At Vision Wheels, we believe that trust is earned through transparency. We understand that as a donor, you may have concerns about where your contributions are going and how they are used. That's why we have developed a rigorous vetting process before any nonprofit becomes a recipient of our proceeds.
This page outlines our multi-step verification process, designed to ensure that our charity partners meet the highest standards of accountability and effectiveness. Transparency is not just a principle for us—it's a norm that guides every decision we make.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All charity partners must be IRS 501(c)(3) verified.
- EIN and state charitable registrations are thoroughly checked.
- We only consider organizations with a program expense ratio of 70% or higher.
- Our vetting includes checks against Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
- Annual re-verification of charity partners ensures ongoing compliance.
- We reject any organization with anonymous principals or self-dealing.
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We start by verifying that the charity has a valid IRS 501(c)(3) status through the pub78 database and confirm their EIN in our records.
State Registration Check
Next, we perform a state charitable-registration lookup to ensure the organization is registered in its state of operation, which is crucial for legitimacy.
Financial Review
We review the charity's Form 990 filings, looking for a program-expense ratio of at least 70%. Organizations with a ratio below 60% are not considered.
Reputation Check
We check the charity's ratings on Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar to ensure they have a strong community reputation and no significant issues.
Governance and Compliance
Lastly, we verify the charity's board governance to rule out self-dealing and complete a complaint-history search to ensure there are no pending issues with the Attorney General.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: You can independently verify a charity's IRS status by checking the pub78 database, which lists all recognized 501(c)(3) organizations.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Visit Charity Navigator to explore an organization’s financial health, accountability, and transparency ratings to ensure they meet our standards.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Check the state Attorney General's website for any complaints filed against the charity, indicating potential issues or red flags.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: You can access Form 990 filings for any charity through the IRS or third-party sites to review their financials and program spending.
✓ Better Business Bureau
How: Visit the BBB’s website to ensure the charity has met the standards for charitable accountability and to review any complaints.
Real impact, real numbers
At Vision Wheels, we take pride in the impact our charity partners create. Last year, by collaborating with vetted nonprofits, we facilitated the distribution of over 1,000 wheelchairs, enabling individuals with mobility challenges to regain independence. Through our commitment to transparency, we ensured that 85% of every dollar raised went directly into programs, reflecting our belief in supporting communities effectively and responsibly.
Georgia oversight
In Georgia, the Secretary of State oversees charitable registrations, ensuring that organizations comply with state laws. If you have concerns about a charity, the Georgia Attorney General's office provides a process for filing complaints and accessing public records. Local consumer protection resources are also available to assist donors in making informed decisions about where to contribute their funds.
FAQ
What are the main red flags you look for?
How often do you re-evaluate charity partners?
What if a charity has complaints filed against it?
Can I verify a charity on my own?
What happens if a charity fails your vetting process?
Do you share the results of your vetting process?
How can I report a misleading charity?
More transparency pages
Your trust is vital to us at Vision Wheels, and we invite you to explore our vetting process further. By choosing to support our vetted charity partners, you can be confident that your donations are making a meaningful impact in the community. Together, we can ensure that giving is both responsible and rewarding.