GGenerosity.co.nz

Charity Verification Policy

Generosity.co.nz

Version: 2.0 · Effective date: 25 August 2026

The verification process is implemented in the platform (admin charity verification queue).

2.0 changes: clarified that verification is an identity and registration check only — not an endorsement, audit or guarantee of financial integrity or tax-deductibility; added proof-of-authority and document requests, deregistration-history checks, pause and freeze powers, and off-platform badge restrictions.

1. Purpose

Generosity.co.nz verifies organisations and fundraisers claiming charity status so donors can trust where their money goes.

Verification is not legal advice, an endorsement, an audit, or a confirmation of financial integrity. It is solely a confirmation of identity and registration status.

2. What "verified charity" means

A verified charity on the Platform is an organisation that has provided registration details and has been confirmed by our team. Verification signals trust; it is not a recommendation or endorsement, and it does not confirm the charity's financial health, governance quality, or compliance with all laws.

3. What we require

To verify, an organisation must provide:

  • its registered name and website;
  • its Charities Services registration number (CC number) for entities registered under the Charities Act 2005;
  • confirmation that the registered entity is the organisation fundraising on the Platform;
  • contact details for the responsible person.

For entities not required to register with Charities Services (e.g. some schools or incorporated societies), we may accept equivalent evidence such as an incorporated society number or an official letter.

We may also request:

  • proof of authority for the person operating the account (e.g. board approval or an official staff email);
  • additional documents for complex entities (trusts, federated organisations, umbrella charities);
  • identity verification for the responsible person.

4. The verification process

  1. The organisation provides its details during setup or in Settings.
  2. A verification request is created and appears in the admin queue.
  3. Our team checks the registration against Charities Services records.
  4. Approved requests mark the organisation as verified and display the verified badge on its storefront. Rejected requests receive a reason.

We may request additional evidence if the charity's registered name differs from its trading name, and may pause verification while we investigate or wait for documents.

5. What we check

  • Name and registration number match Charities Services;
  • deregistration history or compliance notes on Charities Services;
  • whether the charity is currently under investigation or has recently been deregistered;
  • the fundraiser/account operator is connected to the registered entity;
  • the campaign's stated purpose is consistent with the charity's objects;
  • no indicators of impersonation or misuse.

6. Badge use

The verified badge appears on the organisation's storefront and on approved campaigns connected to a verified organisation. Misuse of the badge (e.g. claiming verification without completing it) is a breach of the Terms and may lead to suspension.

Verified charities must not imply endorsement by Generosity.co.nz, and the badge may not be used outside the Platform without our written permission.

7. Revocation

Verification may be revoked if the charity is deregistered, ceases to exist, is found to be misrepresenting itself, or breaches the Terms or any law. Verification may also be paused if the charity's registration is under review or investigation, and may be revoked if the responsible person leaves and no new authorised contact is provided. Revocation or pause removes the badge and may pause connected campaigns until verification is resolved.

8. Individual fundraisers

Individuals raising funds for personal or community causes are not "verified charities" and must not present themselves as such. They may state support for a registered charity with that charity's permission. Individuals must not imply that donations are tax-deductible unless the charity confirms this.

9. Tax deductibility

Verification does not confirm that donations are tax-deductible. Donors should check with the charity or Inland Revenue where deductibility matters.

10. Appeals

Organisations may appeal a rejection or revocation by contacting compliance@generosity.co.nz within 14 days, with supporting evidence. Appeals may require additional documentation or identity verification.

11. Changes

We may update this policy with reasonable notice.