At RevLocal, we recognize that as a donor, you may have valid concerns about where your generosity is directed. Transparency is not just a promise; it is our standard operating procedure. We have established a rigorous vetting process for our charity partners, ensuring each nonprofit aligns with our dedication to integrity and community impact.
This page outlines the specific steps we take to verify the credibility of our charity partners before they can receive any proceeds. By maintaining high standards, we aim to foster trust and confidence in our partnerships, assuring you that your contributions make a meaningful difference.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Verified IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter via pub78.
- EIN confirmed through the IRS database.
- State charitable registration lookup completed for each operational state.
- Form 990 reviewed with a preference for program-expense ratios above 70%.
- Checked against Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar seals.
- Board governance verified to prevent self-dealing.
- Regular complaint histories searched for red flags.
- Annual re-verification of all charity partners.
How it works, step by step
Initial Review
We conduct an initial review of the nonprofit's IRS 501(c)(3) status using the pub78 database and verify their EIN to confirm legitimacy.
State Registration Check
We look up state charitable registrations based on the nonprofit's state of operation to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
Financial Health Assessment
Form 990 is carefully reviewed, focusing on a preferred program-expense ratio of 70% or higher, indicating sound financial management.
Reputation Verification
We cross-check organizations against Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar seals to assess their overall reputation in the nonprofit sector.
Final Review & Annual Re-verification
Before accepting any charity, we finalize our review, ensuring all criteria are met. We also conduct annual re-verification to maintain standards.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: Donors can independently verify a nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status by accessing the IRS pub78 database to check for current validity.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Visit Charity Navigator's website to assess the nonprofit's rating, financial health, and operational transparency.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Each state maintains a registry of registered charities. Donors can check the South Carolina Attorney General's website for any complaints.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Donors can find a nonprofit's Form 990 filings on platforms like GuideStar, providing insights into revenue and expenses.
✓ Better Business Bureau Check
How: The BBB provides evaluations of charities, including complaint history and performance ratings that inform donor decisions.
Real impact, real numbers
In 2022 alone, our vetted charity partners supported over 1,500 local families in Greenville with emergency food assistance, ensuring that 70% of funds raised went directly to program services. This meant more than $350,000 was allocated to critical community programs, impacting lives through educational scholarships, housing assistance, and job training initiatives. Our partners are committed to measurable outcomes that exemplify the power of transparency in charitable giving.
Greenville oversight
In Greenville, SC, the South Carolina Secretary of State oversees the registration of charitable organizations, providing an essential layer of oversight. The Attorney General's office handles complaints against nonprofits, ensuring accountability. Local resources are available to consumers who seek guidance on charitable giving and wish to verify the legitimacy of organizations. We encourage donors to utilize these resources as part of their due diligence.
FAQ
What happens if a charity fails the vetting process?
How often do you re-evaluate your charity partners?
What criteria might lead to a red flag during vetting?
Can I access the Form 990 for the charities you partner with?
Is there a specific program-expense ratio you require?
What can I do if I suspect a charity is not acting ethically?
How can I learn more about your charity partners?
More transparency pages
Your trust is essential to the work we do at RevLocal. We invite you to explore our charity partners and the impact of your contributions, knowing that we prioritize transparency and accountability. Together, we can make a difference in Greenville, SC, and beyond.