In this conversation with Michi Rogers, Manager of Vetting Programs, we explore how GlobalGiving goes beyond checklists to vet nonprofits holistically—and why that matters.
At GlobalGiving, we are committed to helping community-led nonprofits make lasting change. To do that, we first ensure the organizations we partner with are legitimate charitable entities—and that all starts with our vetting process.
To give you a deeper understanding of how vetting works at GlobalGiving, I spoke with Michi Rogers, Manager of Vetting Programs. Michi has been with GlobalGiving for over a decade and has overseen the vetting of thousands of organizations to ensure that our partners meet our standards of integrity and accountability.
In this conversation, we explore how our vetting process works—and why taking a whole-organization view is the key to building effective, long-term partnerships.
Sami: Michi, to start us off, can you tell us a little about the vetting process at GlobalGiving and how it works?
Michi: The vetting process at GlobalGiving is designed to ensure that every nonprofit we partner with is a legitimate charitable organization. Essentially, we want to verify that the organization is legally registered as a charity and complies with the standards required by the IRS if it’s based in the U.S. or meets comparable regulations internationally. However, what truly sets us apart is the way we apply a human-centered approach that considers the whole organization, not just individual projects or programs.
Sami: So, you’re looking at the whole organization rather than just focusing on one project. How does that benefit the nonprofits we work with?
Michi: Exactly. The benefit of this approach is that we’re able to assess an organization’s overall ability to make a sustained impact, rather than just focusing on one specific project.
This allows for more flexibility and autonomy for the nonprofit.
For example, if a nonprofit raises funds through GlobalGiving’s website, they have the freedom to focus those funds wherever they see the greatest need, without being tied to a specific project. They have the discretion to post a project and raise funds, but if the need shifts, they can use those funds in the areas that need it most, without having to go through the whole vetting process again.
Sami: And that allows them to stay adaptable, responding to the most urgent needs in their communities. How does that approach differ from other, more traditional grantmaking entities?
Michi: In contrast, grants are typically project-specific—meaning that if an organization receives a grant for a certain activity, they must use it exclusively for that activity. But at GlobalGiving, we give organizations the flexibility to be more responsive and adaptive to changing needs on the ground.
Sami: That sounds like a huge benefit for nonprofits! How does that flexibility tie into your overall vetting process?
Michi: It’s a key part of our approach. By evaluating the organization as a whole and seeing the bigger picture of how they operate within a community, we’re able to give nonprofits more discretion and flexibility in how they use the funds.
The vetting process ensures that the organization is legitimate and capable of managing funds, but once they’re approved, they have the ability to raise unrestricted funds on our platform and apply them where they’re needed most.
This approach not only makes the process more flexible, but also more sustainable. Organizations can raise funds for their broader mission, rather than being constrained by the narrow focus of a grant. It’s about providing them with the tools to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment.
Sami: That’s really powerful. What about the role of human judgment in the vetting process—how does this play a role in enabling this flexibility?
Michi: Human judgment is absolutely critical. Our process is human-driven—computers and automated systems complement but don’t replace human intelligence or decision-making. This allows us to think critically about each organization’s context and to weigh factors that a machine wouldn’t understand. For example, a newer or younger organization might not have the financial history that is technically in our requirements, but we can look at what they’ve accomplished, what leadership experience they bring, and how they’ve used their resources to-date.
At the core of our process is human judgment, ensuring we look at the bigger picture when evaluating organizations.
Because of this human-centered approach, we can make more nuanced decisions and allow for the flexibility that organizations need. We don’t just reject an application because it doesn’t meet one strict requirement; we take the time to understand their context and determine if they have the potential to succeed.
Sami: It’s clear that your team brings a lot of thoughtfulness to the vetting process. How quickly do you typically complete the vetting process compared to other platforms?
Michi: Currently we aim to make a decision within 2-3 weeks after an application is submitted. We’ve designed the process to be as fast as possible without sacrificing quality. That’s much quicker compared to other platforms that can take months to vet organizations. The speed comes from our efficient system, but we never compromise on rigor. We make sure to apply critical thinking and thoroughly assess each organization to ensure they align with GlobalGiving’s standards.
Sami: What would you say is the most important part of the vetting process for you and your team?
Michi: The most important part is ensuring we’re building partnerships based on trust and mutual understanding. Our team works hard to evaluate each nonprofit on its merits, using human intelligence to understand their needs and context. By evaluating the organization as a whole, we ensure that they’re not just eligible for funding, but ready to make a long-term, meaningful impact.
Our goal is to empower nonprofits to succeed by offering them the freedom and flexibility to raise and manage funds in ways that best serve their mission.
By placing trust in their ability to direct funds where they’re needed most, we help them stay adaptive and responsive to their communities.
Sami: Michi, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that GlobalGiving’s vetting process not only ensures integrity but also supports nonprofits in their efforts to create sustainable change.
Michi: Of course. I’m always excited to share how we’re helping nonprofits grow and thrive through our approach to vetting.
At GlobalGiving, we’re committed to supporting nonprofits that are not just meeting requirements, but truly making a difference in their communities. By ensuring a thoughtful, human-driven vetting process, we empower these organizations to thrive and create lasting change.
Join us in supporting nonprofits with the flexibility and trust they need to succeed.
Learn more about how GlobalGiving is helping nonprofits grow, adapt, and make a lasting impact.
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