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As we reflect on Earth Day, we’re reminded of the essential role that environmental charities play — and how important it is to give wisely.

The Legacy of Earth Day and the Rise of Environmental Giving

The first Earth Day took place fifty-five years ago, on April 22, 1970, the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson, former US Senator and Governor of Wisconsin. Nelson was motivated by his 1969 visit to the site of major oil in Santa Barbara, California, the largest in the US at that time. Originally conceived as a day for teachers to have a conversation with students about the environment, Earth Day is considered influential in creating the Environmental Protection Agency as well as legislation such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

On this 55^th Anniversary of Earth Day we are reminded of the important part environmental charities play in addressing a host of issues, from natural resource conservation and climate change to environmental education and wildlife protection. According to Giving USA’s 2023 Annual Report on Philanthropy, $21.20 billion of total US donations went to environmental and animal groups in 2023, which was an 8.2% increase from 2022.

Tips for Evaluating Environmental Charities Before You Give

Before making a donation this Earth Day, take a moment to vet environmental charities using these wise giving tips:

• Decide What Type of Environmental Charity to Support: Environmental organizations vary widely in focus — from climate advocacy and conservation to wildlife protection, environmental justice, and education. Think about which area aligns most with your values, and learn more about these categories on our Environmental Charities Cause page.
• Learn About the Charity’s Work: Before giving, take time to explore a charity’s annual reports, website, and recent initiatives. Look for specific examples of their work and achievements. You can also find an objective description of each charity’s mission and programs on their Give.org report.
• Verify the Charity’s Trustworthiness: Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. These standards assess transparency, governance, and financial responsibility — giving you added confidence in your choice.

Trusted Environmental Charities to Support for Earth Day and Beyond

The following national charities have been evaluated and meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability — giving you added confidence as you choose where to give. Click any of the charity names below to view its BBB Accredited Charity Report.

 

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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:

• KultureCity
• National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund
• That Others May Live Foundation

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.

Older and younger Americans differ on their method of philanthropic engagement. A 2024 Bank of America Private Bank Study of Wealthy Americans produced in conjunction with marketing firm Escalent, highlights findings from a survey of over 1,000 respondents with over $3 million of investable assets. The survey respondents were broken down into two age categories: children (ages 21-43) and parents (ages 44+). One key takeaway was that, regardless of age category, 68% of respondents were focused on long-term impact.

Our own Donor Trust Special Report: Public Eye on Charity Accountability surveyed more than 2,100 adults in the United States.  Respondents attributed relatively high importance to a charity’s long-term results as compared to immediate results.  Long-term results were deemed highly important (9 or 10 on a 10-point scale) by 46% of respondents overall and ranged from 37% of Gen Z respondents to 48% of Boomers.

Of the five generations surveyed (Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, Boomers, and Matures), Millennial (76%) and Gen Z (76%) participants were most confident, saying they knew the meaning of charity impact. We also found that wealthier participants were more likely to report knowing the meaning of charity impact. 77% of those making $200K or more per year believed they knew what charity impact was but only 65% of those making under $70K felt the same.  However, younger participants and wealthier participants were also more divided when asked to choose among the following definitions of charity impact: overall change in outcome brought by the charity’s programs, achievement numbers, quality of programs, reaching defined goals, and efficient spending.

Regardless of age, wealth or other demographic group, we encourage donors to think about charity impact when giving. Browse charity websites, read annual reports, and examine fundraising materials to look for specifics about what the organization is accomplishing year over year to make better giving choices. While there isn’t one best way to define charity impact, quality information on programs, achievements, goals, and spending are all important factors, all of which are addressed by our standards. And we’re here to answer questions. As always, visit Give.org and look for BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., those that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) before you give.

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Heart of Giving – Passing the Torch – Leadership Change at BBB Wise Giving Alliance

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a unique episode. Roles are reversed as our new President and CEO, Bennett Weiner, interviews the organization’s former leader, Art Taylor, who now serves as President & CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

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Recent Reports

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

• Friends of Animals
• Locks of Love
• Prison Fellowship International

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.

Homelessness in the United States has reached record levels, and while the causes are complex, donors can still make a real difference by giving wisely.

Understanding the Rise in Homelessness

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2024 Annual Homelessness Report to Congress, 23 of every 10,000 people in the United States experienced at least one night in a shelter, transitional housing program, unsheltered location, or safe haven in 2024. The report lists the lack of affordable housing, high inflation, and stagnant wages as contributing factors. These 771,480 people represent the highest total ever recorded. Natural disasters, public health issues, the reduction in the number of homelessness prevention programs during COVID-19, and the end of expanded child tax credit have all exacerbated the problem. 

Who Is Most Affected by Homelessness Today?

The report also specifies that record homelessness occurred among the chronic homeless and unaccompanied youth. There have been dramatic increases in homelessness among those in families with children, up 39% between 2023 and 2024. People identifying as Black, African American, or African represented 32% of the homeless but only 12% of the total population. Older Americans were also hit hard too, with over 104,000 of those between 55-64 experiencing homelessness in 2024 and 42,150 over 64.

How Donors Can Support the Unhoused Wisely

With so many contributing factors, it’s hard to imagine ever being able to completely “solve” homelessness or help all of the unhoused. But there are thousands of organizations, national, regional, and local, that will continue to “fight the good fight” and provide shelter and improved living situations for those with no roof over their head. Hopefully, we’ll always have donors willing to help. Below are a few ideas to consider when giving to those helping the unhoused:

• Support National Charities with Broad Reach: While most major areas have a number of independent homeless shelters, there are also national charities that address homeless needs. For example, The Salvation Army offers shelter and basic necessities to the homeless, the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul works to prevent homelessness and assist with rental payments, American Red Cross helps people left homeless due to fires and disasters, and Habitat for Humanity helps provide affordable housing to families in need. To learn more about homeless programs in your community, contact the local and/or regional affiliates of these charities.
• Engage with Local Homeless Shelters: Reach out to your local homeless shelters to find out their specific needs to avoid duplication of efforts. Many shelters may need cash more than volunteers or in-kind goods.
• Ask Around and Tap Community Knowledge: Ask around. Friends and neighbors can be good resources to find out which local groups are especially helpful.
• Give to Trustworthy Charities: Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). If a BBB charity report is not available on a shelter, review the organization’s website for additional details about its services, needs, and achievements.

Heart of Giving Podcast – David Rhode on Building Effective Nonprofit Leadership

This week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, David Rhode, author of “Passion Isn’t Enough,” shares practical insights from his journey from founding Pitchin’ for Baseball and Softball to consulting with nonprofit leaders.

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:

• Prison Fellowship Ministries
  
• Waterkeeper Alliance
• Surfrider Foundation

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.

Spring is here—and with it comes the urge to declutter. Learn to turn your spring cleaning into meaningful giving.

Why Spring Is a Great Time to Give

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the first day of spring was March 20th.  As we seek courage to clean our closets and consider making in-kind donations to charities of the things we don’t use or no longer fit, consider these tips to help avoid being disappointed in how these contributions are used.

Tips for Smarter Spring Donations

• Donate or discard? Don’t assume that charities will accept all second-hand items. Usually, they are looking for items in “good” condition. Ripped sweatshirts or torn pants will likely be rejected. If uncertain about what the charity will accept, contact them before making the gift.
• Should you use collection bins? Most metropolitan areas have a variety of collection bins scattered throughout the community that welcome donated clothing. Don’t assume all of them are connected to charity. Be wary of names you don’t know or are similar to ones you do. In some cases, a bin may belong to a for-profit company. Take the time to check out the charity name that appears on the bin with Give.org or BBB.org to verify if they meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
• How will donated items be used? Don’t assume all donated used goods are distributed to the needy. Sometimes they end up in a charity thrift store to generate revenue for the organization. Or some may sell items to a third party to be converted into rag bond paper. Visit the charity’s website to find out how they intend to use donated clothing.
• What about collection trucks? Another possibility is that a charity may contact you by phone, email, or a flyer notice, and ask that you set out goods for collection on a specified date. If so, contact the charity to find out how they will benefit. In some instances, a third-party picks up the donated goods and the identified charity only gets a flat fee for each pick-up no matter what is included.
• How much is deductible? Some donors mistakenly believe the charity will assign values to the goods you donate. Actually, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are properly valuing these gifts. One potential reference is to visit a charity thrift store to identify the typical prices of similar items. For any non-cash contributions totaling over $500, you will need to complete and attach IRS Form 8283 to your next tax return. For more deductibility information, consult an accountant and/or go to:  IRS Publication 526: Charitable Contributions.

Heart of Giving Podcast – Dan Porterfield, Robert Diggs & Markera Jones on Redefining Talent in Higher Education (Part 2)

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Part 2 of a program that continues a conversation with Aspen Institute CEO and Former Franklin & Marshall College President – Dan Porterfield. He is joined by F&M alums Robert Diggs and Markera Jones, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist. They discuss the transformative power of higher education. 

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:

• Every Child Ministries
  
• World Neighbors
• Morris Animal Foundation

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.

Recent federal cuts in funding to key food assistance programs are putting added pressure on food banks already navigating inflation, fundraising challenges, and increased demand.

Why Food Banks Are Under Pressure Right Now

Food banks across the country are scrambling as $1 billion in federal funding has been either cut or canceled. USDA canceled funding to the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, which supplies about $500 million per year to food banks, schools, and organizations in underserved communities. Additionally, USDA has paused another $500 million in funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) while under review.  These cuts, whether permanent or temporary, add another layer of stress to food banks already taxed by high inflation and low fundraising income. Many food banks are expecting to be able to offer less produce, meat, cheese, milk, and other staples.

While the extent of any funding starts, stops or cuts is hard to predict, charities need consistent funding to do their work. Cuts or even supply chain disruption to these charities jeopardizes deliveries of hundreds of thousands of pounds of food, affecting those reliant on the food from the pantries but also the local farmers who rely on the income.

How You Can Help Food Banks Meet Rising Needs

According to a 2023 Feeding America study, one in every six Americans was helped by food banks, a 38% increase from 2021. With so much uncertainly, charities and donors are needed to help fill in shortages. Here are some ways you can help:

• Visit Feeding America (a BBB Accredited Charity) to help locate a food bank near you.
• Before you give to a food pantry, reach out to find out what they need. While in-kind gifts may be appreciated, with funding cuts, many organizations also will need cash donations for food procurement or to “keep the lights on.”
• Check out charity reports on Give.org to see if your area food bank meets our 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

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Heart of Giving Podcast: Dan Porterfield & Robert Diggs on Redefining Talent in Higher Education

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Part 1 of a program that includes Aspen Institute CEO and Former Franklin & Marshall College President – Dan Porterfield. He discusses his book “Mindset Matters” which explores how colleges can nurture talent in students from all backgrounds. He is joined by F&M alum Robert Diggs discussing the transformative power of higher education. 

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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:

• Parkinson’s Foundation
• Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
• Real Life Center

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.

In the wake of last week’s devastating storms, many communities are facing immense challenges. If you’re looking to help, here are some tips to make sure your donations make a difference.

The Impact of the Storms

Late last week and into the weekend, a deadly storm struck at least seven states including Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, and Mississippi, leaving a trail of destruction and over 40 deaths. The system caused wildfires, dust storms and violent tornadoes, including several categorized in EF4 range with winds at 170 miles per hour or more in the towns of Larkin and Diaz, Arkansas and near Tylertown, Mississippi. Destruction of homes and property as well as the loss of life were accompanied by power outages estimated in the hundreds of thousands in the region.

Wise Giving Tips for Disaster Relief Donations

If you would like to help, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to help ensure your donations are assisting those impacted by the storms:

1. 1. Find out what needs the charity is addressing. In the case of large-scale property destruction, many communities will need shelter and clean up, so review the charity’s website to identify what activities they carry out.
2. 2. Remember sustained giving. Too often, people donate to charities in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster. However, sustained support is often just as important. Rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight. You can learn more about the different phases of disaster relief here. 
3. 3. Be cautious about in-kind gifts. Donations of food or clothing are well-meaning, but if you intend to give in-kind donations, look for organizations with the ability to distribute them. Reach out to charities and ask if they can accept your gift and if they have transportation and access to the affected areas.
4. 4. Verify the trustworthiness of charities. We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.). Visit Give.org to search for trustworthy charities, review their reports and for more giving tips.

Trusted Charities Providing Storm Relief

The following BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet 20 BBB Charity Standards) are engaged in relief activities for the recent storms:

• American Red Cross
• Heart to Heart International
• Matthew 25: Ministries
• Salvation Army (National Corporation)

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Heart of Giving Podcast: Ben Erwin on Moving Beyond Traditional Fundraising

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Ben Erwin, CEO of Charity Buzz. Ben reveals how his organization has transformed fundraising by creating a marketplace for unique experiences that benefits charities of all sizes.

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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:

• Life Navigators
• National Forest Foundation
• Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

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.

Government Funding Cutbacks Impact on Charities

As has been widely reported, there have been significant cutbacks on funding from federal government agencies. These cuts affect a variety of charitable organizations. In the case of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), nearly all funds are frozen. For the National Institutes of Health (NIH), indirect costs of NIH grants, which covers expenses associated with facilities and administration, are now capped at 15%. For the U.S. Department of Education, announced cuts include the cancellation of some grants. As charities face sudden losses, concerned donors might consider donating to these charities at this difficult time. To assist, BBB Wise Giving Alliance has produced a list of BBB Accredited Charities that receive government funding. See below.

BBB Accredited Charities That Receive Government Funding

The following BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) are nationally soliciting organizations that receive some government funding or contract revenue based on the most recent financial statements provided to BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

This list will be updated as additional groups come to our attention. Please note that for each of the groups on this list, the government support/contract revenue ranges anywhere from 1% to 86% of the organization’s total revenue. In some cases, support may also include in-kind donations from government, such as food supplies. As these cuts do not equally impact charities, BBB WGA encourages potential donors to also visit the charity’s website to learn more about their current financial circumstances. (Updated 3/24/25)

Charity Name	BBB Accredited Charity Report
Alight	See Report
American Cancer Society	See Report
American Friends Service Committee	See Report
American Red Cross	See Report
Americares	See Report
amfAR / Foundation for AIDS Research	See Report
Armed Services YMCA of the USA	See Report
Catholic Relief Services	See Report
Christian Relief Services Charities	See Report
Church World Service	See Report
Civil Air Patrol	See Report
Concern Worldwide US	See Report
Corus International	See Report
CURE International	See Report
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption	See Report
DonorsChoose.org	See Report
Earthwatch Institute	See Report
Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation	See Report
Environmental Defense Fund	See Report
Feeding America	See Report
First Nations Development Institute	See Report
Fos Feminista	See Report
Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs	See Report
Guttmacher Institute	See Report
Habitat for Humanity International	See Report
Heart to Heart International	See Report
Heifer Project International	See Report
Helen Keller Intl	See Report
Humanity & Inclusion	See Report
ICNA Relief USA	See Report
International Institute for Rural Reconstruction	See Report
International Social Service – USA Branch	See Report
Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife, Research, Education and Conservation	See Report
Love146	See Report
March of Dimes	See Report
Marfan Foundation	See Report
Meals on Wheels America	See Report
Medical Teams International	See Report
Mercy Corps	See Report
MiracleFeet	See Report
Mothers Against Drunk Driving	See Report
Muscular Dystrophy Association	See Report
NAMI	See Report
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children	See Report
National Council on Aging	See Report
National Forest Foundation	See Report
National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts	See Report
National Kidney Foundation	See Report
National Network to End Domestic Violence	See Report
National Urban League	See Report
National Wildlife Federation	See Report
Nature Conservancy	See Report
Opportunity International	See Report
Pacific Crest Trail Association	See Report
Pan African Sanctuary Alliance	See Report
Plan International USA	See Report
Prevent Blindness	See Report
Project HOPE – The People-to-People Health Foundation	See Report
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network /RAINN	See Report
Salvation Army – Southern Territory	See Report
Save the Children	See Report
Sharsheret	See Report
Student Conservation Association	See Report
TechnoServe	See Report
Trickle Up Program	See Report
Trout Unlimited	See Report
World Relief	See Report
World Wildlife Fund	See Report
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation	See Report

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Heart of Giving Podcast: Christa Stelzmuller on How Technology Connects Donors to Water Projects

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a discussion with Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer, charity:water (a BBB Accredited Charity) which works to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. Christa describes how innovative technology is transforming both global water access and donor engagement.

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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:

• Meals on Wheels America
• National Foundation for Cancer Research
• NeedyMeds

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.

International Women’s Day is a time to recognize the achievements of women worldwide—including their growing leadership and influence in philanthropy.

International Women’s Day

Saturday, March 8th, is International Women’s Day, “global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.”  It has been observed since the early 1900s and has grown in popularity over the years due to increased public attention about women’s equality issues.  

Women’s Leadership in Philanthropy 

Women have a significant role in philanthropy.  In December 2024, the Women’s Philanthropy Institute of the Lilly Family School for Philanthropy, released a report “20 Years of Gender and Giving Trends.” As noted in this publication, “Trust has emerged as a critical factor influencing giving behaviors, especially among younger donors.  Women are more likely than men to factor trust and transparency into their giving decisions. They are also more likely to give to local or grassroots organizations where they can see the direct impact of their contributions.”  One of the key findings in their research was that “While the ‘declining donors’ phenomenon is true for both men and women from 2000-2020, the decline started later and was less pronounced for single women, compared to single men.” Further, “While the average amount given by donor households has been relatively steady over 2000-2020, single women’s giving increased overall and to secular causes during the COVID-19 period, compared to single men.”

So, in a number of ways, women can lead the way to greater giving. Our own 2019 Donor Trust Report found that women are more likely than men to rate the importance of trust before giving as essential (with 72% of women as compared to 67% of men).

One way to honor International Women’s Day is to support BBB Accredited Charities, which have been verified to meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability on Give.org.

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Heart of Giving Podcast: Kate Schecter on the Power of Local: World Neighbors Sustainable Development Model

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Kate Schecter, Ph.D., President & CEO, World Neighbors (a BBB Accredited Charity), which works in 14 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The organization focuses on training and educating communities to find lasting solutions to the issues of hunger, poverty, and disease through programs that contribute to improving the social, economic, and physical resources available to and controlled by the community. 

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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:

• International Animal Rescue, US
• National Urban League
• National Breast Cancer Foundation

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.