At Heart Wheels, we know that skepticism among donors is both healthy and warranted. With countless stories of charity mismanagement and fraud, it’s our duty to provide you with the utmost transparency. This page explains our rigorous vetting process, which guarantees that our charity partners are credible, accountable, and aligned with our mission.
Transparency isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s the standard. We delve deep into the operational integrity of every nonprofit before they can become a recipient of our proceeds. Below, you’ll find the detailed steps we take to ensure our chosen partners are deserving of your trust and generosity.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All partners are IRS 501(c)(3) verified via pub78.
- EIN databases are checked to confirm legitimacy.
- State charitable-registration compliance is mandatory.
- Program expense ratios of 70% or higher are preferred.
- Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance reviews are conducted.
- No self-dealing or related-party transactions in board governance.
- Annual re-verification of all partners and their activities.
How it works, step by step
Initial Application Review
We start by collecting basic information and documents from the nonprofit. This includes their IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter and EIN, ensuring they are recognized and registered as a charity.
IRS Verification
Each organization is verified using the IRS pub78 database to confirm their 501(c)(3) status. We cross-check their EIN against public databases to confirm their operational legitimacy.
State Registration Check
We conduct a state charitable-registration lookup per the nonprofit's state of operation. This ensures compliance with state laws regarding fundraising and charitable activities.
Financial Review
We analyze the nonprofit's Form 990 filings, focusing on their program-expense ratio. An ideal ratio is above 70%, ensuring funds directly support their mission.
Governance and Compliance Check
We verify board governance to ensure no self-dealing or conflicts of interest. We also conduct a search for any Attorney General complaints against the organization.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: Donors can verify a nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status through the IRS pub78 database, ensuring they are recognized as a tax-exempt organization.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Check Charity Navigator for ratings and financial health of the charity. This provides insights into their operational efficiency and credibility.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Review the state Attorney General's registry for any complaints or violations against the charity, safeguarding against potential mismanagement.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: A copy of the charity's Form 990 can be found online. This form provides detailed financial information, allowing for an assessment of their spending and operations.
✓ Better Business Bureau Review
How: Consult the BBB's Wise Giving Alliance for an evaluation of the charity's trustworthiness and adherence to ethical practices.
Real impact, real numbers
Last year, Heart Wheels partnered with local nonprofits to fund programs that provided over 1,000 families in need with essential transportation assistance. By allocating $150,000 in proceeds, we ensured that more than 70% directly supported program costs, enabling these organizations to serve their communities efficiently and effectively. Your contributions lead to tangible outcomes, creating a lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Nevada oversight
In Nevada, charitable organizations are overseen by the Nevada Secretary of State’s office, ensuring compliance with state regulations. Donors can report issues through the Nevada Attorney General’s office, which investigates complaints against registered charities. Local consumer protection resources are also available to assist donors in navigating their contributions and ensuring responsible giving.