File Watchdog Organization Complaints

Submit alerts to Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance to influence nonprofit ratings

Why File with Watchdog Organizations?

Nonprofit watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance provide ratings and reviews that influence donor decisions. By filing complaints, you can:

  • Alert potential donors to governance and compliance issues
  • Trigger investigations that may lower the organization rating
  • Create public record of concerns about the organization
  • Reduce funding by discouraging donations from informed donors

Turning Point USA Financial Profile

Organization EIN: 80-0835023

Tax-exempt since: July 2014

ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer provides comprehensive financial data on Turning Point USA. This information is crucial for understanding the organization's financial practices and identifying potential violations.

View ProPublica Financial Data

Key Financial Metrics (2024)

Total Revenue

$84,988,862

Total Expenses

$80,995,175

Net Assets

$17,903,134

Net Income

$3,993,687

Notable Financial Concerns:

  • High Contribution Dependency: 99.2% of revenue from contributions (potential donor manipulation concern)
  • Significant Fundraising Costs: $1.5M in professional fundraising fees (1.9% of expenses)
  • Large Salary Expenses: $18.7M in salaries and wages (23.1% of total expenses)
  • Related-Party Transactions: Organization reports conflict of interest transactions on Schedule L
  • Executive Travel: First-class or charter travel provided to key employees and officers
  • Accumulated Surplus: $3.99M net income suggests significant reserves

Charity Navigator: Donor Advisory Alerts

What is a Donor Advisory?

Charity Navigator allows donors and concerned citizens to submit "Donor Advisory Alerts" about nonprofit organizations. These alerts are reviewed and may be published on the organization profile page, alerting other donors to potential issues.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Visit Charity Navigator

Go to www.charitynavigator.org and search for the organization (e.g., "Turning Point USA")

Visit Charity Navigator
2

Locate the Organization Profile

Click on the organization name to view its full profile. You will see the organization rating, financial information, and governance details.

3

Find the Donor Advisory Section

Scroll down to find the "Donor Advisory Alerts" or "Report a Concern" section. Click the button to submit a new alert.

4

Complete the Alert Form

Your Name: Enter your name (optional - you can submit anonymously)

Email Address: Provide your email for Charity Navigator to contact you if needed

Alert Category: Select the category that best describes the concern (e.g., "Governance," "Financial," "Compliance")

Alert Description: Write a clear, factual description of the concern. Include specific details about the issue, dates, and any evidence. Explain why this matters to donors.

Supporting Documentation: You can attach documents or links to evidence (news articles, financial records, etc.)

5

Submit and Wait for Review

Click "Submit" to send your alert to Charity Navigator. The organization will review your submission within 2-4 weeks. If approved, your alert will appear on the organization profile page.

Tips for Charity Navigator Alerts:

  • • Be specific and factual - cite dates, amounts, and specific actions
  • • Focus on governance, financial, or compliance issues that affect donors
  • • Include links to news articles or public documents as evidence
  • • Keep your alert concise but comprehensive (2-3 paragraphs)
  • • You can submit multiple alerts for different concerns

BBB Wise Giving Alliance: File a Complaint

What is BBB Wise Giving Alliance?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance evaluates nonprofits against 20 standards for charity accountability. Filing a complaint can trigger an investigation and potentially result in the organization losing its "Accredited Charity" status.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Visit BBB Wise Giving Alliance

Go to www.give.org and search for the organization (e.g., "Turning Point USA")

Visit BBB Give.org
2

View Organization Report

Click on the organization name to view its full report. You will see the BBB rating, compliance with standards, and any existing complaints.

3

Find the "File a Complaint" Option

Look for a "File a Complaint" or "Report a Concern" button on the organization page. Click it to start the complaint process.

4

Complete the Complaint Form

Your Information: Provide your name, email, and phone number (you can request anonymity)

Complaint Type: Select the category that best describes the violation (e.g., "Governance," "Financial Transparency," "Misuse of Funds")

Complaint Details: Describe the specific issue in detail. Reference the BBB Standard(s) being violated. Include dates, amounts, and specific actions taken by the organization.

Evidence: Attach or link to supporting documentation (news articles, financial records, screenshots, etc.)

Resolution Sought: Explain what you believe should happen (e.g., "Investigation," "Loss of accreditation")

5

Submit and Track

Click "Submit" to send your complaint to the BBB. You will receive a confirmation number. The BBB will investigate and may contact you for additional information. You can track the status of your complaint online.

Tips for BBB Complaints:

  • • Reference specific BBB Standards for Charity Accountability being violated
  • • Provide concrete evidence and documentation
  • • Be clear about the impact on donors and the public
  • • Include dates, amounts, and specific individuals involved
  • • You can file multiple complaints for different violations
  • • Keep copies of your complaint and confirmation number

Charity Navigator vs BBB Comparison

AspectCharity NavigatorBBB Wise Giving
Websitewww.charitynavigator.orgwww.give.org
Alert TypeDonor Advisory AlertsFormal Complaints
Review Time2-4 weeksVaries (typically 4-8 weeks)
Public DisplayYes, on org profileYes, on org report
InvestigationLimited reviewFull investigation
ImpactAlerts donorsCan revoke accreditation

After Filing Watchdog Complaints

You have now filed complaints through multiple channels. For a complete accountability effort: