Verification Process

Verification builds trust on OpenGiving. This guide explains how we verify campaigns and users, and what to look for during the verification process.

Why Verification Matters

Verification helps:

• Donors trust their money goes to real causes
• Campaign creators gain credibility
• The platform maintain integrity
• Everyone avoid fraud and scams

Types of Verification

Campaign Verification

Campaigns can be:

• Unverified - Basic review only
• Verified - Additional documentation confirmed
• Organization Verified - Nonprofit status confirmed

User Verification

Users can be:

• Email verified - Email address confirmed
• Identity verified - Government ID checked
• Organization verified - 501(c)(3) or equivalent confirmed

Campaign Verification Process

Basic Review (All Campaigns)

Every campaign goes through:

1. Content review for policy compliance
2. Category appropriateness check
3. Goal reasonableness assessment
4. Creator account standing check

Enhanced Verification

For the verified badge, campaigns need:

Verification Checklist

• ID matches account name
• Documents appear authentic
• Story matches documentation
• Photos are current and relevant
• No red flags in account history
• Goal aligns with documentation

Red Flags

Warning Signs

Watch for:

• Inconsistent details - Story doesn't match documents
• Stock photos - Generic images instead of personal ones
• Urgency pressure - "Must donate immediately"
• Vague use of funds - No specific breakdown
• New account - Created just for the campaign
• Multiple campaigns - Same person, different stories

Fraud Indicators

More serious concerns:

• Stolen photos (reverse image search)
• Fake documents
• Known scam patterns
• Multiple accounts
• Blacklisted user

Handling Verification Requests

Approval Flow

1. User submits verification request
2. Documents appear in verification queue
3. Reviewer examines documents
4. Decision: Approve, Request More Info, or Deny
5. User notified of decision

Requesting More Information

If documents are insufficient:

• Be specific about what's needed
• Explain why clearly
• Give a reasonable deadline
• Offer to help if they have questions

Denying Verification

If you must deny:

• Document the specific reason
• Be professional in communication
• Explain what would be needed to reconsider
• Note if it's a temporary or permanent denial

Organization Verification

Nonprofit Verification

For 501(c)(3) organizations:

1. Request EIN number
2. Verify on IRS database
3. Confirm organization name matches
4. Check for good standing
5. Grant organization verification badge

Required Documents

• IRS determination letter
• Certificate of incorporation
• Most recent 990 (if applicable)
• Organization authorization letter

Privacy & Security

Document Handling

• Documents are encrypted at rest
• Access is logged and audited
• Delete documents after verification
• Never share outside the platform
• Follow data retention policies

Sensitive Information

When handling sensitive documents:

• View only what's necessary
• Don't download locally
• Redact in notes if quoting
• Report any breaches immediately

Escalation

When to Escalate

• Suspected fraud
• Forged documents
• Legal/medical edge cases
• High-profile situations
• When uncertain

How to Escalate

1. Flag the verification request
2. Note your concerns in detail
3. Route to Trust & Safety
4. Await their decision