F.I.G.S.
Four pillars. One binary judgment. The bar that gates the Pre-Approved Recipient List at Xerish Storehouse — so every organization a Giver sees in the app is one they can trust.
Pass · Fail · Needs more information · No numeric score
Faith
Consistent. Loyal. Showing up for the struggling when no one is watching and nothing has changed except the calendar. Faithful organizations do not disappear when funding slows. They are modeled after Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”Lamentations 3:22–23
Integrity
Pure of heart, right in practice. The fruit proves the tree and the actions prove the heart. Xerish does not take organizations at their word. We examine what an organization does when no one is looking — because integrity is not what is declared, but what is done.
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”Proverbs 10:9
Generosity
Love in action. Cheerful, not compelled. Freely received, freely given. Organizations on Xerish exist to serve, not to accumulate. The posture of Christ — who gave everything — is the posture Xerish requires of every partner.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”2 Corinthians 9:7
Stewardship
Intentional. Active. Courageous. The parable of the talents is the operational model. Active deployment, transparent reporting, and faith-driven risk. Hoarding is not stewardship. We are building a Kingdom economy — the language matters.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.”Matthew 25:14–30
Binary, not a score. Pass, fail, or needs more information. No numeric rating. No per-organization badge.
How an organization joins the Recipient List.
F.I.G.S. is operationalized as the board-approved Recipient Vetting Policy of Xerish Storehouse. Every organization on the Pre-Approved Recipient List passes the same five-step workflow.
Application
A 501(c)(3) organization applies through the apply page. They submit IRS determination letter, governance documents, doctrinal statement (where applicable), recent financials, and a narrative on how they live each pillar.
Verification
Xerish Storehouse staff verify IRS good standing, board structure, basic financial health, and any flags (revocation list, news searches, complaints).
F.I.G.S. review
Trained reviewers assess each pillar against the published Recipient Vetting Policy. Each pillar is a binary judgment — pass, fail, or "needs more information." No numeric scoring.
Decision
All four pillars must clear for placement on the Pre-Approved Recipient List. A "needs more information" outcome triggers a written request to the applicant; they may respond and be reassessed. A clear fail closes the application with a written explanation.
Annual reaffirmation
Approved recipients reaffirm F.I.G.S. annually and on material change (leadership transition, financial restatement, doctrinal change). Suspension or removal follows any failed reaffirmation.
No score. No tier. No gradient.
A score creates the illusion of precision and licenses comparison shopping between worthy organizations. F.I.G.S. refuses both. Each pillar is a yes or a not-yet. Each organization is on the list or not. The judgment is the judgment.
Apply to join the Recipient List.
501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying churches: the application is the start of the F.I.G.S. review. Free forever to participate.