We invite you to explore our charity partners and see how your donations make a profound difference in our community. Together, we can continue to support organizations committed to transparency, effectiveness, and meaningful impact. Join us in making a positive change today!