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Category: Wise Giving Wednesday

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Three Phases of Help for Hurricane Helene

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Three Phases of Help for Hurricane Helene

    Breaking Down the Three Phases of Aid After Hurricane Helene

    With a death toll that has exceeded 160 people in six states, many areas across the South are still climbing out of the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, especially North and South Carolina. As many roads and bridges are out, some areas are inaccessible. BBB Wise Giving Alliance notes that disasters such as this typically involve three phases and provide many opportunities to provide donations.     

    Rescue Phase – This phase of relief gets the most media attention as well as emotional responses from donors. Trained rescue teams, law enforcement, federal workers, and others help to locate survivors that need immediate assistance. Boats travel across flooded areas seeking to help people and animals get to safety. These urgent activities took place immediately after Hurricane Helene passed and is lasting several days.

    Relief Phase – The majority of donations are usually directed to organizations engaged in the relief phase. This involves providing shelter, meals, clothing, blankets, water and other essentials for victims and their families. Experienced disaster relief groups are generally the best at delivering these needs as quickly as possible to impacted communities. Some local charities can also be helpful as they already have a presence in the areas served, but may face challenges if a large number of people need help. Keep in mind that some families with destroyed and/or flooded homes may need to travel hundreds of miles to find an available hotel or friends/family members that have space.

    Recovery Phase – The efforts to rebuild after the physical damage, especially a flooding event, is messy and challenging. Charities and others will be engaged in rebuilding roads, homes, schools, houses of worship, businesses and other community fundamentals. This involves time and huge sums of money. Unfortunately, these things take place after the headlines have passed and often don’t receive sufficient public attention and/or donations.

    BBB Accredited Charities Supporting Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

    The following BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) are engaged in activities to assist Hurricane Helene relief efforts. This list will be updated as additional efforts come to our attention. (Updated 10/10)

    Charity Name BBB Give.org Report Relief Efforts
    American Kidney Fund Review Report Learn more and donate
    American Red Cross Review Report Learn more and donate
    ASPCA Review Report Learn more and donate
    Americares Review Report Learn more and donate
    Church World Service Review Report Learn more and donate
    Direct Relief Review Report Learn more and donate
    Episcopal Relief & Development Review Report Learn more and donate
    Feeding America Review Report Learn more and donate
    GlobalGiving Review Report Learn more and donate
    Heart to Heart International Review Report Learn more and donate
    Humane Society of the United States Review Report Learn more and donate
    International Medical Corps Review Report Learn more and donate
    Matthew 25: Ministries Review Report Learn more and donate
    Project Hope Review Report Learn more and donate
    Salvation Army Review Report Learn more and donate
    Save the Children Review Report Learn more and donate
    United Methodist Committee on Relief Review Report Learn more and donate
    World Renew Review Report Learn more and donate
    World Vision Review Report Learn more and donate

    Heart of Giving Podcast: Mike Erwin on Building Health-Focused Communities for Veterans

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Mike Erwin, Executive Director, Team Red, White and Blue (a BBB Accredited Charity) which supports veterans as they prioritize their well-being by offering real-life and virtual opportunities to build a healthier lifestyle, with a strong focus on mental and physical health. The organization reports it has chapters across the country that enable veterans to connect in their communities.

    Explore Three of Our Latest 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:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Audited Financial Statements vs. IRS Form 990

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Audited Financial Statements vs. IRS Form 990

    Audited Financial Statements vs. IRS Form 990
    Charity finances are top of mind for most donors as demonstrated by the most recent Give.org Donor Trust Report survey of 2,100 adult Americans. While BBB Wise Giving Alliance urges donors to take a broader look, charity finances still come first to many potential donors. Given that reality, what is the best source for charity financial information?  While BBB WGA reviews the both the IRS Form 990 and the charity’s audited financial statements, when it comes to financial assessment, we tend to focus more on the audited financial statements for several reasons.

    1. 1. Reliability of audited financial statements. Reliability, relevance, comparability, and understandability are some of the core objectives of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). As a standards-based charity evaluator, we also value such principles. GAAP represents the accounting standards established in the United States by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. In turn, the auditor’s opinion attached to audited financial statements will identify any material aberration from GAAP so that users are aware of these differences when reviewing financial information. In contrast, the IRS Form 990 was not designed or intended to follow GAAP.
    2.  
    3. 2. Donated services and the use of facilities. Under certain conditions, donated services are required to be recognized and included as part of revenues and/or expenses in a charity’s audited financial statements. The IRS Form 990 does not permit these items to be included as part of revenues and expenses reported in that form. For some charities, such in-kind contributions are significant and offer a more complete financial picture.
    4.  
    5. 3. Unrealized gains or losses on investments. For charity audited financial statements, unrealized gains or losses on investments must be reflected in the financial statements’ revenues. An unrealized gain occurs when the current market value of an asset (for example, a stock) exceeds its purchase price, but the asset has not been sold. For charities of considerable size, this is vital information that helps provide a more complete financial picture of the resources available to the organization. A similar result can be said for unrealized losses. The IRS Form 990, however, does not permit these unrealized gains or losses to be included in the revenues or expenses of the charity. Although they are not included in the revenues and expenses section, the IRS Form 990, however, has a reconciliation section in Part XI, line 5 that enables unrealized gains and losses to be disclosed.
    6.  
    7. 4. Consolidated and combined financial statements. In some cases, a charity may be closely affiliated with other nonprofit organization(s) in terms of governance, finances, and fundraising efforts. Under certain conditions, GAAP may require the finances of these organizations to be consolidated into a single entity as one audited financial statement. Or a combined statement might result in showing each entity separately but in one document. Either case provides a more complete picture of the charity’s finances. In terms of the IRS Form 990, separate forms would be completed for each nonprofit organization regardless of the close ties between them. As a result, the IRS approach can present more of a challenge for users.
    8.  
    9. 5. Houses of worship. Organizations that operate as houses of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques, etc.) are not required to complete and file an IRS Form 990. However, in order to ensure proper financial oversight, houses of worship of significant size may have audited financial statements prepared. BBB Wise Giving Alliance does not report on houses of worship unless they are engaged in significant solicitation of the general public as opposed to just soliciting their respective congregations.

    BBB Charity Standard 11 calls for charities to have audited financial statements when total income exceeds $1 million. For charities, whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities, whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is adequate as long as it includes the same elements (i.e., statement of financial position, statement of activities, statement of cash flows, notes, etc.) as the audited financial statements. If this is not available for such smaller charities, then the IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ Form would be sufficient.

    Given all the above, why does the IRS Form 990 receive so much attention? The main reasons are accessibility and the inclusion of some non-financial information. IRS Form 990 data can be obtained from many sources, including the IRS. In addition, there are portions of the IRS Form 990, such as a roster of the board, leadership compensation, and governance information, one would not find in an audited financial statement.

    Heart of Giving Podcast

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features two guests from The Center For Effective Philanthropy, Phil Buchanan, President, and Grace Nicolette, Vice President. They offer valuable insights on effective giving, the state of nonprofits, and the future of philanthropy. Their perspective is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Both of them also co-host the Center’s podcast, Giving Done Right.

    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:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Generosity Commission Releases Report

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Generosity Commission Releases Report

    Generosity Commission Releases Report

    On September 17th, The Generosity Commission released its report, Everyday Actions, Extraordinary Potential: The Power of Giving and Volunteering. The Commission was launched in 2021 in response to one of the most significant trends reshaping civil society in the United States over the last several decades: the decline, observable across multiple surveys, in the proportion of Americans who give to and volunteer with charitable organizations.

    The report details commissioned research, expert testimony from scholars and practitioners, and conversations with everyday people. It offers an important snapshot of giving and volunteering with charities today and proposes a set of recommendations to address declines in giving and volunteering rates. Recommendations in the report include ideas for how fundraisers, funders, and business leaders can better promote giving and volunteering.

    BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Art Taylor, served as Co-chair of The Generosity Commission’s Policy and Government Relations Taskforce. BBB WGA encourages charity leaders and donors to read the report and explore their role in furthering giving and volunteering.

    The Generosity Commission report includes nine recommendations to help increase giving and volunteering:

      1. 1. Increase the depth and breadth of data on giving and volunteering
      2. 2. Close the generosity evidence-to-practice gap
      3. 3. Encourage public figures and leaders to speak openly about how they give and volunteer
      4. 4. Take youth seriously as givers and volunteers
      5. 5. Utilize all of philanthropy’s resources in support of everyday giving and volunteering
      6. 6. Support community foundations to take a leading role in encouraging giving and volunteering
      7. 7. Reinforce the leading role of businesses, as conveners of employees, to encourage their volunteerism and giving
      8. 8. Increase the availability of the charitable contribution tax deduction
      9. 9. Sufficiently fund the IRS Exempt Organizations division and state charity regulators and simplify regulatory compliance

    Heart of Giving Podcast

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a discussion with Yuriy Boyechko, Founder and CEO, Hope for Ukraine (a BBB Accredited Charity) which provides food, medical attention, shelter, and education to individuals and families in the poorest communities in Ukraine.

    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:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: 9/11 Fundraising Lessons

    Wise Giving Wednesday: 9/11 Fundraising Lessons

    9/11 Fundraising Lessons

    On this 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, BBB Wise Giving Alliance revisits some of the lessons learned from fundraising that took place in the wake of that tragedy.

    The Importance of Appeal Clarity

    The volume of fundraising that took place within days of 9/11 was unprecedented. Many organizations, corporations, and others sought to raise money to help 9/11 victims and their families, but few had a clear description of how these funds were to be used. Donors were seeking ways to provide immediate help, but it took some time to verify the actual needs of victims and the community itself. This can be avoided with a little patience and research by the soliciting charity.

    Avoiding Duplication of Effort

    In the aftermath of 9/11, some fundraising campaigns appeared to be duplicative in terms of their announced objectives. A more collaborative fundraising environment might have been more efficient and avoided some of the confusion for both donors and those seeking help. It also might be helpful for charities to make sure their activities don’t duplicate disaster relief plans of government agencies.   

    Newly Created Groups Can Be Accountable

    While it is understandable that some were motivated to begin new organizations in response to this attack, even a new charity should have some basic facts available. For example: a roster of the board of directors along with their professional affiliations identified, a clear description of their planned activities, and an identified financial plan or budget that shows how funds will be spent.

    Advance Planning

    A lack of disaster communications plans impeded early efforts to assess needs and coordinate recovery efforts. To help address this problem, the Human Services Council of New York has since developed a disaster preparedness alert system, an emergency plan template, a disaster resilience working group, and disaster resilience trainings for nonprofits as a framework for assisting New Yorkers after a major disaster. 

    Accountability Standards Can Help

    BBB Standards for Charity Accountability can be helpful in reminding charities of potential problems to avoid and how to ensure their emergency activities are carried out with full transparency and integrity.

    Heart of Giving Podcast

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a discussion with Renee Byng Yancey, President & CEO, The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia which seeks to build social trust and community engagement. She also shares insights into the changing landscape of giving and community needs.  

    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:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Giving to Charities with Emotion or Reason?

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Giving to Charities with Emotion or Reason?

    In a perfect world, it would make sense to make philanthropic choices solely through sound judgment – always reviewing the facts and circumstances, identifying what the charity is doing to address the specified issue or problem, and seeking out third-party sources such as Give.org, to help verify if the charity is following accepted accountability practices. Sadly, we know that objective reason does not always dominate donation decisions. We react emotionally to disasters, tragedies, and humanitarian needs whether experienced by a large population or your neighbors down the street. Many of us empathize, especially when these circumstances are in the media spotlight, and we are prompted to donate to the featured cause as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this is when donors can be vulnerable to those seeking to take advantage of this generosity. To avoid this dilemma, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice.

    Give yourself time. Impulsive giving does not always generate the best donation choices. If you are being pressured to make an immediate gift, that could be a red flag that something is amiss.

    Recognize there are choices. Diversity is one of philanthropy’s strengths. For any cause or problem, there are usually numerous organizations seeking to address the same issue. Remember, no one is limited to the one charity that has asked for support.

    Be alert to exaggeration. If a charity appears to be overly boasting about its achievements, it would be wise to seek out facts that back up those claims. While some organizations can certainly demonstrate success, it should be based on true results, not just flowery language.

    Emotional motivations can be helpful. Sometimes emotion can bring attention to choices that might otherwise be overlooked. A family member stricken by a rare disease could prompt donations for research to cure a less popular cause. Emotional stories can spotlight these matters, but be careful if emotion is used as a ruse to get one to donate without looking further.

    Heart of Giving Podcast

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a discussion with Gloria Johnson-Cusack, a multifaceted leader with experience spanning the nonprofit sector, government, and business. Gloria shares her journey in service-oriented work, offering insights on finding joy and purpose in philanthropy.

    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:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Animal Shelter Overpopulation

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Animal Shelter Overpopulation

    Animal Shelter Overpopulation

    People love their pets, treat them as family members, and even designate special days to honor them. Monday, August 26th, was National Dog Day which was started twenty years ago by pet expert and advocate Colleen Paige. As reported, she chose August 26th as the date since that was when her family adopted her first dog from a local animal shelter when she was ten. In 2002, the International Fund for Animal Welfare helped start International Cat Day which is celebrated on August 8th to raise awareness about cats and their welfare. Despite this popularity, animal shelters around the U.S. have been experiencing problems with overcrowding. We wanted to note the backstory that led to this circumstance and what a charity donor might do to help address this growing issue.

    During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ASPCA reported that more than 23 million households in the U.S. adopted a pet. That surge in pet ownership, while many were social distancing, emptied out many animal shelters and increased the demand for pet related services from vet visits to pet sitters. Several years later, shelters are seeing that trend reversed. There has been a decline in pet adoptions and some shelters are experiencing overcrowding conditions. According to statistics gathered by Shelter Animals Count, during the first half of this year, 3,118,000 dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues nationwide. While this is actually 5% less than the same period in 2023, only 2.7 million of these dogs and cats had a live outcome. As a result, there is still an increase in the number of animals waiting in shelters. The end result is 322,000 more pets entered the system than left during this period. There are a variety of factors that probably led to this issue including economic conditions in some households, people returning to their offices, and some having less time to care for their pandemic pet adoptions.

    To help address this overpopulation issue at shelters, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips:

    Support your local animal shelters. As there are over 14,000 animal sheltering organizations in the U.S., consider a donation to help support their work, especially when the demands on their resources are greater. Also, consider alternatives to financial support such as volunteering or donating pet food and supplies.

    Adopt a shelter dog or cat. If your household is considering adding a dog or cat to the family, visit an animal shelter to find your new companion.

    Find out about animal food pantries. Animal food pantries are a growing phenomenon. You can contact them to make a financial or pet food donation. Animal shelters may operate these pantries or can direct you to where you can locate them in your community. If your household has financial challenges, consider accessing their pet food, litter, and other resources to help care for your pet.

    Visit Give.org. In addition to charity reports on BBB’s Give.org, check out animal-related charities 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.  Also, registration with a government agency does not signify a government endorsement or recommendation.

    The following are various animal-related charities that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.)

    American Humane

    Animal Legal Defense Fund

    ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

    Friends of Animals

    Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs

    Humane Society of the United States

    Last Chance for Animals

    PetSmart Charities

    RedRover

    Heart of Giving Podcast

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Amir Pasic, the Eugene R. Tempel Dean and Professor of Philanthropic Studies at the Indiana University Lily Family School of Philanthropy. This university is the first school devoted to research and teaching about philanthropy.

    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:

     

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Small Business Generosity

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Small Business Generosity

    Small businesses across the country are routinely asked to support a variety of charitable organizations. The causes range from youth sports teams to health charities, from disaster relief appeals to requests from police and firefighter organizations. Most charities requesting gifts from businesses do so in a responsible manner, but there are those who seek to take advantage of their generosity. Since most small businesses will not have specialized staff or resources to manage donation requests, they can sometimes be more vulnerable than larger companies.

    To help small businesses avoid questionable contribution circumstances, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice.

    Check out charities that seek to solicit the public on business property.  For a variety of reasons, small business customers and clients will probably assume that any charity that is permitted to solicit on their property will have been verified by them. This is all the more motivation not to let them down. A small business should visit BBB.org or Give.org to see if they have a report that indicates the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity.)

    Verify the charity’s registration with government agencies.  About 40 of the 50 states in the United States require charities to register, usually with the office of the attorney general or secretary of state. In Canada, businesses can check with the Canada Revenue Agency. Keep in mind that registration does not mean the government agency endorses, approves, or recommends the charity. It does, however, usually signal that the organization has at least completed the necessary paperwork, paid applicable fees, and has submitted necessary financial information to the applicable agency.

    Take steps to manage requests to place donated clothing bins.  If a business is approached about placing a metal clothing donation box near their parking lot or other publicly accessible area, make sure that the name of the charity is clearly identified on the bin along with a statement about how to get additional information, such as a phone number and/or website. The small business owner should ask the charity how the clothing donations will be used. One cannot assume they will be given to the needy. Some donations may be sold to thrift stores, turned into rag bond paper, or a combination of these possibilities. One should also ask how often the bin will be emptied and who can be contacted if the bin is not maintained in an orderly manner. 

    Be cautious with appeals from police and firefighter groups. A small business should not assume that the words “police” or “firefighter” in an organization’s name means the local police force or fire department is involved. Also, watch out for a solicitor’s suggestion (it’s illegal) that your donation will give you “special treatment” from police or firefighters. For more tips on these groups, visit this link.

    Small businesses can focus their support. As a small business may not be able to support all the charities that ask for help, it can consider focusing on the company’s giving. For example, it might select a theme such as homeless shelters or a favored environmental charity, and direct its donation activities to those selected cause(s). This pro-active decision can help build special relationships with charities that lead to larger community recognition for this charitable activity.

    Heart of Giving Podcast

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Kimberly Callinan, President and CEO of Compassion & Choices (a BBB Accredited Charity.) She challenges listeners to consider how facing death head-on can profoundly impact the way we live, while also exploring the legal and ethical landscape of end-of-life choices in America.

    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:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.

     

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: The 500th Post!

    Wise Giving Wednesday: The 500th Post!

    The 500th Wise Giving Wednesday Post!

    500 is a huge milestone to achieve. BBB Wise Giving Alliance is proud to note that over nine years ago, Wise Giving Wednesday began on January 14, 2015. The vast majority of topics focused on building trust for both donors and charities. Trust is of essential importance to contributors in their giving decisions. It is also reflected in our organization’s stated mission of strengthening public confidence in charities by promoting wise giving and trustworthy charity practices.  Looking back over the thousands of words cumulatively written for this feature, we found some common themes and lessons that we would like to share below.

    Be mindful of overly emotional giving decisions. Many of us are compelled to immediately help those in need, especially after tragedies impacting a large population. That’s understandable but we need to remember that is when we can be most vulnerable to questionable solicitors. Taking the time to check out charities before you donate is one of the best things you can do to avoid trouble and help ensure your generosity will achieve the results you expect.

    Disasters create giving opportunities. With each passing year, disasters appear to occur more frequently. Two points of advice are worth repeating on this subject. Giving to charities experienced in addressing the type of needed relief can help speed assistance. But it is also important to remember that there are long-term recovery needs that welcome support. Sadly, these are sometimes overlooked by donors.

    Standards provide a valuable benchmark. Initially, Wise Giving Wednesday explained how we implement the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability in our evaluative reports on charities. These standards continue to play a key role in our work in strengthening trust. We encourage both donors and charities to learn about these guidelines so they can better understand our approach to reporting.

    Visit the Heart of Giving Podcast for a Deeper Dive. By coincidence, the Heart of Giving Podcast hosted by Art Taylor, BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s President & CEO, is also having an anniversary. This past week the podcast featured its 200th program. Listen to these detailed interviews to learn more about giving and other aspects of philanthropy.

    Sample our improved information access. Take a moment to sample our new AskGive.org AI tool that appears on our homepage. This is an interactive digital window that uses information contained in this website, such as all 500 Wise Giving Wednesday posts, all 200 Heart of Giving Podcasts, and accesses them to provide answers and advice to your giving questions.

    Adapt to future giving. As philanthropy and charity accountability evolve, we will continue to harness our experience and commitment to further help your donation choices and strengthen public confidence in charities. Thank you for your continuing interest.

    Heart of Giving Podcast

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast represents our 200th episode of the podcast and features an interview with Dr. Helene Gayle, President, Spelman College, who was our very first podcast guest. In this return visit, she discusses her journey to become a leader in philanthropy and education. She emphasizes the importance of giving back and creating positive social change.

    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:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Donating to Help Those Impacted by Tropical Storm Debby

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Donating to Help Those Impacted by Tropical Storm Debby

    Donating to Help Those Impacted by Tropical Storm Debby

    As Hurricane Debby, which evolved into Tropical Storm Debby, continues to rain down on the Southeastern United States, many communities brace for strong winds and major flooding, especially parts of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Florida. As of this morning, the storm is moving northward. For those seeking to help those in need by making charitable contributions, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice.

    • Find groups that can provide fast assistance. See if the disaster relief charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas. Unless they already have staff there, it may be difficult to provide quick assistance. Check if their website describes how they can address immediate needs.
    • Be cautious about in-kind assistance. Donating clothing, food or other in-kind donations may not be the best way to help unless the charity has the ability to properly distribute such aid. Ask about their transportation and distribution plans.
    • Impacted families will seek shelter and immediate needs. Many individuals in flooded areas will seek safety in shelters and need access to food and water. Charities focused on such activities serve a vital role in helping communities address natural disasters.
    • Consider crowdfunding requests. If engaging in crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you personally know and trust. Also review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take significant measures to vet posts, others don’t.
    • Remember the phases of disaster relief.  Keep in mind that each disaster has both immediate and long-term needs. There will be many opportunities to provide help. After a major flood event, clean up activities will likely present a major challenge.
    • Verify the charity’s trustworthiness. Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability found at Give.org.

    The following BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) are engaged in activities to assist Tropical Storm Debby relief efforts. This list will be updated as additional efforts come to our attention.

    American Red Cross – Debby Relief Activities

    Direct Relief  – Debby Relief Activities

    Salvation Army  –  Debby Relief Activities

    Save the Children – Debby Relief Activities

    Heart of Giving Podcast

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Robert Fersh, Founder and Senior Advisor, Convergence Center for Policy Resolution. This organization seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders to find common ground on contentious issues like healthcare, incarceration reform, and education.

    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:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Taylor Swift’s Food Bank Donations

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Taylor Swift’s Food Bank Donations



    Last week, The Chronicle of Philanthropy featured an article about Taylor Swift’s donations to food banks during her Eras concert tour. As reported, her cumulative donations resulted in hundreds of thousands of meals being available to various food banks in the cities and communities where the shows took place. This generosity was certainly appreciated and applauded by the recipient organizations. Unfortunately, it only begins to address the continuing and growing needs being met by food banks across the country.

    According to Feeding America (a BBB Accredited Charity), their network of food banks distributed the equivalent of 5.3 million meals during 2023. They “work with food companies and farmers to supply food banks with food that would otherwise go to waste”  Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap shows that during 2022 overall food insecurity in the United States was experienced by over 44,151,000 people including children. This insecurity is defined as people not having enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle.

    Contributing factors to food insecurity include unemployment, food prices, and poverty. Disasters such as tornadoes, floods, and wildfires also contribute to spikes in food insecurity in various areas. Food insecurity also has become an international need. For example, a New Zealand food bank network reported that over a third of monthly recipients never sought their assistance before.

    Donors seeking to follow Taylor Swift’s example, can consider making their own monetary donations to food banks or perhaps donating nonperishable food, such as canned or boxed food. In addition, food banks welcome volunteers to carry out their work such as distributing food to needy families. This might involve anything from sorting donations to driving a truck for deliveries. 

    As costs rise, some areas are even experiencing the development of pet food banks to help pet owners that face financial hardships.

    Heart of Giving Podcast

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Elvia Castro, BBB WGA’s Associate Director, Charity Evaluation. Elvia discusses highlights of the latest Donor Trust Report which features a survey of more than 2,100 adults in the United States and more than 1,000 adults in Canada, that explores public positions and expectations related to a selection of charity accountability themes, including oversight, charity finances, impact, solicitation materials, artificial intelligence, and data security.
     

    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:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to 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.