At Ride for Good, we recognize that as a donor, you may have concerns about where your contributions go and how they're used. It’s reasonable to be cautious, especially in today’s environment where accountability is crucial. That’s why we are committed to a transparent and rigorous vetting process for our charity partners.
This page outlines the steps we take to ensure that every nonprofit organization we support meets our high standards for integrity and effectiveness. We believe that transparency is the norm, not the exception, and we invite you to explore our multi-step verification process for vetting potential nonprofit partners.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All partners must have a verified IRS 501(c)(3) status.
- State charitable registration must be current and valid.
- A program expense ratio of at least 70% is preferred.
- Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance ratings checked.
- Board governance is verified to ensure no self-dealing.
- Complaint histories are searched through Attorney General resources.
How it works, step by step
IRS Status Verification
We start by confirming the charity's 501(c)(3) status through the IRS's Pub78 database and ensure their EIN is valid. This step establishes their authenticity and alignment with federal standards.
State Registration Check
Next, we look at the state charitable registration in the charity's state of operation. A current registration indicates compliance with state laws and ongoing operational legitimacy.
Financial Review
We conduct a thorough review of the charity's Form 990, focusing on the program expense ratio. A minimum of 70% is preferred, ensuring funds are directed towards mission-related activities.
Reputation Assessment
We check the charity's ratings on Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar. This scrutiny helps us gauge the organization’s reputation and trustworthiness in the community.
Annual Re-verification
Finally, we re-verify each charity annually to ensure they continue to meet our standards and have not encountered any issues such as complaints or financial irregularities.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS 501(c)(3) Status
How: Donors can verify a charity's 501(c)(3) status using the IRS Pub78 database, which confirms their eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions.
✓ State Charitable Registration
How: Visit your state's charity registrar website to check if the organization is currently registered and compliant with state regulations.
✓ Form 990 Review
How: Access the charity's Form 990 through the IRS or other tax documentation services to evaluate their financial health and program expense ratio.
✓ Reputation Check
How: Look up the charity on Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar to assess their ratings and any history of complaints or issues.
Real impact, real numbers
Last year, Ride for Good partnered with local nonprofits to distribute over $150,000 in proceeds from donor contributions. This funding directly supported programs that provided meals for 5,000 families, mental health services for 1,200 individuals, and scholarships for 250 students in need. These tangible outcomes affirm our commitment to ensuring that your donations create meaningful change in our community.
Kentucky oversight
In Kentucky, the Secretary of State’s office oversees charity registrations, ensuring compliance with state laws. The Attorney General also investigates complaints against charities, offering a resource for donors concerned about potential misuse of funds. Local consumer protection agencies can also provide guidance on supporting reputable organizations.
FAQ
What if a charity has a low program expense ratio?
Are new charities ever considered?
How often are charity partners re-evaluated?
What are red flags that would disqualify a charity?
How do you assess board governance?
What happens if a charity receives a complaint?
Can I get involved in your vetting process?
More transparency pages
At Ride for Good, we stand firmly by our commitment to transparency and thorough vetting of our charity partners. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns, and we invite you to join us in supporting organizations that truly make a difference in our community.