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For many charities, the most important time of year for contributions is approaching: the holiday giving season during the last quarter. The challenge in 2020 is particularly significant since in-person fundraising was essentially ground to a halt due to COVID-19 and groups that relied on in-person fundraising events to help raise funds experienced significant shortfalls. As reported in the The NonProfit Times this week, charities that switched these events to virtual alternatives are receiving 50 percent or less than they typically receive for in-person events like walkathons, runs or bike rides.

For most of the nationally-soliciting charities evaluated by BBB Wise Giving Alliance, direct mail fundraising continues to dominate as the main source of contributions revenue. Back in April, The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported charities were adjusting their appeal content to let donors know how the pandemic was affecting them in terms of finances and/or program service delivery. Some charities, particularly those that were addressing current issues related to COVID and the resulting increase in unemployment, saw successful results in their direct mail campaigns while others have been experiencing shortfalls.

As we enter the beginning of the 2020 giving season, however, charities face additional challenges. The controversies over cut-backs in the U.S. Postal Service that were announced and some of which have been rescinded due to Congressional pressure still leave uncertainties about how future mail delivery could be impacted. Also, COVID-19 concerns are expected to result in an unprecedented large volume of mail-in voting for the November elections. This has the potential to slow down direct mail delivery for charity appeals and corresponding donor responses, but it is too early to tell to what extent that will occur.

For now, the best advice we can share with concerned donors is to not wait for a written request in the mail. Take the initiative and support your favorite charities by going directly to the charity’s website and make a donation. That will help ensure they receive your support sooner. No matter how you decide to send your contributions, BBB WGA continues to encourage donors to verify if the charity meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability by visiting Give.org.

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Video of the Week

As part of the Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video interview with Tim Earley, CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia (a BBB Accredited Charity) which grants wishes to Georgia children, between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18, living with a progressive, degenerative or malignant medical condition that has placed their life in jeopardy. The organization reports that it grants between 300 and 400 wishes every year.

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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:

• March of Dimes Foundation
• National Audubon Society
• PetSmart Charities

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

As reported in Wise Giving Wednesday over the past several years, natural disasters usually get a media spotlight that help bring attention to the needs of the impacted population and the activities of charities engaged in relief efforts. As we are still battling COVID-19, it is not surprising that the pandemic continues to dominate the national headlines, while other challenges such as the group of intense thunderstorms, known as a derecho, that hit parts of Iowa, are not center stage. Unfortunately, Iowa was hit hard, particularly in Cedar Rapids, where winds over 100 miles per hour downed trees, power lines and partially collapsed the walls and ceilings of buildings. Although most of the power has since been restored, there are some areas that are still waiting and work remains on tree and debris removal. The New York Times reported that an estimated 14 million acres of farmland were damaged. That is a third of the state’s total farmland. To assist those seeking to assist Iowa at this time of need, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following giving advice.

1. Donate Cash not Goods. If you are interested in donating goods such as clothing and other items, please check with the charity first. Some are reporting an excess of such contributions and prefer cash donations instead.
2. Seek Out Charities with Boots on the Ground. Relief organizations that already have a presence in the area are probably better positioned to provide more rapid help than those who will need to travel. In terms of emergency or immediate needs, speed is essential.
3. Consider Both Long and Short Terms Needs. In most every disaster situation, there will be emergency activities as well as long-term recovery efforts. Remember this as you make donations. There is a tendency for the public to respond quickly to immediate concerns but reconstruction is also something that deserves contributor attention and should not be neglected.
4. Cautions on Crowdfunding. For crowdfunding requests, carefully consider the site’s terms and procedures to find out whether there has been any vetting of posted requests, if the posts clearly describe the intended use for funds, and what processing fees may be subtracted by the site. It is safest to donate to people and families that you personally know. If the posting is just collecting funds on behalf of some identified charity, consider donating directly to that organization instead, after checking out the group.
5. Check Out Charities Before You Donate. Visit the charity’s website to learn about what specific relief activities it is carrying out and visit Give.org and/or BBB.org to verify if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

Both the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, which are BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Charity Standards) are accepting funds for relief efforts. Remember to specify that you want your donation to help with Iowa storm relief if that is your intention.

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Video of the Week

As part of the Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring an interview with Brent Cooper, Executive Director, Green Beret Foundation (a BBB Accredited Charity) which provides financial assistance, support, and liaison services for wounded, ill and injured members and former members of the Special Forces of the United States Army and their family members. Services are also extended to the family members of those service members who were killed in action.

 

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

Last week, the massive explosion that rocked Beirut, Lebanon resulted in more than 150 deaths, thousands injured and 300,000 homeless. Then on Monday, Lebanon’s ruling government announced it was stepping down. All of this along with the economic hardships that country was experiencing has created a crisis situation for that nation. Many international relief organizations are offering assistance to help address immediate needs. To assist, BBB Wise Giving Alliance has compiled a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., organizations that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that have announced on their respective website homepages that they are collecting funds for Beirut relief.

1. Look to Experienced Relief Organizations. BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends contributing to experienced relief organizations that already have a presence or distribution connections within Lebanon. Newly established entities may be well-intentioned but may not have the skills and infrastructure to provide immediate help. Review the descriptions appearing on the charity’s website to gain a better understanding of the nature of the relief activities your funds will support and how the organization plans to carry out this work.
2. Consider Cautions on Crowdfunding Sites. In regards to postings appearing on crowdfunding sites, BBB WGA cautions potential contributors to carefully consider the site’s terms and procedures to find out whether there has been any vetting of posted requests, if the posts clearly describe the intended use for funds, and what processing fees may be subtracted by the site when donations are made. Look past the attention getting photos on crowdfunding postings about Lebanon and identify whether the contributions being requested are just being passed along to a designated organization. If so, consider cutting out the middle man and make a direct donation to the designated organization on that organization’s website.
3. Recognize Different Needs. Consider what types of programs you want to support and seek out charities that match your interests. For example, there are charities focused on medical relief efforts, others might provide food and temporary shelter, and some may focus on long term goals such as clean up and reconstruction. Don’t assume what the organization does based solely on its name.
4. Your gift may not be deductible. If you are U.S. donor contributing to charity, keep in mind that you can generally only take a charitable deduction if the organization has an office in the U.S. that has applied for and received charitable tax exempt status. If the group is located in another country, your contribution may not be deductible as all.  Also if a crowdfunding posting is claiming to be helping a specific named individual or family, donors in the U.S. generally cannot claim a federal income tax deduction as a charitable gift, even if the individual or family is in need. See IRS Publication 526, page 6, for more information on this subject. 
5. Watch out for Vague Program Descriptions.  Vague descriptions of how the collected funds will be used should also be a yellow caution light. For example, will the funds be used to assist medical expenses, reconstruction, funerals or other activities? Thoughtful requests for funding will take the added step of identifying and verifying needs before money is raised.

The following organizations are BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) and currently have a website homepage that announces they are collecting funds to assist those in need in Beirut.

Alight
Anera
Catholic Relief Services
Embrace Relief Foundation
Food for the Hungry
GlobalGiving
Helping Hand for Relief and Development
International Medical Corps
International Rescue Committee
Islamic Relief USA
Lutheran World Relief
Medical Teams International
Mennonite Central Committee
Mercy Corps
Oxfam America
Plan International
Project HOPE
Save the Children
United Palestinian Appeal
United States Association for UNHCR
World Food Program USA
World Vision
World Renew

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Christy Delafield, Managing Director, Communications, Mercy Corps, (a BBB Accredited Charity) which provides assistance to individuals and families in over 40 countries. When humanitarian disasters strike, the organization provides emergency relief, including food, water, shelter and other critical supplies. MC also helps communities move beyond the crisis and build better lives by helping them grow more food, earn higher incomes and advocate for their own needs. The organization makes small loans to help people start their own businesses; helps farmers grow better crops; and ensures that children have food, medical care and the opportunity to go to school. 

 

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

Our recent work on redesigning the Give.org website has also brought to mind the significant role that a charity’s website can play in helping donors make wise giving decisions.  Practically all charities that solicit for funding have a website where you can find additional information. Here are some things to look for when visiting:

1. Transparency. A charity website should have basic facts about the charity’s mission, major programs, governance and finances in an accessible area of the website. This recommended content is covered in BBB Charity Standard 17 which calls for charity websites to include the same information you would typically find in an annual report, such as a description of the charities mission and activities in the past year, financial information, and a board roster. In addition, the website should provide access to the organization’s most recently filed IRS Form 990.
2. Donor privacy. Make sure the charity’s website has a privacy policy that addresses how your personal information is being collected and used as well as what protections are in place to help secure that data. BBB Charity Standard 18 calls for certain information to appear in that policy. Keep in mind that charities may collect personal information beyond the donation form that is provided, such as through emails or other communications they might have with visitors.
3. Focus on more than finances. Although many donors may seek out information on charity finances on the website, we urge contributors to not solely rely on this information to make a giving decision. Obtain a more comprehensive  understanding of the charity by reviewing website information about the issues the charity is addressing and how their programs are carried out.
4. Provide feedback. Charities want to hear from donors and generally encourage feedback on their websites. Take that opportunity to let them know what additional information you would like to see and any recommendations on how the website can be improved. They will value and appreciate your input.
5. Contact BBB WGA about concerns.  Consider contacting BBB WGA, if a charity includes potentially exaggerated statements that raise accuracy concerns (for example, claims that 100% of donations are spent on programs even though charities also have administrative and fundraising expenses).

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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 Mahnaz Javid, President and CEO of the Mona Foundation (a BBB Accredited Charity) which supports programs that help students, particularly women and girls, excel academically and intellectually and develop their capabilities to serve and foster change within their communities.

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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:

• Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
• Global Impact
• Operation Smile

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

As previously announced last week, BBB Wise Giving Alliance launched a revised version of its Give.org website. In addition to the new design and focus on multiple users (donors, charities and media), the website includes various improvements and additions.

Details on BBB Charity Standards

The page detailing the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability now includes two separate descriptions for each standard. The first Explanation button shares a brief summary identifying the overall objective of the standard, the second Implementation button provides a step-by-step description of how the standard is applied in evaluative reports. Together they provide a comprehensive and detailed reference source for both donors and charities.

Donors Take Action

On the For Donors section of the website, the Take Action section includes an easy to access listing of various items of interest for donors such as:

• Sign up for BBB WGA’s electronic newsletter
• Recommend a friend who would appreciate receiving advice on making wise giving decisions
• Inquire or file a complaint about a charity
• Request a free copy of the Wise Giving Guide magazine
• Learn how to access BBB ScamTracker℠ if you believe you have been the subject of a charity scam
• Get copies of stickers indicating you give to charities that meet BBB Charity Standards

Tools & Resources for Charities

On the For Charities section of the website, the Tools and Resources provides organizations with additional information and resources such as:

• Review Give.org Donor Trust Reports, the surveys on the state of public trust in the charitable sector. This detailed study is issued annually and is supplemented with additional surveys on such topics as disaster relief and the impact of COVID-19 on charitable giving.
• Access Charting Impact, a reporting framework on charity impact produced in partnership with both Independent Sector and Candid (Previously GuideStar).
• Engage in collaboration with other organizations to reach broader audiences through BBB WGA’s Advancing Collaboration program.
• Learn how to improve that accuracy and transparency of fundraising communications by visiting the “Do’s and Don’ts in Fundraising Copy” page.

We welcome you to explore more of the content on Give.org and let us know we might further address your charity information needs by emailing us at info@give.org.

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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 Andrew Rosen, Executive Director of National Ataxia Foundation (a BBB Accredited Charity) which works to find the cause and cure for all types of Ataxia. The organization supports research and provides programs and services to those affected by both dominantly and recessively inherited Ataxia as well as Sporadic Ataxia and other closely related conditions.

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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:

• SBP
• United States Association for UNHCR
• Youth Villages

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

 

Government charity regulators from around the world, including the UK, New Zealand, Australia and the United States, are collaborating this week to bring attention to charity fraud. The International Charity Fraud Awareness Week initiative was started several years ago by the Charities Commission of England and Wales and has since expanded. You can find more information at this fraud awareness website.  U.S. government participants include the Federal Trade Commission and state charity regulators (such as the offices of the state attorney general or secretary of state. The week has been divided into five specific themes: 1. UNDERSTANDING CHARITY FRAUD Instances of charity fraud are the exception and not the rule, as the vast majority of charities are acting in good faith. But charity fraud happens and can take many shapes, ranging from deceptive appeals to misuse of funds. BBB Wise Giving Alliance believes one of the best ways for donors to avoid problematic circumstances is to make informed giving decisions by seeking additional information. Give.org provides guidance and tips to help accomplish this objective:  https://give.org/for-donors/about-specific-giving-guidance/ Among other things, donors should be alert to potential name confusion for charities with similar sounding names and resist excessive pressure to make an immediate donation. 2. FUNDRAISING FRAUD Misrepresentations in appeals can take a variety of forms. Two recent examples were reported earlier this year in a Wise Giving Wednesday blog announcing government actions against a police group and a veterans organization. Donors should watch out for overly-emotional solicitations that tug on your heartstrings but say little about what the charity is doing to address the problems it describes so well. Donors should be particularly mindful after a disaster, as bad actors try to take advantage of deep public sympathy for those impacted by tragedies. 3. CYBERSECURITY When it comes to cybersecurity, charities are just as vulnerable as businesses and need to take measures to reduce risks. One option is to follow the BBB 5-Step Approach which recommends that organizations (1) identify its data assets, (2) protect them, (3) detect incidents, (4) respond with a plan, and (5) recover normal operations. A recent cybersecurity example is a scam known as email compromise fraud which seeks to fool employees into believing they received a message from their boss asking them to make a wire transfer of funds, share tax information on employees or provide some other item of value. 4. INTERNAL (INSIDER) FRAUD Some of the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability address aspects of potential insider fraud at charities. BBB Charity Standard 1 calls for a charity’s governing board to provide adequate oversight of the charity’s operations and staff. Also, BBB Charity Standard 5 calls for no transaction(s) in which board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. In addition, charity audited financial statements (as featured in BBB Charity Standard 11) provide a helpful third-party verification of the charity’s finances. 5. KEEPING DATA SAFE In view of increasing public concern about protecting sensitive or personal data, donors should review a charity’s website (or the BBB Charity Report) to ensure that it has a prominent and easily accessible privacy policy that incorporates the items called for in BBB Charity Standard 18: Notice: What information is being collected by the charity and how will it be uses? Access: How do you contact the charity to review personal information and, if needed, make corrections? Choice: How do you inform the charity if you do not wish personal information to be shared outside the organization? Security: What security measures does the charity have to protect personal information that is received by them? For more information about the BBB Charity Standards and to access BBB evaluative reports on charities, visit Give.org. Also, remember that 40 of the 50 states in the U.S. require charities to annually register (usually with an office of the attorney general or the secretary of state.) 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 featuring Amy Palmer, President & CEO, Soldier’s Angels (a BBB Accredited Charity) which provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, their families, and the growing veteran population. For example, at approximately 30 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities, SA conducts patient visits and provides luncheons/dinners, hygiene kits, box lunches, food distributions, stand down support and computers and other technology devices.

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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: Americans United for Separation of Church and State Armed Services YMCA of the USA Children’s Leukemia Research Association 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 and CEO BBB Wise Giving Alliance

As part of our promotion for International Charity Fraud Awareness Week, we posted two advisories this week, one for donors and the other for charities. The outreach is sponsored by an international group of government regulators, law enforcement agencies, charities and other nonprofits that seek to raise awareness about potential fraud directed at either donors or charities. BBB Wise Giving Alliance joined this coalition to help distribute these cautions to inform contributors and the charitable sector about such abuse.

The overwhelming majority of charities conduct their charity fundraising appropriately and do not engage in deceptive practices. There are questionable solicitors, however, that seek to take advantage of generosity and carry out potentially misleading approaches. As a result we advise contributors to watch out for red flags such as excessive pressure in fundraising, vague program descriptions in appeals, and organizations that spend less than 10% of collected funds on their charitable program services. Additional details can be found in our donor advisory. 

Charities also need to be on guard for deceptive practices directed at them. This can range from phony invoices, cybersecurity data breaches to fake check scams. There are actions that charities can take to help reduce their vulnerability to such efforts. See the charity advisory for more details.

For both of these audiences (charities and donors) there are three basic steps that are featured as part of International Charity Fraud Awareness Week:

1. Be Fraud Aware. Familiarize yourself with some of the potential abuses so that you can more easily spot them and avoid being taken.
2. Take Time to Check. This is probably the most important measure to take. For donors, it means going to outside sources such as BBB’s Give.org to verify if the charity meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. For charities it means reviewing such things as their bank statements and verifying vendors before hiring them.
3. Keep Data Safe.  Donors should review privacy policies on charity websites. Charities should take steps to enhance cybersecurity such as the BBB 5-step approach.

Keep in mind that these cautions about potential abuse should not be used as a reason not to donate. That would be a double tragedy especially during this time of need when many charities are struggling due to the impact of the pandemic on their fundraising and operations. Being on guard does not mean one needs to be suspect of every appeal, you can continue to Give, But Give Wisely ℠.

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Video of the Week

As part of the Building Trust Video series, we are pleased to provide a video interview that features Lynn O’Connor Vos, President & CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Association (a BBB Accredited Charity) that works to find a cure for muscular dystrophy and offers multidisciplinary care for individuals and families to help manage disease symptoms. The organization states that it funds research across diseases to accelerate treatments and cures and apply results and knowledge from one disease to achieve progress in other diseases. MDA reports that through its 150 MDA-supported, hospital-affiliated care centers and its field offices, the organization offers medical services, education, and support to patients and their families.

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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 Child Education Coalition
• National Hemophilia Foundation
• Pure Water for the World

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

Back in early February 2020, when the coronavirus crisis was impacting China, we posted a blog identifying about ten BBB Accredited Charities that were active in helping out China with medical supplies and other needs. Now, a little over a month later, the virus has expanded around the world to become a pandemic. Today we gathered a list of over fifty (50) nationally-soliciting charities that are BBB Accredited (i.e., meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that are addressing some aspect of the coronavirus crisis or are significantly impacted by it. The range of activities is wide. Some are helping vulnerable populations due to age or contributing health concerns, while others may be advocating to help protect children and/or adults. Charities listed may be addressing U.S. communities or people in other countries. Even animal shelters face challenges due availability of staff.  

While our list below includes nationally-soliciting charities that are BBB Accredited, keep in mind that many BBB Accredited regionally-soliciting charities are also addressing coronavirus-related challenges and need your support as well. Visit the charity report search engine at Give.org or BBB.org to access reports on these regional groups.

We will add more to the list below as we become aware of additional BBB Accredited national charities helping out coronavirus concerns.   

AARP Foundation
ACLU Foundation
Action Against Hunger
Alight
American Cancer Society
American Friends Service Committee
American Heart Association
American Jewish World Service
American Kidney Fund
American Lung Association
American Red Cross
Anera
amfAR
ASPCA
Autism Society of America
Brother’s Brother Foundation
Catholic Medical Mission Board
Catholic Relief Services
ChildFund International
Children, Incorporated
Children’s Defense Fund
Church World Service
Community Health Charities
Concern Worldwide US
Covenant House
Direct Relief
Disabled American Veterans
Embrace Relief
Entertainment Industry Foundation
Every Mother Counts
Feed the Children
Feeding America
Field Ready
First Book
Food for the Hungry
Food for the Poor
Food and Water Watch
GlobalGiving
Global Impact
Good+Foundation
Good Sports
Grassroots International
Hadassah
Heart to Heart International
Heifer International
Humane Society of the United States
Innovations for Poverty Action
Interfaith Social Services
International Fund for Animal Welfare
International Medical Corps
Islamic Relief
JDRF International
Living Water International
Lutheran World Relief
MAP International
Medical Teams International
Mercy Corps
National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul
National Jewish Health
National Kidney Foundation
Oxfam America
Partnership With Native Americans
Pearl S.Buck International
Plan International
Project Concern International
Project HOPE
Remote Area Medical
Save the Children
Share Our Strength
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
TechnoServe
United Palestinian Appeal
United Way Worldwide
USA for UNHCR
World Food Program USA
World Hope International
World Pediatric Project
World Relief
World Vision
Young Life

Canadian-based charities:  If you are considering donating to a Canadian-based charity, there is a list of Registered Charities provided by the Government of Canada, which can be found here. While the registration with this government agency does not mean the government is recommending or endorsing the charity, it does signify that the group has filed the appropriate paperwork with this agency.