Nonprofit Participation Criteria

Participation in the Light the World Giving Machine initiative is reserved for nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria:

1. 1

   The organization’s programs and projects should:

   • Seek to help those who are most vulnerable, without regard to race, religion, or nationality.
   • Attend to immediate needs while strengthening beneficiaries to better care for their future needs.
   • Be defensible by established humanitarian standards.
2. 2

   Participant designation:

   • If selected to be a "local nonprofit participant," the organization must operate within and serve the Giving Machine host city’s local community. International host cities must use nonprofits that operate within and serve those living in that country.
   • If selected to be a designated "global nonprofit participant," the organization must operate in at least five countries.
3. 3

   Registered as a nonprofit in local municipalities and countries. (Organizations in the United States require a 501(c)(3) designation.)

4. 4

   Shows a minimum five-year track record as a successful provider of humanitarian services.

5. 5

   Maintains an overall Charity Navigator (or equivalent) score of at least 80%.

6. 6

   Keeps overall administrative expenses less than 20%.

7. 7

   Provides a variety of goods and services with broad public appeal.

   • Agrees to approach the item card creation process with flexibility and understanding. Adjustments to original submissions will be made to ensure initiative success and brand consistency.
8. 8

   Actively promotes the Giving Machine initiative through the organization’s established channels.

9. 9

   Supports and collaborates with associated city team(s) and the broader Giving Machine initiative team.

10. 10

    Permits electronic transfer of funds (e-deposit).

11. 11

    All Giving Machine donations must be spent directly on the specific items selected by donors, fulfilling the exact intent of each gift. (Substitutions require prior approval.) Funds collected and distributed through this initiative may not be redirected to other programs or purposes, nor used in any way that could compromise the public’s trust in the initiative. Donated items may not be resold.

12. 12

    Within one year of receiving funds, the organization will provide a thorough accountability report to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints detailing how the funds were used and their impact.