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  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Avoiding New Online Fundraising Scams

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Avoiding New Online Fundraising Scams

    As online giving grows, so do charity-related scams. For this Wise Giving Wednesday, we break down two cases and share tips to help you protect your donations.
     

    Protecting Donors Through Charity Evaluation and Scam Alerts

    BBB Wise Giving Alliance helps donors give with confidence. Part of that objective is achieved by directing contributors to trustworthy charities that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities). A second goal is alerting donors to potential charity scams that can misdirect their donations to questionable solicitors. A couple of charity scams that came to our attention recently and are summarized below.

    TikTok Cat Shelter Scam: A Viral Trap

    The Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Carolinas, located in Raleigh, noted a TikTok video asks viewers to help a cat shelter (or animal shelter) by purchasing slippers or cat toys. However, the purchase is never received, and the named charity cannot be verified.
     


    Impersonation Scams via Mobile Payment Apps

    Watch out for accounts in mobile payment systems (such as Venmo, PayPal, etc.) that mimic a known charity name but may be differ by a single letter or punctuation mark.

    You may receive an email or social media message directing you to make a donation using that false payment address. This is a type of impersonation scam that is impacting animal shelters. A Delaware charity’s website posted a warning about this problem.

    5 Steps to Help You Avoid Online Charity Scams

    To help donors avoid being taken by such circumstances, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips.

    1. 1. Visit the charity’s official website directly. Check out the charity’s website on your own. Avoid misdirection to a quick gift link or a false payment account by visiting the charity’s actual website. There you can confirm the actual payment account and also find out more about their accomplishments, finances, and governing board.

    2. 2. Double-check the charity name to avoid confusion. Beware of charity name confusion. Some charities have similar sounding names. Sometimes this is because they are raising funds for a similar cause, but other times a questionable solicitor may be seeking to confuse you. To avoid this potential problem, take a moment to confirm that the charity you have in mind is the one soliciting you.

    3. 3. Use verified accounts within mobile payment apps. Carefully search the mobile payment system to see if they have a list of verified charity accounts to help ensure the charity account address you have been provided is correct.

    4. 4. Confirm government registration status. About 40 of the 50 states in the U.S. require charities to register with the attorney general’s office or secretary of state. You can verify an organization’s charitable tax-exempt status at this IRS link. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.  Keep in mind that registration does not mean the government agency recommends or approves the charity.

    5. 5. Look up the charity at Give.org to verify their trustworthiness. Visit charity reports on Give.org to verify if the organization meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). There is no charge to charities for accreditation and the resulting reports are available free on Give.org. Also, review this page on Give.org for tips on donating to animal-related charities.

     

    How to Report Charity Scams

    If you want to alert a law enforcement agency about a problem you encountered, contact the attorney general’s office in your state (in Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency). For allegations of charity fraud, you can also inform the Federal Trade Commission. These agencies use such reports to help identify and investigate questionable activities.

    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: Tips for Evaluating New Charities

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Tips for Evaluating New Charities

    With over 130,000 new charities approved just last year, there’s a good chance you’ll come across a new organization asking for support. Researching newer charities can be tricky, so we’ve put together some tips to help you give wisely.

    Every Year Brings Thousands of New Charities Seeking Donor Support 

    The United States has a deep history of philanthropy and to this day has more charities than any other country. Specifically, the IRS Data Book for the year ended September 30, 2024 reports that the U.S. has more than 1.5 million tax exempt organizations under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), typically called charities. In the same year, the IRS approved 136,323 new applications for tax-exempt status.
     
    New charities are often small and some will find success and others will struggle. But regardless of size, it’s likely that you will come across one of them at some point, whether through word of mouth, when paying at the cash register, or perhaps via social media. Wherever you encounter a new charity you’re interested in supporting, we encourage you to do a little digging so you can make an informed giving decision.

    Smart Giving: How to Vet Charities Under 18 Months Old

    Researching new charities can be tricky. Many won’t have an annual report, an IRS Form 990, or financial statements yet. But if you believe the cause is worth your time and donation, here are some tips to give to charities under 18 months.
     
    • Review charity websites: Most charities, even new ones, will have a website with basic information about the organization such as goals and activities. Look for specifics.
    • See if the charity is registered in your state: Close to 40 U.S. states require charities to register with state government officials before soliciting for donations, usually done through the office of the Secretary of State or Attorney General. For specifics, visit the National Association of State Charity Officials.
    • Look for a board roster: Even new charities will have a board of directors, which has final say concerning operations and staff oversight. Look at charity websites to see if the board members and their professional qualifications are listed. It’s best to give to groups led by those who have the qualifications to address the charity’s mission.
    • Be wary of emergency appeals: If you receive fundraising appeals from charities raising funds for disasters or emergency needs, the organization should be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is specified in their appeals. You want to make sure the charity is doing what they say they will do, when they say they will do it. Also note that that new charities may have a hard time addressing emergency situations in some cases. If possible, find out what connections, resources, or skills the charity has to address the situation.
    • Locate the privacy policy: Make sure charities provide a clear and accessible privacy policy on their website. We recommend that the privacy policy include the following elements:
      • How to contact the charity to review personal information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used
      • How to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections
      • How to inform the charity (e.g., a check-off box) that the visitor does not wish to have their information shared outside the organization
      • What security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information
    • Check Trusted Sources: As always, we recommend visiting our A-Z National Charity Reports. While we don’t generally report on charities that are less than 1 year old, once a charity has been established and has completed its first IRS Form 990 and financial statement, they are eligible to be evaluated.

    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.

  • BBB’s Give.org Study: 69% worry about their information being hacked when first donating to a charity

    BBB’s Give.org Study: 69% worry about their information being hacked when first donating to a charity

    Arlington, VA (June 4, 2025) – According to a new survey from BBB’s Give.org, when asked to imagine contributing to a charity they have not supported in the past, most participants (68.8%) report being “very concerned” (30.6%) or “somewhat concerned” (38.3%) that their information may be hacked or stolen. A similar amount, 62.0%, say they are either “very concerned” (26.8%) or “somewhat concerned” (35.2%) that the charity might share their information outside the organization.

    The standards-based, charity-evaluation group released today the Give.org Special Donor Trust Report: Privacy and Security. The report, a survey of more than 2,200 adults in the United States and more than 1,100 adults in Canada, explores the importance of adequate data protection to potential donors

    “Charities increasingly depend on digital tools to connect with supporters and carry out their missions, but broader societal shifts in how personal data is collected, shared, and protected, make the public more vigilant when considering a contribution,” said Bennett Weiner, President and CEO of BBB’s Give.org, “to advance donor trust and strengthen long-term relationships, charities must lead with transparency, prioritize data protection, and communicate clearly about how information is collected and used.”

    Other report highlights include:

    • When asked to imagine that a charity they personally support appears in the news for being hacked and having data stolen, most participants (79.8%) would stop (27.8%) or hold off (52.0%) on future giving. Across generations, most participants—ranging from 83.5% of Boomers to 77.4% of Matures—say they would hold or stop contributions to a charity they support upon learning that the charity has been hacked.

    • When considering connecting with a charity on social media, most participants (73.2%) say they are either “very concerned” (38.6%) or “somewhat concerned” (34.7%) about the charity gathering their information or intruding into their profile. Younger participants are less likely to be “very concerned” about charities using their information or intruding into their profile in a social media platform, with 31.8% of Gen Zers compared to 66.7% of Matures expressing such a concern.

    • When asked to imagine that a charity uses AI to find them as potential supporters, 44.3% say they would be less likely to contribute. Younger participants are less likely to be discouraged from contributing when a charity uses AI to find them, with 27.9% of Gen Zers as compared to 68.8% of Matures reporting that they would be less likely to contribute to the charity.

    • Overall, participants are more likely to trust charities over businesses to keep their information private and secure, with 48.1% trusting charities more and 23.0% trusting businesses more.
    For a free copy of the report, go to Give.org/DonorTrust.

    Generational age ranges used in the Give.org Donor Trust Report: Generation Z (18-26), Millennial (27-43) Generation X (44-59) Boomers (60-78), Matures (79 and above).

    BBB’s Give.org urges donors to give thoughtfully by taking the time to investigate charities before making a donation and to visit Give.org to verify if a charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

    ABOUT BBB WISE GIVING ALLIANCE: BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB’s Give.org) is a standards-based charity evaluator that seeks to verify the trustworthiness of nationally soliciting charities by completing rigorous evaluations based on 20 holistic standards that address charity governance, results reporting, finances, fundraising, appeal accuracy and other issues. National charity reports are produced by BBB’s Give.org and local charity reports are produced by local Better Business Bureaus – all reports are available for free at Give.org.

    ABOUT BBB: The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses and brands they can trust for over 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses. Visit BBB.org for free access to these business reports. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada. (Please note that BBB reports on charities are now exclusively available at Give.org.)

    MEDIA CONTACTS: For more information, journalists should contact Elvia Castro (703-247-9322 or ecastro@give.org)
  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Minnesota Nonprofit to be Dissolved Over Governance Violations

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Minnesota Nonprofit to be Dissolved Over Governance Violations

    A state investigation into a Minnesota charity shows how inadequate board oversight and conflicts of interest can expose charitable assets—and result in serious government action.

    Settlement at a Glance: Give Hope to Close Its Doors

    On May 23, 2025, Minnesota’s Attorney General announced a settlement, or Assurance of Discontinuance, with Minnesota nonprofit Give Hope and its founders, Brian and Sarah Ingram, owners of Hope Breakfast Bar restaurants. As a result, the charity will be dissolved within months. 

    Violations of the Minnesota Nonprofit Act

    Attorney General Keith Ellison alleged that Give Hope was involved in transactions that conflicted with businesses affiliated with the Ingrams, including the charity reimbursing their for-profit restaurants for food, grocery and toiletry items during the COVID-19 pandemic. The transactions failed to abide by Minnesota Nonprofit Act requirements.

    Allegations of Improper Governance and Oversight

    In addition to the allegations involving conflicts of interest, additional allegations by Attorney General Ellison indicated that Give Hope’s board of directors:

    • Met infrequently
    • Did not didn’t have a treasurer
    • Did not maintain financial records, policies and procedures
    • Did not follow legal requirements such as maintenance of tax-exempt status and registration with the Attorney General’s office
    Attorney General Ellison stated his expectation that nonprofits follow the laws concerning transparency and governance for the protection of charitable assets and promotion of public trust. He also stated that, by falling short of these obligations, Give Hope left assets vulnerable and prevented public and regulatory transparency.

    How BBB Charity Standards Address Governance & Conflicts of Interest

    BBB Wise Giving Alliance has 20 Standards for Charity Accountability, which address many of the governance issues above. Our Accredited Charities meet all 20 Standards including BBB Charity Standard 1 which calls for the board of directors to provide adequate oversight over the operations and staff of the charity (including the appointment of a treasurer). In addition, BBB Charity Standard 5 addresses conflicts of interest and calls for no transactions in which any board or staff member have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation.

    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: Memorial Day Giving to Support Veterans

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Memorial Day Giving to Support Veterans

    This Memorial Day, honor the memory of fallen heroes by supporting trustworthy veterans and military service charities that make a real difference year-round.

    Tips for Donating Wisely to Veterans and Military Charities

    As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we are reminded to honor those who gave their lives serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. A wide range of charities address issues facing veterans as well as military service members and their families. If you choose to give to these charities, we’ve offered some guidance below.

    • Be Cautious of Phone Appeals. Some telemarketing campaigns for veterans’ charities are an expensive way to raise funds with very little going to the organization. If you receive a phone call from an unfamiliar group, take the time to verify their trustworthiness by visiting BBB’s Give.org.
    • Be Wary of Excessive Pressure. If you feel a charity is too aggressive when requesting a donation, take a “time out” and look into the group before giving. If you’re satisfied that you trust the organization after doing some research, they will still welcome your gift.
    • Watch Out for Name Confusion. Many veterans’ charities have similar sounding names with the same words in a different order or form. Be alert so that you’re giving to the intended group.
    • Find Out What They Do. Look for a clear description of charity programs in both fundraising appeals and on websites. Don’t rely on the charity name alone to determine what kind of programs they operate.
    • 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.
    • Explore the Types of Charities Serving Military and Veterans. Visit our veterans and military service charities page to learn about some of the common focus areas for military and veterans charities—from mental health care to caregiver support.
    • Check Outside Sources Before Giving. Visit Give.org and see if the charity meets all 20 of our Standards for Chairty Accountability. Browse our A-Z list of national charities. You can also check your state government’s charity registration agency, often a division of the Attorney General’s or Secretary of State’s office. 

    Accredited Veterans and Military Charities You Can Trust

    Below we’ve provided a list of BBB Accredited national veterans and military service charities (i.e. meets all 20 BBB Charity Standards). These charities are devoted to the needs of veterans year-round, so remember that your gift can make an impact throughout the year. 

    Charity Name BBB Give.org Report
    Boot Campaign, Inc. Review Report
    Boulder Crest Foundation Review Report
    Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes Foundation Review Report
    Coast Guard Foundation Review Report
    Disabled American Veterans Review Report
    EOD Warrior Foundation Review Report
    Homes for Our Troops Review Report
    Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Review Report
    Military Child Education Coalition Review Report
    Military Spouse Corporate Career Network Review Report
    National Military Family Association Review Report
    Pat Tillman Foundation Review Report
    Soldiers’ Angels Review Report
    Travis Manion Foundation Review Report
    United Service Organizations Review Report
    United Through Reading Review Report
    USA Cares Review Report
    USO Review Report
    VFW Foundation Review Report
    VFW National Home Review Report

    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.

  • BBB Wise Giving Alliance Launches Charity Standards Revision Project

    BBB Wise Giving Alliance Launches Charity Standards Revision Project

    Arlington, VA  (May 21, 2025) – BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB’s Give.org), the standards-based charity evaluator, announced the launch of a project to revise its BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability.

    The Standards revision will be guided by a 20-member Advisory Committee including leaders from well-known charities: Alzheimer’s Association, American Red Cross, Disabled American Veterans, GivingTuesday, Humane World for Animals, KABOOM!, Native American Rights Fund, The Salvation Army, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other experts in philanthropy.  

    BBB’s Give.org seeks to continue to address its comprehensive approach to fundamental areas such as charity board oversight, finances, appeal accuracy and transparency while also addressing emerging issues facing the charitable sector. “Over the past twenty years, the BBB Charity Standards provided guidance to strengthen trust in the charitable sector and served as a valuable assessment tool to help donors make informed giving decisions,” said BBB Wise Giving Alliance President & CEO, Bennett Weiner, “we look forward to enhancing and revising these efforts at a time when our public survey research has shown that trust has grown in importance.”

    Lysa Ratliff, CEO, KABOOM! which addresses access to quality places for children to play, serves as Co-chair of the Standards Revision Advisory Committee. “I am honored to help lead this Committee as its seeks to address emerging matters facing the charitable sector, particularly as charities face federal funding cuts and the challenges of new technologies. Both charities and donors stand to benefit from improved accountability guidance.”

    Jon Pratt, former CEO of Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, current member of BBB’s Give.org Board of Directors, and Co-chair of the Standards Advisory Committee, notes that “I believe my experience in running the largest state association of nonprofits in the U.S. will help provide this advisory group with an improved understanding of the accountability challenges faced by smaller charities and will seek to ensure that this revised guidelines respect the needs of charities of all sizes.”

    BBB’s Give.org also welcomes donors, charities and others to offer comments on the current BBB Charity Standards and/or recommendations on emerging areas of concern about charity accountability by visiting this link.

    ABOUT BBB WISE GIVING ALLIANCE: BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB’s Give.org) is a standards-based charity evaluator that seeks to verify the trustworthiness of nationally soliciting charities by completing rigorous evaluations based on 20 holistic standards that address charity governance, results reporting, finances, fundraising, appeal accuracy and other issues. National charity reports are produced by BBB’s Give.org and local charity reports are produced by local Better Business Bureaus – all reports are available for free at Give.org.

    ABOUT BBB: The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for over 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.5 million businesses available for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada.

  • How to Help Victims of the Midwest Tornadoes

    How to Help Victims of the Midwest Tornadoes

    Last Friday, tornadoes and severe storms hit communities in Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana resulting in over two dozen deaths. For those seeking to help those in need by making charitable contributions, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice.

    Tips for Smart Giving After the Tornadoes

    • Identify 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 careful 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.
    • Helping with shelter and immediate needs. Many individuals and families in impacted 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.
    • Understand the phases of disaster relief. While much of the attention focuses on the first 72 hours after a disaster, charities provide vital support well beyond that period. From immediate aid to long-term recovery and preparedness, your contributions help at every stage of rebuilding. Learn more on our disaster relief and preparedness cause page. 
    • 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. On Give.org we invite you to browse our A-Z list of national charities, and search thousands of charity reports while filtering charities by state, cause area, and accreditation status.
  • Wise Giving Wednesday: A Look Inside Our Charity Evaluation Process

    Wise Giving Wednesday: A Look Inside Our Charity Evaluation Process

    Curious how charities get evaluated by BBB Wise Giving Alliance? This behind-the-scenes look at our collaborative, standards-based process reveals how we work with charitable organizations to build transparency and public trust.

    How We Begin: Reaching Out to Charities

    At BBB Wise Giving Alliance, we believe our relationships and communications with charities set us apart. Our process begins with a request letter from an analyst to a charity asking that they complete our online questionnaire form. This form asks charities to voluntarily submit information on their governance, financial, self-reporting, and fundraising practices. We reach out to charities we’ve previously evaluated to update their report once every two years, and request information from new charities based on public inquiry as they come up. Often charities come to us to be evaluated and we also give charities that have declined participation in the past a new opportunity to submit information each year. 

    The Review Process: Dialogue, Drafts, and Transparency

    Once the form has been submitted, the analyst completes an initial evaluation and reaches out with a draft report explaining which standards are met, which are not, or if we need additional information to make a determination. Analysts also provide a letter outlining unmet or findings we are unable to verify yet. Staff members will explain not only why a standard is not met but also what can be done to amend an initial finding. We frequently need clarification or specifics or need materials such as fundraising appeals.

    Working With Charities to Demonstrate Their Trustworthiness

    Each evaluative report usually takes a good deal of communication between BBB WGA and the charity. While this relationship and personal attention to each review can hopefully enable charities to meet all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability, more importantly we hope to help donors make wise giving choices and aid in developing charity accountability and trust. When a charity is found to meet the 20 Charity Standards, they are considered a BBB Accredited Charity. 

    Why This Matters: Building Donor Trust Through Accountability

    Our holistic, standards-based approach to evaluation covers many of the most crucial measures that are important to donors and we hope are just as important to charities. We look for truthfulness and clarity in solicitation materials, verify that financial statements are accurate and that fundraising and program expense ratios fall within our specified range, and examine the practices of the governing board. We also request and examine information on privacy, effectiveness, and charity website disclosures.

    All Evaluations Are Free and Accessible to the Public at Give.org

    All BBB WGA charity evaluations are completed free of charge and can be found at Give.org. Donors can browse our A-Z list of national charities, and search thousands of charity reports while filtering charities by state, cause area, and accreditation status. In addition, on Give.org donors can find valuable wise giving tips, in-depth explanations on charity cause areas and stay up to date on donor advice and news via weekly Wise Giving Wednesday posts. 
     

    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: Support Mental Health This May

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Support Mental Health This May

    This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to turn awareness into action by supporting trusted charities helping those impacted by mental health challenges.

    Understanding the Mental Health Crisis in America

    For over 75 years, May has been National Mental Health Awareness Month, conceived to raise awareness and educate the public about mental health. This year’s theme is “Turning Awareness into Action,” emphasizing improving mental health through engaging communities.

    According to the CDC, over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023, or approximately one death every 11 minutes. According to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, close to 1 in 5 American adults experience mental illness every year and a disproportionate number of those deaths were among men and the elderly. Studies also show that veterans are commonly 1.5 times higher than non-veterans.

    Most people know of friends, family members or coworkers or others suffering from mental health issues such as:

    • Addiction
    • ADHC
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Autism
    • Eating disorders
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    • Personality disorders

    Over 20% of children are either currently or will at some point experience a seriously debilitating mental disorder. However, the Department of Education recently confirmed $1 billion in cuts to school mental health grants citing a conflict of priorities. Newsweek reported that there may also be cuts to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth. According to a 2024 national survey by the Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide and crisis prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year.

    Support Trusted Mental Health Charities

    When considering giving to charities supporting mental health, look for accredited charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Below we have listed some of these groups to consider helping:

    • Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD), which operates a grant program funding scientific research into causes, cures, and prevention of mental illness such as depression schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, OCD and PTSD.
    • Mental Health America works to promote mental health as a part of overall wellness and includes prevention services, early identification and intervention, and integrated care services through advocacy, education, and research.
    • NAMI works to build better lives for those with mental illness through advocacy, awareness, education, and research. NAMI volunteers oversee peer-led education programs, skills training, and support sessions to community members.
    • Wounded Warrior Project provides free programs and services such as outdoor rehabilitative retreats, peer support, and professional services to aid wounded veterans and service members. The organization also offers financial education, employment assistance, and benefits assistance.

    If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, please seek help immediately by calling the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988 Lifeline.

    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: Why Volunteer Time Is More Valuable Than Ever

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Why Volunteer Time Is More Valuable Than Ever

    As the dollar value of volunteer time reaches new heights, now is the perfect moment to explore how giving your time can make a real difference—for communities and for yourself.

    New Data Highlights Growing Worth of Volunteer Time

    According to a report by Independent Sector and the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, the value of an hour of volunteer time rose to $39.79 in 2024, up 3.9% from 2023. This average, which includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, shows that three states (Massachusetts, Washington State, and California) and DC topped the $40 per hour mark. The data is based on the annual average hourly earnings estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Thinking About Volunteering? Here’s How to Begin

    Beyond supporting causes you care about, volunteerism can provide personal satisfaction as well as opportunities to build and strengthen communities. With warmer weather and spring in full swing, it’s a great time to get out and volunteer. Here are a few tips to get you started:

    • Pick a cause you care about. If you’re a nature lover, ask around about environmental organizations in your area. If you’d love to help animals, most communities will have shelters in need of volunteers.
    • Ask what is needed. Find out what charities need most and let them know your professional skills for the best fit. Avoiding duplication of efforts is another factor charities must consider when accepting new volunteers.
    • Keep an open mind. Remember that a charity might not ask you to do exactly what you want to do. Feel free to communicate your preferences, but try to be helpful and understanding as your role may change as you get more experience.
    • Start small. Committing just a few hours per month would be a good start and will let you see if the volunteer opportunity you’ve chosen is a good fit. You don’t want to commit to more hours than you can handle or waste the precious time of charity staff members trying to train, coordinate and meet program demands.
    • Visit give.org and verify that the charity you’re considering helping meets all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

    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.