At Alaska Wheels Forward, we recognize that the skepticism surrounding charitable donations is both reasonable and necessary. Donors deserve to know that their contributions are making a tangible difference and going to reputable organizations. That's why we have instituted a rigorous vetting process for our charity partners to ensure that every recipient is reliable and effective in their mission.
This page outlines the multi-step verification process we employ, combining thorough research and independent checks to confirm the legitimacy and efficacy of potential nonprofit partners. Our commitment to transparency is unwavering, and we want our donors to feel confident that every dollar donated is used wisely.
✓Key facts you can verify
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter verified via Pub78.
- EIN database checks to confirm nonprofit status.
- State charitable registration verification for legitimacy.
- Form 990 review focusing on program-expense ratio of 70%+ preferred.
- Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, and ECFA seals checked.
- Board governance reviewed to prevent self-dealing.
- Complaint history searched for any concerning reports.
How it works, step by step
Initial Application
Nonprofits submit a formal application detailing their mission, programs, and financials. This begins our comprehensive vetting process, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.
IRS Verification
We confirm the nonprofit's IRS 501(c)(3) status through the pub78 database and validate its EIN to ensure legal standing and compliance with charitable laws.
Financial Review
Our team reviews the nonprofit's Form 990, focusing on their program expense ratio, aiming for a minimum of 70%. We reject organizations below 60%, as they may not prioritize charitable activities.
Governance and Ethics Check
We thoroughly review board governance structures to prevent self-dealing and ensure ethical practices. This includes checking for any related-party transactions that may compromise integrity.
Annual Re-verification
Upon acceptance, we conduct an annual re-verification of all documentation and performance metrics to maintain ongoing partnerships with trusted organizations.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: Donors can verify the nonprofit’s IRS 501(c)(3) status through the pub78 database, ensuring it is recognized as a public charity eligible for tax-deductible contributions.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Use Charity Navigator to evaluate the nonprofit’s financial health, accountability, and transparency ratings, which provide insights into their operational effectiveness.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Each state has a registry for charitable organizations that registers nonprofits, allowing donors to verify if the organization is compliant with state regulations.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Review the nonprofit’s Form 990, available online, for in-depth financial details and program performance metrics, ensuring a clear understanding of their spending.
✓ Better Business Bureau (BBB) Review
How: Check the BBB for any complaints or ratings associated with the organization, which can reflect their reputation and reliability in the community.
Real impact, real numbers
Since our inception, Alaska Wheels Forward has facilitated over $500,000 in donations to local nonprofits, resulting in the direct benefit of more than 5,000 Alaskans. Our partners have provided vital services, including food assistance, educational programs, and health services, demonstrating measurable impacts and significant improvements in community well-being across the state.
Alaska oversight
In Alaska, all charitable organizations are required to register with the state, with oversight from the Attorney General's office. Donors can access local consumer protection resources to verify complaints against nonprofits, ensuring transparency and accountability at the state level. We leverage these resources to ensure our partners align with our rigorous standards for charitable conduct.
FAQ
What is the vetting process for charities?
What red flags do you look for?
How often do you re-evaluate charity partners?
Can I independently verify your process?
What happens if a charity partner is found to be non-compliant?
Do you only partner with large nonprofits?
How can I support your efforts?
More transparency pages
Your trust matters to us. By choosing to support Alaska Wheels Forward, you help foster a culture of transparency and accountability. We invite you to learn more about our vetted charity partners, or better yet, contribute today to make a difference in our Alaskan communities!