At Drive Forward, we recognize that skepticism is a natural part of charitable giving. Donors want to ensure their contributions make a real difference and are used wisely. That’s why we have implemented a thorough vetting process for our charity partners. In this detailed overview, we invite you to explore how we verify and select nonprofits to receive proceeds from our efforts.
Transparency is not just a buzzword for us; it is a foundational principle. By engaging in a multi-step verification process, we establish a high level of trust with our donors. This page outlines the specific criteria and steps we take to ensure every nonprofit partner aligns with our mission and values.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Nonprofits must have a valid IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.
- We check for a minimum program-expense ratio of 70%.
- Charity partners are verified against state charitable-registration databases.
- We conduct a thorough review of Form 990 and its associated audits.
- All board governance structures are assessed for potential self-dealing.
- Organizations with complaint histories from the Attorney General are rejected.
- Annual re-verification ensures ongoing compliance and transparency.
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We begin by verifying the organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) status using the IRS pub78 database, ensuring that it is recognized as a public charity eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.
State Registration Check
Next, we perform a state charitable-registration lookup for the nonprofit's state of operation. This confirms that the organization is legally registered to solicit donations.
Financial Health Review
We assess the nonprofit's financial health by reviewing their Form 990. We prefer organizations that spend at least 70% of their budget on program services, avoiding those below a 60% threshold.
Reputation Assessment
We check multiple reputable sources, such as Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar, to assess the nonprofit's reputation and overall trustworthiness.
Governance and Compliance Check
Finally, we verify the governance structure of the nonprofit to ensure there are no red flags such as self-dealing or related-party transactions, and we conduct an annual re-verification process.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub78 Lookup
How: You can independently verify a nonprofit’s IRS status by visiting the IRS pub78 database to ensure they are recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Review the nonprofit’s rating on Charity Navigator to understand its financial health and accountability metrics, ensuring it meets your standards for trust.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Check the state Attorney General's registry online for any filed complaints against the nonprofit to see if they have a history of issues.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Retrieve and review the organization’s Form 990 to analyze its financial statements, ensuring there is transparency in its funding and spending.
✓ Better Business Bureau
How: Consult the Better Business Bureau’s directory to check if the organization has received any complaints and how they have been resolved.
Real impact, real numbers
Through our rigorous vetting process, Drive Forward has partnered with nonprofits that successfully raised over $500,000 in funds last year alone. These funds directly supported programs that provided job training for 300 local residents, resulting in 200 individuals gaining long-term employment. Our commitment to transparency ensures that every dollar is maximized for community impact, creating tangible outcomes for Hartford and its residents.
Hartford oversight
In Hartford, Connecticut, charity oversight is primarily managed by the state’s Attorney General, who maintains a registry of registered charities. This offers an extra layer of protection for donors as they can report and check for any complaints against nonprofits operating in the area. Resources such as the Connecticut Secretary of the State website provide access to state-level charity registration data, ensuring donors can confirm the legitimacy of organizations they wish to support.
FAQ
What if a nonprofit has a low program-expense ratio?
How do you handle complaints against charity partners?
What happens if a charity fails to maintain its registration?
How often do you re-evaluate your charity partners?
What if a charity has anonymous principals?
Can I verify the charities you're working with?
What is your process for new charity partnerships?
More transparency pages
We invite you to join Drive Forward in our mission to make a meaningful impact in Hartford. By supporting our vetted charity partners, you can be confident that your contributions are making a positive difference. Together, let’s drive change and uplift our community with transparency and trust.