At Great Lakes Givers, we recognize that as a donor, you may have reservations about where your contributions are going. With numerous organizations vying for support, transparency is not just a preference; it’s a necessity. Our vetting process is designed to ensure that every charity partner meets stringent criteria before they receive any proceeds.
This page outlines the multi-step verification process we employ, which includes thorough reviews of financial documents, governance practices, and compliance checks. We believe that informed donors make for empowered partnerships, and we are committed to transparency as a standard practice.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All charity partners verified as IRS 501(c)(3) organizations.
- Minimum program expense ratio of 70% preferred.
- Annual re-verification to ensure ongoing compliance.
- No self-dealing or related-party transactions allowed.
- Complaints from the Attorney General's office are taken seriously.
- State charitable registration up-to-date and valid.
How it works, step by step
IRS Verification
We verify each charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status through the IRS pub78 database and their EIN to ensure legitimacy.
State Registration Check
We conduct a state charitable registration lookup to confirm the organization is compliant in its state of operation.
Financial Review
A thorough review of Form 990 is performed, focusing on a program expense ratio of 70% or higher to ensure funds are used effectively.
Third-Party Evaluation
We check ratings on Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar for additional insights and credibility.
Governance and Complaint Check
We assess board governance practices to ensure no self-dealing activities and check for any complaint history with the Attorney General.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: Donors can independently verify a charity's 501(c)(3) status by searching the IRS pub78 online database for registered organizations.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Access Form 990 documents on platforms like GuideStar to review financial health, focusing on program ratios and financial audits.
✓ Bureau and Charity Evaluations
How: Visit Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau websites to check ratings, compliance, and any reported issues with the charity.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Consult your state's Attorney General's office for the charity’s registration status and any complaint history that may exist.
Real impact, real numbers
In the past year, Great Lakes Givers has partnered with local charities to provide over $500,000 in assistance for food security programs, supporting nearly 50,000 meals for families in need across Michigan. Our vetted partners have reported a 90% satisfaction rate among beneficiaries, demonstrating the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts. Each dollar given is meaningfully utilized, reflecting the community spirit we aim to nurture.
Michigan oversight
In Michigan, the Department of Attorney General oversees charitable organizations and provides a public registry to ensure compliance and accountability. Donors can file complaints regarding charities that do not meet their expectations. Additionally, local resources like the Michigan Nonprofit Association offer education and support to help ensure that donors are well-informed about charitable practices in their communities.
FAQ
How do I know if a charity is legitimate?
What is the minimum program expense ratio you accept?
What if a charity has complaints filed against it?
How often do you re-evaluate your charity partners?
Can I trust charities rated by third-party organizations?
What should I do if I suspect a scam?
How does Great Lakes Givers support transparency?
More transparency pages
Your generosity deserves to be trusted. At Great Lakes Givers, we invite you to partner with us in creating a meaningful impact in Michigan. By supporting vetted charities, you ensure that your contributions directly benefit those in need. Together, let’s foster a community of trust and transparency.