At Twin City Wheels, we recognize that donors often have valid concerns about where their contributions are going and how effectively they are being used. That’s why we've established a rigorous vetting process for our nonprofit partners, ensuring that the charities we support are legitimate, accountable, and operating in good faith.
This page outlines the multi-step verification process we employ before a nonprofit becomes a recipient of our proceeds. Our commitment to transparency means that we not only want you to trust us but also want you to have the tools to verify the integrity of our charity partners.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Only partner with IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations
- Preference for organizations with a program-expense ratio of 70% or higher
- Regular reviews of complaint histories with the Attorney General
- Verification of board governance and independence
- Annual re-verification of all charity partners
- All partners must have filed Form 990 with no red flags
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We start by verifying that a nonprofit has a valid IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter using the IRS pub78 database and confirming their EIN through the EIN database.
State Registration Check
Next, we conduct a state charitable registration lookup to ensure compliance in the state where the nonprofit operates. This helps confirm their legitimacy and right to solicit donations.
Financial Review
We review the nonprofit's Form 990 to evaluate their financial health, focusing on a program-expense ratio of 70% or higher. We reject any organization with a ratio below 60%.
Independent Ratings Check
We check the nonprofit against Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, and ECFA seals to validate their reputation and accountability in the nonprofit sector.
Governance and Compliance Verification
Finally, we verify board governance to ensure there are no self-dealing practices, check for complaint histories, and ensure that the nonprofit undergoes independent audits of their Form 990 filings.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: You can verify a nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status by searching for their organization on the IRS pub78 database, confirming they are recognized as a tax-exempt public charity.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: By searching on Charity Navigator, you can view detailed ratings and financial information about the nonprofit, helping you assess their credibility and efficiency.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Check your state's Attorney General's charitable organization registry for any history of complaints or legal issues concerning the nonprofit.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: You can access a nonprofit's Form 990 on platforms like Guidestar to review their financial health, governance practices, and program efficiency.
✓ Better Business Bureau Review
How: Visit the Better Business Bureau website to see if the nonprofit is accredited and read reviews or complaints from the public.
Real impact, real numbers
Through our vetted charity partners, Twin City Wheels has provided substantial support to the Minneapolis community. For instance, in the past year, we contributed over $50,000 to local food banks, resulting in over 200,000 meals provided to families in need. Moreover, our donations have facilitated educational programs for over 1,000 children, empowering them to succeed academically and socially. We are proud to see our efforts create tangible, positive impacts in our community.
Minneapolis oversight
In Minnesota, the Department of Commerce oversees charitable organizations, ensuring compliance with state laws. The Attorney General acts as the chief law enforcement officer for charities, providing a process for filing complaints against organizations that may engage in fraudulent activities. Additionally, local consumer protection resources are available to help donors make informed decisions about where to contribute their funds.
FAQ
What happens if a charity violates your vetting criteria?
How often do you re-evaluate your charity partners?
Can I see the financial reports of your charity partners?
How can I report a concern about a charity you support?
What red flags do you look for when vetting charities?
Why is board governance important in your vetting process?
How can I verify your vetting process?
More transparency pages
Your trust is paramount to us at Twin City Wheels. As you consider your charitable contributions, we invite you to explore our vetted charity partners and support the causes that resonate with you. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our community while ensuring transparency and integrity in every donation.