At Indy Car Connect, we recognize that as donors, your trust is paramount. The growing concerns about charity accountability and effective use of donations warrant a thorough inquiry into how we select our nonprofit partners. Our commitment to transparency ensures that every dollar raised through your generosity is directed towards impactful programs.
This page outlines our comprehensive vetting process, which includes multiple verification stages to confirm the legitimacy and operational effectiveness of the organizations we support. Our goal is to provide you with the confidence that your contributions are being managed with the utmost integrity, ensuring they fulfill their intended purpose.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Each charity must have a valid IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.
- Verification via IRS pub78 and EIN database.
- State charitable registration must be current in their state of operation.
- A program-expense ratio of 70% or higher is preferred.
- Review of Form 990 filings and independent audits.
- Checks against Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar ratings.
- Annual re-verification of all partner charities.
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We verify the charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status using the pub78 database and their EIN to ensure legitimacy before any partnership is established.
State Registration Check
Next, we conduct a review of the charity’s state charitable registration to ensure compliance in their operational state, rejecting any with lapsed registrations.
Financial Review
We assess the charity's Form 990 filings, with a focus on program-expense ratios, ensuring they allocate at least 70% of funds towards their programs.
Third-Party Evaluation
We cross-reference data from Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar to validate the charity’s reputation and financial practices.
Ongoing Monitoring
To maintain transparency, we conduct annual re-verifications of our charity partners to ensure continued compliance and ethical governance.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: Verify the charity’s IRS 501(c)(3) status by searching the pub78 database, which provides public access to the status of tax-exempt organizations.
✓ Charity Navigator Profile
How: Check the charity's profile on Charity Navigator to assess their financial health, accountability, and transparency metrics.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Review the state Attorney General’s registry to confirm the charity is in good standing and doesn’t have any complaints against it.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Access the charity’s Form 990 filings on sites like GuideStar to gauge their financial management and program effectiveness.
✓ BBB Wise Giving Alliance
How: Look for the charity's seal on the BBB Wise Giving Alliance site to ensure it meets the highest standards for accountability and transparency.
Real impact, real numbers
Last year, through our vetted charity partners, we helped fund educational programs that provided over 2,000 children in Indianapolis with essential school supplies and after-school tutoring services. Our support generated an overall impact of $150,000 in community resources directly benefiting low-income families, demonstrating the tangible outcomes your contributions can create.
Indianapolis oversight
In Indianapolis, we work closely with the Indiana Attorney General’s office, which provides oversight and addresses any complaints related to charitable solicitations. Additionally, the Indiana Secretary of State's office has vital resources for verifying registered charities, allowing us to ensure our partners maintain compliance with state regulations and uphold their commitments to the community.
FAQ
What happens if a charity fails your vetting process?
How often do you re-evaluate your charity partners?
What red flags should I look for in a charity?
Is there a way to verify a charity's financials?
How do you ensure that donors’ money is used effectively?
Can I suggest a charity for you to consider?
What if I suspect a charity is fraudulent?
More transparency pages
Your trust is essential to us at Indy Car Connect. We invite you to explore our vetted charity partners and learn more about how your contributions are making a difference in the Indianapolis community. Together, we can foster a culture of transparency and accountability in charitable giving. Join us in supporting those who truly make an impact.