(a) “Certified California veteran service provider” means an entity applying to the competitive grant program established pursuant to this chapter and that is certified by the department as having an established history of providing supportive services and that meets all of the following requirements:

1. (1) Provides supportive services as required by this chapter and regulations adopted pursuant to the chapter.
2. (2) Demonstrates, through the submission of appropriate supporting data, that the veteran service provider has the knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
3. (3) Demonstrates, through audits and employment history, the fiscal and management capacity to capably perform supportive services to veterans and their families.
4. (4) Is a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) or (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
5. (5) Demonstrates through the submission of appropriate supporting data that the entity has effectively served the needs of veteran or veterans and their families.
6. (6) Demonstrates that all required filings with the Secretary of State, the office of the Attorney General, and the Franchise Tax Board are current. Demonstrates that the entity meets or exceeds the provisions of Article 1.3 (commencing with Section 17510) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code and complies with the standards included in the Attorney General’s Guide for Charities.

(b) A certified California veteran service provider shall provide to the department all of the following up-to-date documents upon application for certification and at any time during the certification period on request and reasonable notice by the department:

1. (1) Articles of incorporation and all amendments to the articles of incorporation.
2. (2) IRS Letter of Determination.
3. (3) Taxpayer identification number.
4. (4) Independent audit reports dating back three years.

(c)

1. (1) In order to obtain certification as a certified California veteran service provider, the applicant shall apply to the department, in a form and manner as required by the department.
2. (2) Beginning July 1, 2019, the department shall begin processing and approving or rejecting all applications for certification on the basis of the requirements set forth in subdivision (a).