At Delta Ride Exchange, we recognize that donors want clarity and assurance about where their contributions go. It’s reasonable to be cautious, especially when there are many organizations vying for your support. That’s why we’ve developed a rigorous multi-step process to vet our charity partners before they receive any proceeds from our initiatives.
This page outlines our comprehensive verification process, designed to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency. By adhering to strict guidelines, we ensure that every nonprofit we partner with meets our criteria, allowing you, our valued donors, to give with confidence.
✓Key facts you can verify
- IRS 501(c)(3) status verified via pub78 and EIN database.
- State charitable registration checked per state of operation.
- Form 990 reviewed for a program-expense ratio of at least 70%.
- Verification against Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, or ECFA seal.
- Board governance examined for self-dealing risks.
- Complaint history checked against Attorney General registries.
- Annual re-verification process for continued compliance.
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We start by confirming the organization's IRS 501(c)(3) status through the pub78 and EIN database, ensuring legitimacy and tax-exempt status.
State Registration Check
Next, we verify the charity's registration with the relevant state charity registrars, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
Form 990 Review
We closely examine the organization's Form 990 documents, specifically looking for a program expense ratio of 70% or higher to ensure funds are directed toward mission-critical work.
Reputation Validation
We cross-check the charity’s ratings and seals from trusted platforms like Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, or ECFA to assess their overall reputation and operational integrity.
Governance & Compliance Check
We evaluate board governance to look for any instances of self-dealing and conduct a complaint-history search against relevant Attorney General registries, ensuring transparency and ethical practices.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: You can verify the charity's IRS status by visiting the IRS's pub78 database and searching for their EIN or organization name.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Access Charity Navigator to view the organization’s ratings, financial health, and transparency scores to assess their reliability as a nonprofit.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Check the state’s Attorney General’s online registry to see if the nonprofit is registered and search for any outstanding complaints or issues.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: You can obtain the charity’s Form 990 from GuideStar or the organization’s website, providing insights into their financials and operational priorities.
✓ Better Business Bureau Verification
How: Visit the Better Business Bureau to check the organization's rating and any consumer complaints to ensure they uphold ethical practices.
Real impact, real numbers
Since our inception, Delta Ride Exchange has successfully partnered with various charities, facilitating over $100,000 in contributions directed toward local homeless outreach programs and youth education initiatives. These funds have supported the acquisition of essential supplies, provided scholarships for underprivileged students, and funded community-building events that have positively impacted hundreds of lives in Stockton. By ensuring our charity partners are thoroughly vetted, we maximize the effectiveness of every dollar donated, amplifying our collective impact in the community.
Stockton oversight
In Stockton, California, nonprofits are regulated by the California Secretary of State and the Attorney General’s office, ensuring that charitable organizations comply with state laws. The AG's complaint process helps consumers report any issues they encounter, providing an additional layer of oversight. Local resources, such as the Better Business Bureau and GuideStar, also offer valuable information about charity practices, further empowering donors to make informed decisions.
FAQ
What if a charity doesn't have a Form 990?
How do you handle charities with complaints?
What happens if a nonprofit fails to maintain its 501(c)(3) status?
Do you consider new charities?
Are all vetted charities local to Stockton?
What if a charity has a low program-expense ratio?
Can I suggest a charity for you to review?
More transparency pages
At Delta Ride Exchange, we believe in the power of informed giving. We invite you to explore our vetted charity partners and consider supporting their incredible work. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in Stockton and beyond. If you have any questions about our vetting process or wish to learn more about our mission, please don’t hesitate to reach out.