Category: Wise Giving Wednesday

Pride Month takes place in June as communities across the country engage in a variety of activities and events to recognize the contributions and impact of LGBTQ+ individuals and the freedom to live with equality. For generous Americans seeking to show their support by donating to charities addressing LGBTQ+ issues, BBB Wise Giving Alliance has compiled a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., those that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.)  Here are some tips to consider in choosing which groups to support.

Diversity of purposes.

These organizations include a wide variety of missions and objectives. Some seek to offer scholarships, leadership training or other academic pursuits. Others develop and present artistic productions. Some seek to address various health issues such as AIDS or crisis intervention; others are focused on advocacy, information, and public policy issues. Some organizations are solely focused on LGBTQ+ issues, while others may only have one of the programs addressing this subject. The key point is that the charity’s name does not always reveal the full nature of programs being addressed. Review the groups’ websites and materials to gain a better grasp of their activities.

Cause Marketing Cautions.

During Pride Month, some organizations may partner with businesses in cause marketing activities. This involves a promotion of a good or service announcing that a portion of sales will be contributed to a specified LGBTQ+ charity. If so, make sure the promotion is transparent and specifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will help the charity (for example, 5 cents for every box of cereal sold.) Not all advertisements are clear on this point and some use vague language such as “profits” or unspecified “proceeds” will go to a charity. See this previous blog for additional details on this subject.

Accountability Confirmation.

During Pride Month, BBB Wise Giving Alliance also urges donors to verify the trustworthiness of LGBTQ+ organizations by finding out if the organization meets the BBB Charity Standards. These standards address a variety of issues including charity governance, finances, results reporting, and appeal accuracy. The comprehensive approach reflected in these standards serve both donors and charities in helping to ensure a transparent and honest charitable marketplace.

The following are BBB Accredited Charities that address LGBTQ+ issues. Some are national in scope, while others carry out regional efforts.

Aid for AIDS International  

AIDS Foundation Houston   

AIDS Volunteers   

amfAR Foundation for AIDS Research   

Boulder County AIDS Project   

Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS   

Cascade AIDS Project   

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center 

Encircle: LGBTQ Family and Youth Resource Center   

Flying House Productions  

Gay Men’s Health Crisis   

Housing Works   

Human Rights Watch  

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center  

Montrose Center  

NYC Anti-Violence Project  

Point Foundation   

SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders    

Trevor Project 

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Video of the Week

As part of the building trust video series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Kari Rosbeck, President and CEO, Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (also known as the National Tuberous Sclerosis Association.) This is a BBB Accredited Charity that supports research into the diagnosis, cause, management, and cure of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The organization also provides individuals with TSC and their families with direct access to information, resources, and specialists experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and management of TSC.

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Heart of Giving Podcast 

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features an interview with Sam Cobbs, the President and CEO of the Tipping Point Community which seeks to improve lives in the Bay Area and chart a new path for philanthropic organizations. Tipping Point has invested nearly $300 million for housing, early childhood, education, and employment solutions in the Bay Area.  

Recent Reports

On May 31^st, Memorial Day, we are reminded of those who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some of us will seek to honor and respect those who gave the ultimate sacrifice by donating to charities that address a variety of issues and needs facing veterans, military service members and/or their families. BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice to help donors make wise giving decisions to such organizations:

• Watch Out for Name Confusion. Some veterans charities include the same words in different order or slightly different form. So, be alert and make sure the organization you are considering is the one you want to support.
• Identify What They Do. Don’t assume what the veterans organization does based on their name alone. Look for a clear description of the organization’s programs in its appeals and on its website.
• Be Cautious on Phone Appeals. If not managed properly, some telemarketing campaigns for veterans organizations can be an expensive way to raise funds with very little going to the organization. If called, do not hesitate to ask for written information or visit the group’s website to find out about its programs and finances before making a giving decision.
• Be Wary of Excessive Pressure.  Don’t be pressured to make an immediate on-the-spot donation to a veterans organization. Charities will welcome your gift whenever you want to send it.
• Learn How Donated Items Will Be Used. Find out how the charity benefits from the collection and resale of used clothing and other in-kind gifts. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price of the item or may have a contractual arrangement to get a flat fee for every household pick-up, no matter what the contents.
• Check Outside Sources Before Giving: In addition to charity reports on BBB’s Give.org, check with your state government’s charity registration agency, usually a division of either the Attorney General’s office or Secretary of State’s office.

The following organizations meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.) See the reports in the respective links.

America’s VetDogs – The Veteran’s K-9 Corps
Armed Services YMCA of the USA
Blinded Veterans Association
Blue Star Families
Boot Campaign
Boulder Crest Retreat Foundation
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes Foundation
Code of Support Foundation
Corporate America Supports You
Disabled American Veterans
EOD Warrior Foundation
Green Beret Foundation
Homes for Our Troops
Honor Flight Network
K9s for Warriors
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Military Spouse Corporate Career Network
Military with PTSD
National Military Family Association
Operation First Response
Operation Homefront
Puppy Jake Foundation
Soldiers’ Angels
Team Red, White & Blue
Travis Manion Foundation
USA Cares
USO
Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children
VFW Foundation
Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Family Support

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video series, we are pleased to provide a video interview of David Barringer, CEO, National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to help millions of people each year through home visits, housing assistance, disaster relief, job training, food pantries, clothing, care for the elderly, and other charitable activities.

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Heart of Giving Podcast 

This week’s podcast features an interview with Lisa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM! (a BBB Accredited Charity) who discusses the important of equal access to safe play places for kids.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Delivering Good
• Friends of Animals
• Pencils of Promise

 

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

 

Across the U.S, as communities experience the lift of restrictions on businesses, restaurants and public spaces, they are likely to see the resurgence of charity fundraising activities. In anticipation of this growth, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips for small businesses as they consider requests to help a variety of charitable efforts.

First, Check Out the Charity
If a small business agrees to place a charity fundraising item in their store or parking lot, patrons are likely going to assume that the retailer has checked out the charity and verified its validity. This is all the more reason for businesses to check out charities at Give.org or with the BBB serving their area to see if there is a report specifying that the organization meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. At a minimum, one should verify that the organization is registered to solicit in the state. About 40 states in the U.S. require charities to register with a state government agency usually a division of the Attorney General’s office or the Secretary of State’s office. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Canisters, Coin-cards and Candy Boxes on the Counter
Probably one of the oldest charitable giving traditions, is the slotted, tin-canister placed on a retail counter or its cousin, the coin-card, where donors can insert their change for the specified charitable group. Businesses should make sure the promotion clearly identifies which charity is being helped, the organization’s mission, and a place to get more information such as the charity’s website. Businesses should also make sure there is a clear procedure specified about who will be responsible for sending collected funds to the organization, with what frequency and who to contact if a problem comes up about the fundraising.

Clothing Donation Bins in the Parking Lot
If a charity wants to place a large, metal clothing donation bin in the parking lot or other accessible area for patrons, this request should probably get scrutiny for a number of reasons. Unless told otherwise, donors may assume that contributions of used clothing will be shared with needy families, the reality may be quite different. In some cases, collected clothing may be sorted and sold in thrift stores, sold overseas, or turned into rag-bond paper. The business should ask the requesting charity for details about how donations will be used and make sure that the bin clearly labels the charity’s name and where to get more information. Responsible groups also will post information on the bin about the nature of the programs being supported. Perhaps, most importantly, the business should ask the charity about how often the bins will be emptied, and who to contact if donations begin to spill over the top. A messy collection bin can be an eye sore for patrons and will likely reduce the incentive of others to participate.

Cause Marketing Transparency
Some retailers may seek to promote consumer traffic by engaging in promotions that promise an announced portion of sales will be contributed to a specified charity. If so, see the previous blog which discusses this type of fundraising. Among other things, businesses should make sure they obtain written permission from the selected charity to use their name and include a disclosure in advertising that specifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will help the charity (for example, 50 cents for every meal purchased at the restaurant will be donated to ABC charity during June up to $1,000.)

These are just some of the fundraising approaches that businesses may be asked to support. If handled responsibly, this can be an opportunity to help charities, generate goodwill and expand community outreach. For additional, help and guidance, visit Give.org or the BBB serving your area at the bbb.org website.

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video interview with Darlene Allen, CEO and Executive Director of Adoption Rhode Island, a BBB Accredited Charity that finds forever families for children in state care and provides support throughout the adoption process such as child, youth and family support services, education, training, advocacy and referrals.

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Heart of Giving Podcast

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features an interview with one of the most respected philanthropic leaders, Hilary Pennington, the Executive Vice President of Programs, Ford Foundation. Tune in to learn about the Ford Foundation’s work. As noted by Ms. Pennington, “Leaders [who have been on the margin] have a unique diagnosis, not only of what needs to change, but of the future they want to build.”

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• CRU
• Doctors Without Borders USA
• Fonkoze USA

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

 

Cause-related marketing refers to promotions that sell products or services to consumers with the announcement that some of the purchase price will help a specified charity. This type of advertising has been around for quite some time, but its modern birth is often identified as the American Express promotion in the early 1980s that promised to contribute to the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation one cent for every card transaction and a dollar for every new card it issued. It was a significant success and many other corporations quickly followed with their own version of this charitable marketing combination.

For consumers, we encourage them to look for advertising disclosures that are transparent and inform the buyer how much they are helping the charity by making a purchase. As called for in BBB Charity Standard 19, the promotion should specify the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will help the charity (for example, 5 cents for every box of cereal sold.) Not all advertisements are clear on this point and some use vague language such as “proceeds” or “profits” will go to a charity. In addition, if there is some time limit on the campaign (i.e., during the month of October) or guaranteed minimum /or maximum amount that can be raised (i.e., up to $200,000), those points should also be included in the promotional disclosure.

For businesses seeking to adopt this marketing method, in addition to the transparency of the disclosure language, they should make sure they have a written agreement with the charity to use their name and/or trademark logo. This agreement should be signed off by both parties and is sound business practice for businesses large and small that engage in this advertising. The agreement should also make clear how and when funds will be disbursed to the charity partner.

A charity should review drafts of the promotional references to its name to help ensure that advertising materials are accurate and include the recommended disclosures. It is best to incorporate this as a requirement in a written agreement with the business collaborating in the campaign.

Of course, we also recommend that participants should check each other out. Is the business accredited by the BBB? Does the charity meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability? Visit bbb.org and Give.org for additional assistance. 

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring an interview with Kelly Waters, Executive Director, Virginia Hemophilia Foundation (a BBB Accredited Charity) which provides education, advocacy and community support for individuals impacted by inherited bleeding disorders. Educational opportunities offered by the organization include an annual education meeting, information delivered via VHF’s Facts N’ Factors newsletter and social media outlets, and scholarship opportunities. VHF participates in national and federal advocacy initiatives, such as the VHF’s “Richmond Days” and the National Hemophilia Foundation’s “Washington Days.”

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Heart of Giving Podcast

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features an interview with Ranjani Saigal, Executive Director of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA. She discusses the shocking situation in India where people are struggling to survive a devastating second wave of the COVID 19 pandemic and she explains how Ekal is providing support to the rural areas of the country where help and resources are limited. Click Here to Listen.

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

May is Mental Health Awareness Month (aka Mental Health Month). The stress, grief and anxiety associated with coping with COVID-19 for over a year are to be expected. A year ago, the pandemic caused nearly 100,000 American deaths which have since climbed to over 575,000. But we also need to be aware that these circumstances can lead to mental illness. In an article about COVID-19 and Mental Health the National Institute for Mental Health noted several weeks ago that “In the immediate wake of a traumatic experience, large numbers of affected people report distress, including new or worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Most people will recover, though that recovery can take some time. A notable fraction of people will develop chronic symptoms severe enough to meet criteria for a mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder.” Those who are experiencing stress symptoms should seek help and be open with their primary physician about the potential need for professional assistance, if warranted. Perhaps one of the silver linings of coping with COVID-19 is the increased awareness of mental health issues and the importance of obtaining help in seeking recovery. There is no vaccination for mental health.

For those seeking BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., organizations that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that address mental health issues, here are some to consider. Keep in mind that as organizations address these issues in different ways, we encourage potential donors to review the program descriptions appearing on their websites.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (aka NARSAD) operates a grant program that funds scientific research into the causes, treatments, cures and prevention of chronic and severe mental illnesses including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mental Health America works to promote mental health as a part of overall wellness. Mental wellness includes prevention services, early identification and intervention, and integrated care services through advocacy, education, and research. The organization states that it collaborates with its 169 affiliates, supporters, and policymakers to advance federal legislation, regulations, and agency activities that promote its policy statements.

NAMI seeks to build better lives for Americans affected by mental illness through advocacy, awareness, education, and support. The organization’s trained volunteers oversee free peer-led education programs, skills training, and support sessions to community members.

Also, there are a number of veterans and military service organizations that address mental health issues. Some of the veterans groups, such as Wounded Warrior Project and Military with PTSD address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, seek help immediately. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org which is funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring an interview with Dr. Neal D. Barnard, President of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (a BBB Accredited Charity) an organization that reports it combines its more than 12,000 physicians with its 175,000 members to promote nutritional interventions to prevent and combat chronic disease and advocate for technological advances in medical research and toxicology to replace the use of animals. Its primary care clinic, the Barnard Medical Center, specializes in diet-related chronic disease and integrates nutrition counseling into patient treatment protocols. The organization also works with governments, academics, corporations, and other stakeholders to devise alternatives to animal testing, press for global adoption of these methods, and train scientists in how to use them.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Environmental Defense Fund
• Girl Scouts of the USA
• Prevent Blindness

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

News accounts from the past week noted that India is in the midst of a growing COVID-19 crisis. On Monday, India reported over 350,000 new cases. Cumulatively, more than 17 million cases have been identified since they began taking count. As reported, some experts believe that the actual total may be close to half a billion. As vaccine distribution in India started in January, this second surge was not expected. While all age categories are being impacted, this latest spike is also hitting a larger number of younger people. Some urban areas like New Delhi are seeing significant numbers. Hospitals are experiencing over-capacity demands and oxygen is in short supply in some areas. For donors seeking to help India as it battles these pandemic challenges, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice. 

Indian Restrictions on Foreign Donations

New government regulations, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, that took effect in India in September 2020 place limitations on the use of foreign donations:

• A foreign grant made to an Indian charity cannot be passed along and sub-granted to another organization. This will limit the ability of recipients of foreign donations to extend their reach in other communities.
• All Indian charities are required to establish a new bank account at the State Bank of India that will solely be used to receive foreign donations. Information on the contribution and its intended use is reported to the central Indian government.
• India also further restricted the limit on the way charities use foreign gifts. Only up to 20% of the amount received can be used for administrative/overhead expenses of the recipient Indian charity. (Previously the limit was 50%.)

Crowdfunding

See this previous Wise Giving Wednesday blog for tips on supporting crowdfunding efforts. In general, it is much more difficult to verify the trustworthiness of individuals than it is to assess charities. Remember to review the rules and procedures of crowdfunding sites as they do not all operate in the same way. See if the posting is specific on how funds will be used and if it will update supporters about the activities as they are implemented. If the funding specifies support will go to an established charity, see the new Indian government regulation restrictions noted above and also consider supporting the referenced charity directly by visiting its website as well as Give.org to see if the charity has been evaluated in relation to the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

Tax Deductibility

In general, only contributions to a U.S. based charity that is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code would be deductible as a charitable gift for federal income tax purposes. Donations given directly to an Indian based charity or to an individual collecting funds on a crowdfunding platform would not be deductible.

The following BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) report to have programs providing assistance in India. Visit the websites of these charities to learn more about the nature of these efforts. (For information on Canadian-based charities, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.)

CARE USA
Catholic Relief Services
Direct Relief
GlobalGiving Foundation
International Medical Corps
Lutheran World Relief
SEWA International

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring an interview with Beth MacNairn, Deputy Director, Health Volunteers Overseas (a BBB Accredited Charity) that works to address the global health workforce crisis by implementing programs that meet the needs of the host country and institutions, are sustainable, and build local capacity. The organization states that its volunteers provide clinical and didactic education through continuing education and degree granting programs, faculty and staff training, mentoring, education material development, and professional collaboration.

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Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

 

Every April, environmental activists around the world honor our planet through April 22^nd Earth Day celebrations and environmental action. Now in its 51^st year, Earth Day also inspires environmental supporters to reflect on pressing environmental concerns of our time – including climate change, clean air and water, and environmental justice – among others. In fact, according to Giving USA, giving to environmental and animal organizations is more popular than ever, with six consecutive years of growth in giving to the subsector. Giving to environment and animal organizations is estimated to have increased 11.3% between 2018 and 2019, to a total of $14.16 billion. If you are looking to support environmental causes this month, BBB’s Give.org urges you to give thoughtfully by taking time to learn more about charities before donating. Below is a list of environmental charities that have already been vetted by Give.org and have been found to meet high standards of charity accountability. Whether you want to help protect our oceans, forests, wildlife, or future generations, these are charities you can trust.

In recognition of the diversity of programs among environmental charities, BBB’s Give.org has produced a more detailed Environmental Cause page that provides a description of major categories of environmental activities along with links to recent articles about some of the BBB Accredited charities listed below

Nationally-soliciting BBB Accredited Environmental Charities (i.e., meet all 20 BBB Charity Standards for Charity Accountability):

1% for the Planet
Alaska Wilderness League
American Rivers
American Bird Conservancy
Animal Legal Defense Fund
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Big Life Foundation USA
Center for Watershed Protection
Ceres
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Conservation Fund
Defenders of Wildlife
Ducks Unlimited
Earth Island Institute
Earthjustice
Earthworks
Food and Water Watch
Friends of the Earth
Galapagos Conservancy
International Rivers
Land Trust Alliance
National Arbor Day Foundation
National Audubon Society
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation
National Park Trust
National Parks Conservation Association
National Wildlife Federation
Nature Conservancy
NumbersUSA Education and Research Foundation
Ocean Conservancy
Pandas international
Planet Aid
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Rainforest Action Network
Sierra Club Foundation
Student Conservation Association
Union of Concerned Scientists  
Waterkeeper Alliance
The Wilderness Society
Wildlands Conservancy
World Resources Institute
World Wildlife Fund
Yosemite Conservancy

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Video of the Week

On a separate note, as part of our Building Trust Video Series we are pleased to provide a video that features Jim Stofan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Defenders of Wildlife (a BBB Accredited Charity.) Defenders of Wildlife works to protect and restore imperiled species throughout North America by transforming policies and institutions and promoting solutions. Defenders promotes the conservation and restoration of North America’s vulnerable species through habitat preservation and restoration on public lands, secures greater wildlife conservation funding, and defends and strengthens wildlife and public land management laws and policies.

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Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

National Volunteer Week takes place from April 18^th to the 24^th. This provides recognition to all the individuals that help charities and others through their generous donation of time. It has been estimated by the Corporation for National and Community Service that 77.4 million people in the U.S. volunteered 6.9 billion hours of their time in 2019 which has been valued at $187.7 billion dollars. The estimates for 2020 will soon be available and it will be interesting to see what impact COVID-19 had on the volume of volunteer hours provided. There is something in the fabric of American society that has fueled the spirit of volunteerism throughout its history. Whether it was assisting neighbors through barn-raising or the volunteers that helped armed service personnel in World War I and World War II, volunteers have played a vital role in strengthening community spirit and helping those in need. Charities today have inherited this rich legacy of people seeking to assist others.

While many are motivated to volunteer, we sometimes hit roadblocks or challenges to achieve this objective. Chiefly among them is finding the “extra” time to donate. Well, that problem is certainly understandable but it can be overcome by considering the following tips when making a volunteer choice.

Pick Your Passion. 
If you volunteer for an organization that is addressing a cause that you really care about, that can add incentive to help. Kelley Bevis, who serves as General Counsel, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, notes in this week’s Heart of Giving Podcast, that “You have to follow your bliss, whatever you’re passionate about you’ll make time for.”

Start Small
You might begin with devoting just a couple hours per month or an hour a week. Something that you can manage without disrupting your other chores and/or work time. Volunteering does not have to involve the effort of a part-time job. Think of it as testing the waters a bit before you decide to take a swim.

Special Skills Are Especially Valued
If your profession and/or work experience provides special skills, consider offering them in a volunteer capacity. An accountant might help a small charity with its books, a plumber might be needed to construct homes for the poor, or a health care worker could lend a hand in a charity clinic. The possibilities are varied. Don’t assume it’s all about ladling soup at the homeless shelter.  

Use Your Time Wisely
Sometimes people have the right motivation to volunteer, but choose the wrong way to use it. For example, after a natural disaster strikes, some may feel like loading up a pick-up truck with water and supplies and head out to help. It you are not doing this in collaboration with an experienced disaster relief charity, you might actually result in getting in the way of planned efforts that already have systems in place to coordinate emergency assistance. Many disaster relief charities welcome and rely on volunteers during such times of need, reach out and let them know you want to assist them.

Look Before You Leap
As always, we urge volunteers, just as we do with donors that contribute funds, to check out charities before you offer your assistance. Visit Give.org to verify if they meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.  You may also want to see if the charity is registered with the appropriate state government agency in your state (usually a division of the Attorney General’s office or the Secretary of State). About 40 of the 50 states have such a requirement. You also can verify an organization’s charitable tax exempt status at this IRS link. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State (a BBB Accredited Charity), an organization that works to preserve the separation of church and state through litigation, advocacy and education efforts.  This includes initiating and supporting lawsuits, providing legal counsel, as well as producing a monthly magazine, issue papers and legislative alerts.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• National Military Family Association
• Patient Access Network Foundation
• World Renew

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

One of the principle lessons in charitable fundraising is that donors contribute when they are “asked” either through direct mail, telephone calls, online requests, grant proposals, fundraising events and/or social media. If there is no ask, there generally is no gift. Of course, there are exceptions to this, especially when people respond to disasters and tragedies by donating to relief and assistance groups addressing emergency needs. However, an article appearing in the Burlington Free Press on April 6^th provides potential insight on another motivation: being inspired by others who give. As reported in the Burlington newspaper, there is a bulletin board in a Vermont State Park where a local resident tacked a dollar bill and challenged others to do the same. The cumulative amount is collected after a period and given to a food pantry. This dollar bill tacking has apparently become a tradition with dollars tacked to the board each year. This time $170 was donated to the pantry. The paper adds that this activity was an experiment in honesty by the organizer. This story has a number of interesting elements. Although one could claim that word-of-mouth sharing about this activity could be deemed to be a type of “ask,” the real prompt for many to give is seeing other dollar bills tacked to the same board and emulating that behavior. It became a type of peer pressure from the community, to follow other people’s good intent, and to do so anonymously. The concept of anonymous cash donations is not new, we have all seen contribution quarter boards placed on the counters of sandwich shops by well-known charities or the bell-ringing kettle campaigns by the Salvation Army during Christmas. What’s different, in this instance, is the simplicity of the display and the unusual location for an act of charity. We are not suggesting that anyone undertake a similar anonymous dollar bill collection in their own community, but the lesson in Vermont shows us that people can sometimes surprise you in their generosity and given the right elements can inspire others to follow suit. We all can do more to help inspire others to contribute to charities. And, of course, we encourage donors to check out organizations to verify if they meet the BBB Charity Standards.

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Pamela Timmons, Executive Director of Good Shepherd Ministries of Oklahoma (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to provide free health care for those who are low-income and uninsured in Oklahoma City, including medical services, dental services and prescription medications.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Military Spouse Corporate Career Network
• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
• Salvation Army (National Corporation)

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one. H. Art Taylor, President & CEO BBB Wise Giving Alliance

On March 25, 2021, the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General announced it is suing a company using the names “Contributing to Combatants” and “Coast 2 Coast (C2C) Marketing” for defrauding Minnesota donors. As alleged in the complaint, the company went door to door and misrepresented that it was a nonprofit soliciting donations to send care packages to servicemembers overseas. As stated “C2C does not assemble the care packages or collect the items to comprise the care packages. Rather it claims to partner with a nonprofit organization that collects donated items and builds the care packages with those items. C2C claims to provide the nonprofit with funds to ship the completed packages to the service members.” However, the complaint states further that “…C2C has never used any of the money for that purpose; instead, [the principal] used that money to line his own pockets.”

On March 28, 2021, the Federal Trade Commission along with the Office of the Florida Attorney General announced that it issued a stipulated order for permanent injunction and monetary judgment against a Sarasota-based charity, American Veterans Foundation. As stated in a press release form the Attorney General, the founder of the charity “…signed an order agreeing to a permanent ban against soliciting charitable donations or participating in oversight and management of charities in the future. According to the complaint, filed at the same time as the settlement agreement, AVF raised approximately $6.5 million between 2014 and 2017 from donors nationwide based on misleading promises that donations would assist veterans.”  As alleged, the organization engaged in misleading mail brochures and high pressure telephone appeals that implied it was preventing veteran homelessness when less than three percent of funds went towards this objective.

To help contributors make wise giving decisions when giving to charities that claim to be helping veterans and/or active servicemembers, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice:

• Avoid Mistaken Identity. Some veterans charities include the same words in different order or slightly different form. So, be alert and make sure the organization you are considering is the one you want to support.
• Find Out What They Do. Don’t assume what the veterans organization does based on their name alone. Look for a clear description of the organization’s programs in its appeals and on its website.
• Be Careful with Phone Appeals. If not managed properly, some telemarketing campaigns for veterans organizations can be an expensive way to raise funds with very little going to the organization. If called, do not hesitate to ask for written information or visit the group’s website to find out about its programs and finances before making a giving decision.
• Watch Out for Excessive Pressure.  Don’t be pressured to make an immediate on-the-spot donation to a veterans organization. Charities should welcome your gift whenever you want to send it.
• Ask How Donated Items Will Be Used. Find out how the charity benefits from the collection and resale of used clothing and other in-kind gifts. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price of the item or may have a contractual arrangement to get a flat fee for every household pick-up, no matter what the contents.
• Check Give.org: In addition to charity reports on BBB’s Give.org and BBB.org check with your state government’s charity registration agency, usually a division of either the Attorney General’s office or Secretary of State’s office. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video interview with Kate Grant, CEO of Fistula Foundation, a BBB Accredited Charity that works to end the suffering caused by the childbirth injury obstetric fistula by increasing the availability of treatment for patients in Africa and Asia and training for medical professionals.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• National Breast Cancer Foundation
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Project Concern International

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance