Supplementary Documentation
Understand the documents Chariot may request to verify your organization during setup.
Chariot is committed to providing a secure and reliable onboarding process for our organizations. A critical part of this process is ensuring that funds are directed to the correct nonprofit.
In most cases, when public records, IRS data, and submitted information align, no additional documentation is required.
If discrepancies arise or certain details are not publicly available, Chariot may request supplementary documentation to confirm organizational identity and authorized representation. These measures are mandated by our banking partner and are designed to protect nonprofits against fraud
🔒 Protection of Information
All verification data is stored exclusively by Chariot’s identity verification provider, Footprint, and never on Chariot’s servers. Footprint utilizes secure enclave technology, which isolates sensitive data at the hardware level (memory, CPU, and network isolation).
Even in the event of a breach, data within secure enclaves remains inaccessible.
This method is considerably more secure than traditional cloud storage.
Further details regarding Footprint’s approach can be found here.
📂 Commonly Requested Documentation
Outlined below are the primary categories of documents that may be requested during the compliance review process. This list is representative but not exhaustive.
1) 🪪 Government-Issued ID + Selfie
Description: A valid government-issued photo identification, accompanied by a live-capture selfie. The name on the ID must match the individual’s identity.
Purpose: Confirms that the individual acting on behalf of the organization is genuine and prevents identity fraud or impersonation.
2) 🏠 Proof of Residential Address
Description: An official document that includes both the individual’s name and residential address.
Examples: Recent bank or credit-card statement, utility bill, phone or internet bill, lease, vehicle registration, or voter registration.
Purpose: Provides confirmation of the individual’s residence and identity when public data is incomplete or inconsistent.
3) 👤 Officer Verification (Control Person)
Description: Documentation verifying that the onboarded individual is a control person with authority to act for the nonprofit (e.g., Executive Director, CFO, VP Finance).
Examples:
Inclusion on the organization’s official website or in an official press release
Documentation demonstrating signing authority
Articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a board resolution
Purpose: Ensures that the individual setting up financial tools has the appropriate authority, as required by compliance standards.
4) 📝 IRS Documentation (CP-575, 4168C, or 147C)
Please do not submit an IRS Determination Letter, which typically begins with the phrase "We're pleased to tell you we determined you're exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3)." These letters will not be accepted in place of the CP-575, 4168C, or 147C.
Description: IRS-issued documentation verifying the organization’s EIN or tax-exempt status. One of the following must be provided:
EIN Issuance Letter (CP-575): Provided when an EIN is first assigned
Letter of Affirmation (4168C): Confirms tax-exempt recognition
EIN Verification Letter (147C): Confirms the entity’s IRS-recorded details
Purpose: Validates the organization’s EIN and confirms nonprofit eligibility.
How to obtain:
CP-575 or 147C — Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time) to request a replacement.
4168C — Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time) to request a copy.
✅ Summary
While most nonprofits will complete onboarding without needing additional documents, Chariot may request further information when required to confirm nonprofit identity, verify control persons, and meet banking compliance requirements. These measures are designed to ensure funds are safeguarded and delivered securely.
Last updated