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Volunteering is a powerful way to give back, and sometimes, the simplest acts—like mowing a neighbor’s lawn—can make a big impact. This week, we highlight one example and share tips on how you can find meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Acts of Kindness: Finding Creative Ways to Help People

Creative acts of kindness will not only warm your heart but bring a smile to your face. In the case of a New Jersey-based charity, the kind act involves mowing your neighbor’s lawn. According to their website, I Want to Mow Your Lawn, Inc. began in 2020 at the height of COVID. Through the use of volunteers, it provides lawn care services, yardwork, leaf cleanup, and snow removal for the elderly, veterans, people with disabilities, and others who are unable to care for their own properties. The site says they strive to “preserve the dignity and independence” of these individuals in need while also building community. They report to use a diverse group of volunteers such as college students, individuals between jobs, recent retirees, landscape contractors, and donating companies. In view of this, it’s no surprise that this “grassroots” movement has received lots of attention. The organization states that Brian Schwartz, the founder, has received media coverage that has ranged from The Drew Barrymore Show and USA Today to CBS, Fox, and ABC TV stations across the country. I Want to Mow Your Lawn is a relatively small charity, the IRS website shows they filed an IRS Form 990-N for 2023 which reflects gross receipts of less than $50,000. 

Finding Other Meaningful Ways to Volunteer Your Time 

This charity also brings to mind the many opportunities that exist for donors that wish to donate their time or goods to charities. Here are some examples of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., groups that meet the 20 BBB Charity Standards).

Building playgrounds: KABOOM! (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Helping to build homes: Habitat for Humanity International (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Reading to kids: Read to Them (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Donating hair for children with hair loss: Locks of Love (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Fostering puppies that will be trained to assist people with disabilities: Paws With A Cause (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Nature cleanups in Hawaii: 808 Cleanups (a BBB Accredited Charity)

Tips for Choosing the Right Volunteer Opportunity

BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips for volunteers to consider.

• Provide Passion. Choose a cause you care about. That will help provide incentive and motivate you to follow through.

• Test the Waters. You can try it out for just a couple hours per month or an hour a week. This trial period should be something that can be easily managed. This will help you determine if this volunteer activity is the right fit before you devote more of your time.

• Use Your Expertise. If you come from a profession that provides special skills such as construction, accounting, office work, or health care, find a charity that can best use those abilities to help those in need. Don’t assume that volunteering is just about lading soup at the homeless shelter.

• Consider Your Commitment. Some volunteer opportunities are not a one and done activity, and may involve a commitment to help over a period of time.

• Look Before You Leap. Remember to check out the charity before you help. Visit Give.org to see if they meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. You may also want to see if the charity is registered with the appropriate state government agency in your state (usually a division of the Attorney General’s office or the Secretary of State). About 40 of the 50 states have such a requirement. You also can verify an organization’s charitable tax exempt status at this IRS link. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Heart of Giving Podcast – Mark Falzone on Creating Beautiful Communities

This week’s Heart of Giving podcast features a discussion with Mark Falzone, President & CEO, Scenic America (a BBB Accredited Charity) which serves as a national advocacy organization promoting scenic byways. The organization believes that all communities possess scenic assets and works to preserve the scenic character of America.

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:

• Association on American Indian Affairs
• The DigDeep Right to Water Project
• Green Beret 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.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance and state regulators both aim to help the public make informed giving decisions but use different tools to achieve this goal.

Legal Requirements vs. Voluntary Standards

As a standards-based charity evaluator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance shares some common interests with federal and state government regulators of charities. We are all seeking to help the donating public make wise giving decisions but use different tools to accomplish that objective. There is a significant distinction between legal requirements and voluntary standards (e.g., the BBB Charity Standards). One complies with regulations because the law requires it, but one meets a standard if one chooses to follow it.

Government agencies also can require charities to submit requested materials through annual charity registration, and, if needed, subpoenas for additional information to complete their analysis and/or investigations. In contrast, BBB WGA relies on charities to voluntarily furnish requested information and complete an extensive online questionnaire so that trained and experienced BBB WGA analysts can assess if a charity meets the BBB charity standards and prepare a resulting report after corresponding with the subject charity. In addition, BBB Charity Standards address issues that go beyond what the law requires of charities.  

Updated Government Settlements Agreements and Actions Against Charities 

BBB Wise Giving Alliance updated the section of the Give.org website which includes a summary of Government Settlement Agreements and Actions Against Charities.  This updated page covers final actions on charity cases during 2023 and 2024 that were undertaken by state government authorities. The cases described are based on information from the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) which is an association of state offices (attorneys general, secretaries of state and others) charged with the regulation and oversight of charities. Other final actions of interest that come to our attention may also be added to this section.

We encourage the contributing public to seek the information they need to make the best possible contribution choice. We hope the referenced summary of state government settlements will be helpful but also urge donors remember the concerns described in these summaries are exceptions and do not reflect the behavior of the overall charitable sector.  

Heart of Giving: Teresa Tyson, M.D. Discusses Healthcare on Wheels in Appalachia 

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a discussion with Teresa Tyson, M.D., President & CEO, St. Mary’s Health Wagon (a BBB Accredited Charity) that has a nurse-managed health clinic consisting of stationary and four mobile clinics, free of charge to patients. It provides primary and specialty health care services to the medically underserved people in the impoverished mountains of Central Appalachia.

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:

• Anchorage Museum Association
• Warrior Bonfire Project
• Urban Sustainability Directors Network

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.

As Valentine’s Day approaches on Friday, February 14th, and with February being Heart Awareness Month, consider supporting charities that focus on heart health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for roughly one in every five deaths.

• Donating your money. The following organizations are BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that address a variety of heart and health.

American Heart Association seeks to address health equity through a variety of heart-related programs, including public and professional health education and training, research, and community services. 

American Red Cross, in addition to its disaster and humanitarian services, the organization facilitates blood donations and CPR training.

Gift of Life International supports children in need of heart surgery worldwide.

National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, also known as National Hemophilia Foundation, serves people with bleeding disorders across the United States, including hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, rare factor deficiencies, and platelet disorders.

• Donating your time. There are other ways to help besides making a monetary donation, heart-related groups may seek volunteers to help them carry out their work. Visit the organization’s website and reach out to find volunteer opportunities. You might also consider lending a hand to caregivers who are providing daily assistance to loved ones suffering from heart-related ailments.

• Saving a life with CPR training. Learning CPR can significantly increase a person’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest. Both the American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer training.

• Helping your own heart. Learn more about heart-healthy diet options and how exercise and weight management can lead to a healthier heart.

Heart of Giving Podcast – Helping Transplant Families

This week’s Hert of Giving Podcast features a conversation with Rick Lofgren, CEO, COTA (Children’s Organ Transplant Association) that helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support.

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:

• Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
• Rescue Me
• Tee it Up for the Troops

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.

World Cancer Day is recognized this week on February 4^th and was originally founded in 2000 at a cancer summit held in Paris. This annual observance is intended to raise awareness for the detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer. For those who seek to honor this day by contributing to one of the many cancer charities in the U.S., BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips along with a list of cancer charities that meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

Tips for Supporting Cancer Charities with Confidence

With many charities dedicated to fighting cancer, take a moment to ensure your donation goes to a trustworthy organization that aligns with your giving goals.

• Find out what they do. Review the appeal and website of the cancer organization for information about their activities. Are they engaged in medical research, treatment assistance, and/or prevention education?  Don’t assume what they do based solely on their name.
• Look for transparency in cause-related marketing. If the organization is engaged in a promotion that announces the purchase of a consumer product or service will benefit the charity, look for a disclosure that identifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will go to the group. For additional details about the disclosure required by BBB Charity Standards, see Standard 19.
• Consider more than celebrity endorsements.  Cancer is a cause of concern for many families, and sometimes famous celebrities help bring attention and encourage donations to specific organizations. While celebrities demonstrate their generosity and good work by donating their time, it is the charity itself that needs to gain your trust. BBB Wise Giving Alliance encourages donors to check out the charity before contributing.
• Sound alike cancer charity names. As there are thousands of charities that address some aspect of cancer and/or have cancer in their name, it is not surprising that some names may sound similar. Nevertheless, look at the name carefully to avoid a case of mistaken identity

We hope this advice will help donors to give with confidence while avoiding questionable efforts.

Trusted Cancer Charities 

The following cancer charities meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities). Click on the link to access their report.

American Association for Cancer Research

American Cancer Society

American Childhood Cancer Organization

American Institute for Cancer Research

Cancer Care Services

Cancer Research Institute

DetecTogether

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

National Brain Tumor Society

National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund

National Foundation for Cancer Research

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States

Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation

Prevent Cancer Foundation

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Sarcoma Foundation of America

Sharsheret

St. Baldrick’s Foundation

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Susan G. Komen

Teen Cancer America

The Pink Fund

ZERO Prostate Cancer

Heart of Giving Podcast: Lindsay Torrico Discusses Banking on Community

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a conversation with Lindsay Torrico, Senior Vice President, Bank Community Engagement, American Bankers Association and Executive Director, ABA Foundation. She discusses how  banks participate in communities and drive economic mobility.

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:

• UNFCU Foundation
• Wounded Warrior Project
• Rescue Me

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.

Although circumstances surrounding the California Wildfires have evolved, with most of the fires being contained, charitable needs still remain, making accurate donor advice as important as ever.

Sharing Information to Help Donors Give Wisely

When disaster strikes, making informed giving decisions is crucial. Social networks can play a key role in sharing information to help donors give with confidence and avoid scams or questionable solicitations.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance presents three short videos to guide you in supporting California wildfire relief with confidence. We welcome your help in sharing these videos to help educate others on these points.

1. How to Donate Wisely for Wildfire Relief
Discover key tips for ensuring your donations to wildfire relief efforts are effective and support trustworthy charities.

2. Avoiding Wildfire Donation Scams: 3 Essential Tips
Protect yourself from scams that take advantage of generosity during crises. Learn how to verify charity legitimacy before donating.

3. The Three Phases of Wildfire Disaster Relief Explained
Relief efforts don’t end when the fire is out. Learn about the immediate, recovery, and rebuilding phases to see how your contributions can make the most impact.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance recognizes Thad Halcli, a videographer who generously donated his time to help produce these three videos on wildfire relief.

More Resources on Wildfire Relief
Looking for more advice? Check out these resources:

• How to Support California Wildfire Relief
• Avoiding Scams When Donating to Wildfire Relief
• List of BBB Accredited Charities Supporting Wildfire Relief
• Supporting Disaster Relief and Preparedness.
• Donaciones Para Desastres. (Spanish)

Heart of Giving Podcast – Ana Federica Convit on Cancer Research in Venezuela 

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Ana Federica Convit, President of Jacinto Convit World Organization (a BBB Accredited Charity), which supports areas of public health, such as cancer and infectious diseases, for vulnerable patients in developing countries. The organization focuses on research and diagnostics, as well as training new professionals.

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:

• United States Association for UNHCR
• Wounded Warrior Project
• WildAid

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.

The start of a new year is the perfect time for charities to refocus on good governance, ensuring their boards of directors are prepared to guide operations with integrity and efficiency.

Key Principles of Good Governance for Charities

The beginning of the year is a time when many charities begin to implement their latest budgets and plans in terms of directions and goals. The ultimate responsibility for setting and approving the organization’s direction sets with the board of directors. In addition, a charity with a well-run board of directors will have the best chance to succeed and ensure that the organization’s operations are carried out with great integrity and efficiency.

To help ensure good governance, the first section of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability includes a number of requirements such as board oversight of operations and staff, the frequency of governing board meetings, and not having more than 10% of the board compensated directly or indirectly. Previous posts of Wise Giving Wednesday have also highlighted essential elements of responsible governance:

• Duty of loyalty – act in the nonprofit’s best interest and disclose related party transactions that could result in a potential conflict of interest
• Duty of care – be familiar with the organization’s finances and activities and regularly participate in its governance, in “good faith” 
• Duty of obedience – ensure that the organization complies with applicable laws and regulations, its mission, and its internal governance documents and policies

Additional guidance and recommendations of the BBB Charity Standards can be found in the implementation descriptions of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.  Also, a number of state government agencies that regulate charities produce helpful advisories on charity governance such as the board responsibility book, Right from the Start: Responsibilities of Directors of Not-for-Profit Corporations, produced by the Charities Bureau of the Office of the New York State Attorney General.

Heart of Giving Podcast – Scott Santarella on Battling Alpha-1

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Scott Santarella, President & CEO, Alpha-1 Foundation (a BBB Accredited Charity) which offers programs and services to people living with Alpha-1, their friends and families, Alpha-1 carriers, healthcare providers treating patients with Alpha-1, and researchers for a cure for Alpha-1. Alpah-1 is a genetic disorder that can cause liver and lung damage.

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:

• Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation
• Wild Animal Sanctuary
• Tee It Up for the Troops

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.

As Southern California wildfires devastate communities, scammers will take advantage of generosity by targeting donors with deceptive schemes. BBB Wise Giving Alliance shares tips to help you avoid scams and ensure your donations truly support those in need.

Tips to Avoid Scams When Supporting Wildfire Relief

BBB Wise Giving Alliance previously posted donation tips on California wildfire relief and provided a list of charities that meet BBB Standards and are raising funds to help. Unfortunately, potential donors also need to be careful as scammers are seeking to take advantage of American generosity for victims of this tragedy

• Beware of Celebrity Impersonations. If you receive a message claiming to be from a famous person encouraging you to donate for wildfire relief, be cautious. Visit the website of the celebrity to verify if the message is real. And, take the time to check out the recommended charity by visiting Give.org. With AI technology, celebrity impersonations are getting more sophisticated. See the following Better Business Bureau link for additional examples of this type of deception.

• Think Twice Before Clicking Links. A good rule of thumb is not to click on any suspicious links in an email or social media message even if the message appears to be individually tailored for your interest. You can be one click away from downloading a virus, even if the message is about donation options for Southern California wildfire assistance.

• Stay Alert for Phishing Attempts. If you have a known charity in mind, it is best to go directly to the charity’s website and safely contribute there. If you click on a false link claiming to direct you to a familiar charity, it could be a phishing scenario seeking to access your personal information.

• Be Cautious of Telemarketing Scams. Like any form of fundraising, telemarketing can be used in appropriate ways to help raise charity funds but can also be an instrument of deception. Don’t be pressured to make an immediate donation to a solicitor calling you to contribute to a California wildlife relief effort. Take the time to check out the charity and give with confidence at your convenience.

• Give Thoughtfully Without Fear. It would be a double tragedy if any of the above cautions were used as an excuse not to help those in need from the devastating California wildfires. Give thoughtfully by supporting relief groups after verifying their trustworthiness. See the list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that are raising funds to help with wildfire relief.

Your generosity can make a real difference for wildfire victims. Stay vigilant, verify organizations, and give with confidence by supporting trusted charities.

Other BBB Give.org Disaster Relief Resources

Looking for more advice? Visit our Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts tips page, review tips to avoid scams, and learn more about supporting disaster relief efforts.

• Tips for Donating to Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts.
• Trusted Charities Supporting Southern California Wildfire Relief
• Supporting Disaster Relief and Preparedness.
• Donaciones Para Desastres. (Spanish)
• 3 Videos to Help You Donate Wisely to California Wildfire Relief

Heart of Giving: Aidan Davis on Statement Arts’ Mission to Transform Young Lives

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Aidan Davis, Co-director of Statement Arts, (a BBB Accredited Charity) which provides arts education in a city where over 300 schools lack any arts programming.

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:

• Children’s Cancer Center
• Living Water International
• PATH

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.

As reported, strong winds fueling a fast-moving fire in Southern California has caused more than 100,000 people to evacuate their homes. For those seeking to help those in need, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to give thoughtfully.

Tips for Donating to Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts

• Make Sure the Charity Is Trustworthy: Before giving, search for the charity’s report on Give.org to find out if the charity meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). To see a list of BBB Accredited Charities supporting Southern California Wildfire Relief, click here.
• Look for Specific Fire Relief Activities in Appeals: Be wary of relief appeals that have vague program descriptions and do not explain what activities your support will assist.
• Watch Out for Click-Bait and Phishing Scams: Online giving scams tend to pop up after a disaster to take advantage of public sympathy. Don’t click on email, text, or social media links promising to connect you to a familiar charity. Instead, go directly to the charity’s website on your own. Click here to review more tips on avoiding scams when donating to Wildfire Relief Efforts.
• Review Crowdfunding Requests: Some crowdfunding sites take precautions in carefully screening, vetting, and managing postings after a disaster or tragedy. Others might not. If unsure, review the procedures described on the site and also find out about transaction fees and other specifics.
• Verify Charity Registration: About 40 of the 50 states require charities to annually register. Check with your state’s office of the attorney general or secretary of state’s office.
• Understand the Phases of Disaster Relief: Most disasters go through three periods of activity: rescue, relief, and recovery. Each phase involves different activities and support. You can familiarize yourself with each phase on our Supporting Disaster Relief and Preparedness page.

We hope this advice will help donors to give with confidence while avoiding questionable efforts.

Other BBB Give.org Disaster Relief Resources

Looking for more advice? Visit our Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts tips page, review tips to avoid scams, and learn more about supporting disaster relief efforts.

• Avoiding Scams When Donating to Wildfire Relief
• List of BBB Accredited Charities Supporting Wildfire Relief
• Supporting Disaster Relief and Preparedness.
• Donaciones Para Desastres. (Spanish)
• 3 Videos to Help You Donate Wisely to California Wildfire Relief

Heart of Giving: Ozzy Samad on Brother’s Brother Foundation’s Evolution

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Ozzy Samad, President, Brother’s Brother Foundation (a BBB Accredited Charity) that helps bridge the gap between aid and sustainability by supporting localized programs and providing essential resources in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure, disaster response, and 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:

• National Center for Healthy Housing
• Outreach International
• National Cancer 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.