At Ride Revival, we recognize that skepticism towards charitable organizations is both common and justified. As donors, you deserve to know exactly where your contributions are going and how they will be used. That's why we have established a comprehensive vetting process for every nonprofit we partner with.
This page outlines the multi-step verification measures we take before a nonprofit becomes a recipient of our proceeds. Our commitment to transparency is our way of ensuring that your trust is well-placed, allowing you to feel confident in your support of our mission and our partners.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Verified IRS 501(c)(3) status through pub78 and EIN database.
- State charitable registration checked for compliance in operation states.
- Form 990 program-expense ratio of 70% or higher preferred.
- Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar checks.
- Governance verified to ensure transparency and no self-dealing.
- Regular complaint-history searches and annual re-verification.
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We first verify a nonprofit's IRS 501(c)(3) status using the pub78 database and their EIN to ensure they are recognized as a public charity.
State Registration Check
Next, we conduct a state charitable-registration lookup specific to the nonprofit's operational state to ensure they comply with local regulations.
Form 990 Review
We analyze the nonprofit's Form 990 filings, prioritizing those with a program expense ratio of 70% or higher and checking for independent audits.
Third-Party Evaluations
We check for evaluations from independent watchdogs like Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar to confirm credibility and transparency.
Governance and Complaint Check
Finally, we verify board governance practices to eliminate self-dealing concerns and check for any complaints lodged with the Attorney General's office.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: Verify the nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status by looking it up on the IRS pub78 database to confirm their tax-exempt status.
✓ Charity Navigator
How: Use Charity Navigator to review the organization’s financial health, accountability, and transparency ratings, ensuring they meet our standards.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Check the state Attorney General's registry to confirm that the nonprofit is registered and there are no outstanding complaints against them.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Access and review the nonprofit's Form 990 documentation through platforms like ProPublica to assess their financial practices.
✓ Better Business Bureau
How: Consult the Better Business Bureau to check the nonprofit’s rating and any consumer complaints, ensuring they maintain a trustworthy reputation.
Real impact, real numbers
Ride Revival has successfully partnered with local nonprofits such as Oakland Food Bank, contributing over $50,000 in proceeds that have directly supported food distribution to families in need. In the past year, our collaborations have helped provide meals for more than 10,000 residents, showcasing the effective impact of our vetted partnerships in the community.
Oakland oversight
In Oakland, California, the state requires that all charitable organizations register with the California Attorney General's office. This office ensures that charities comply with all state laws concerning fundraising and financial practices. The Attorney General's complaint process allows donors to report any concerns, ensuring local consumers have a voice in charity accountability and governance.
FAQ
How can I be sure my donation is used effectively?
What happens if a charity changes its practices?
What are some red flags I should look out for?
Can I view the charities you’ve partnered with?
Why does program-expense ratio matter?
How often do you update your vetting process?
What measures do you take against fraud?
More transparency pages
Your trust is essential to us. We invite you to explore our vetted charity partners and support their missions alongside Ride Revival. Together, we can make a significant impact in our Oakland community while ensuring your donations are used ethically and effectively.