When nonprofits seek membership with Better Giving, we meticulously assess their applications through two key criteria: eligibility status and alignment with our core values. This comprehensive evaluation process typically takes a couple of business days.
Eligibility:
First, we confirm a nonprofit’s legitimacy, type, and good standing. Along with conformation of the legitimacy of the applicant.
Legitimacy
As part of our fraud prevention measures, we verify that each nonprofit is properly registered with the relevant authorities. We also ensure that the individual submitting the application is genuinely affiliated with the organization. To facilitate this, it's preferable if the applicant’s email address is connected to the nonprofit itself. Other checks are also carried out to conform the relationship.
Organization Type
Currently, Better Giving membership is offered to qualifying 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in the USA and the equivalent in countries other than the USA.
Good Standing
If a charitable organization fails to submit required filings or fees to the appropriate authorities on time, it risks losing its status as an organization in "good standing" and may be labeled as “delinquent.”
We routinely check the standing of nonprofits and if anyone has any concerns about a nonprofit raising funds via Better Giving, please contact us at hi@better.giving with more details.
Alignment with Better Giving's Values
In addition to developing and supporting free fundraising technology for nonprofits, Better Giving is deeply committed to progressive values. These principles motivate nonprofits to engage with complex issues such as gender and racial equality, reproductive health and LGBTQ+ rights, social and environmental justice, education, domestic violence, immigrant services, and more.
Additionally, we do like to see proof of alignment with at least one the 17 UN SDGs.
Every nonprofit membership application is carefully reviewed to ensure alignment with these values. This involves a thorough review of the nonprofit's website, social media, and other publicly available information to gain insights into its mission, values, team, target community, and more.
This detailed review process ensures that we are fully aware of the organizations within our membership. More importantly, it ensures that these nonprofits use our tools and platform to make a positive impact in the world—whether by amplifying marginalized voices, meeting the needs of underserved populations, envisioning a safer future for their communities, or advocating for equality.