At Revive the Ride, we recognize that donors are rightfully skeptical about where their contributions go. In an era of increasing scrutiny over nonprofits, it’s essential to know how we select our charity partners. Our commitment to transparency means you can trust that your donations are supporting legitimate, effective organizations.
This page outlines our multi-step verification process for vetting nonprofit partners in New Jersey. We believe that transparency should be the norm, not the exception, and we want to share how we uphold these standards in our mission to support deserving charities.
✓Key facts you can verify
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination verified at pub78
- EIN database lookup confirms organization identity
- State charitable registration checked per operational state
- Form 990 with a program-expense ratio of 70% or higher
- Reviews from Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and ECFA seals
- Board governance verified to prevent self-dealing
- Search for complaints in AG records
- Annual re-verification of all charity partners
How it works, step by step
Initial Application
Nonprofits submit an application including their mission statement, history, and financial documents. This initial review ensures basic eligibility regarding IRS status and organizational integrity. Typically completed within 2 weeks.
IRS Verification
We verify the nonprofit's IRS 501(c)(3) status using the pub78 database and confirm their EIN for authenticity. This step ensures the organization is legally recognized and compliant. This process takes about 1 week.
State Registration Check
A state charitable registration lookup is performed to ensure the nonprofit is registered in the state of operation. A lapsed registration could mean non-compliance, which we reject. This usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Financial Review
We conduct a thorough review of Form 990, focusing on a program-expense ratio of 70% or higher. Organizations with less than 60% are considered inadequate. This analysis typically takes about 1 week.
Final Approval
After completing all previous steps, we finalize our decision. If any red flags arise during our checks, the nonprofit is not approved. This entire vetting process can span 4-6 weeks.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: You can independently verify an organization's 501(c)(3) status by visiting the IRS pub78 website, where all eligible nonprofits are listed. This ensures they are recognized by the IRS and compliant.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Charity Navigator provides ratings based on financial health and accountability. You can search for a nonprofit to check its ratings, which help assess its effectiveness and transparency.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Each state has an Attorney General's office that maintains a registry of licensed charities. Checking this registry helps confirm whether a nonprofit is compliant with state laws.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: You can access a nonprofit's Form 990 through platforms like GuideStar or directly from their website. This document reveals their financial health and program spending.
✓ Better Business Bureau (BBB) Review
How: The BBB provides ratings based on trustworthiness and performance. You can check a nonprofit's BBB profile to assess their overall credibility and any complaints filed against them.
Real impact, real numbers
Since our inception, Revive the Ride has partnered with nonprofits that directly impact the New Jersey community. Last year, our contributions funded over 1,000 new bicycles for children from low-income families, resulting in a total program expenditure of $500,000. We are proud to see these bikes not only providing transportation but also promoting health and mobility among youth, fostering independence and joy in their daily lives.
New Jersey oversight
New Jersey has a robust system for overseeing charities, with the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law & Public Safety serving as the state-level charity registrar. Donors can file complaints or inquiries directly with the Attorney General if they suspect fraud or mismanagement. Additionally, local consumer protection resources are available to help guide charitable decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability in our state's nonprofits.
FAQ
What happens if a charity we support is found to be fraudulent?
How often do you re-evaluate your charity partners?
What are the red flags that might cause you to reject a charity?
Can I independently verify your vetting process?
How do you ensure nonprofits are using donations effectively?
What should I do if I suspect a charity is mismanaging funds?
Why is an independent audit important?
More transparency pages
Your trust matters to us. By supporting Revive the Ride, you can be confident that your donations are carefully vetted and directed toward impactful charity partners. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our communities. Join us in our mission today!