How we verify charities

Every result on Veridonate comes from a public record, and every result shows which record and its date. We do not accept payment from charities, and no charity can buy a better result.

What we check

Is it registered with the IRS?

We look for the organization in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations. Churches and some very small organizations are not required to register, so a missing record is a caution, not a failure.

Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status?

The IRS automatically revokes the status of organizations that file no return for three years in a row. A revocation with no reinstatement fails the check. A revocation that was later reinstated is shown for information only.

Are donations tax-deductible?

We look for the organization on the IRS list of those eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Churches and local chapters covered by a parent organization are often not listed individually, and we say so where that applies.

Is it keeping up with its IRS filings?

We look at the period covered by the most recent return the IRS has on file. More than three years old is a caution. Returns take time to appear, so a gap of a year or two is normal.

How long has it been tax-exempt?

An organization recognized within the last year has no track record yet. That is not a fault, but it is worth knowing, especially for appeals that appear right after a disaster.

Is it in good standing with state regulators?

We check California's list of charities that may not operate or solicit because their registration is delinquent, suspended or revoked. More states will follow.

Could it be confused with another charity?

Some organizations have names very close to a much larger, well-known one. When we see that, we show the larger organization's name and EIN so you can be sure which one you are giving to. A similar name is not a sign of wrongdoing.

What the results mean

Passes our checks

No check failed or raised a caution.

Check before you give

At least one check raised a point you should look into. The page says which one and why.

Not currently tax-exempt

The IRS has revoked the organization's status and records no reinstatement.

What these checks cannot tell you

Passing means an organization is properly registered and keeping up with its obligations. It does not tell you how well the organization uses its money or how much good it does. Our ratings look at that, and the method is on the "How we rate" page.

Public records run behind events. An organization's status can change between the date of a record and the day you read it. For a large gift, confirm with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and your state's charity regulator.

We also screen organization names against the US Treasury sanctions list. Names on that list often coincide with unrelated organizations, so a match is never shown automatically. It is held for a person to review.

Our sources

Corrections

If you represent an organization and believe a result is wrong, you will be able to ask for a correction. The address will be published here before launch.