If there has ever been a year when charitable need was at its highest, 2020 surely rises to the top. We also are aware that as we celebrate Thanksgiving, the heart of the holiday giving season has arrived. GivingTuesday takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. This donation promotion was started by the New York-based 92Y in 2012 (but is now a separate charitable organization) that evolved into a “global generosity movement.”  Giving Tuesday reports it has cumulatively helped raise billions of dollars for online charitable giving worldwide in more than 60 countries.

If you participate on GivingTuesday on December 1st, BBB Wise Giving Alliance urges donors to check our charities on its Give.org website to ensure that contributions are going to trustworthy organizations. Our detailed, standards-based charity evaluations provide donors with information to help them make wiser giving decisions.

BBB WGA is sharing five tips to help donors give wisely and make the most of their generosity this holiday season. 

1. Watch out for mistaken identity. When charities seek support for the same cause, their names are often similar. Before you give, be sure you have the exact name of the charity to avoid a case of mistaken identity.
2. Avoid on-the-spot donation decisions from unfamiliar organizations. Typically, the holidays bring a higher frequency of donation requests. Don’t succumb to pressure to make an immediate giving decision. Responsible organizations will welcome your gift tomorrow as much as they do today.
3. Be wary of overly emotional appeals. If an appeal brings tears to your eyes, make sure it is also clear about the charity intends to do to address the issues. Always research to verify that your selected charity operates ethically.
4. Be cautious about charities that don’t disclose. Although charity participation in BBB reporting is voluntary, charities that don’t disclose any of the requested information to BBB WGA raise a critical red flag for donors. Visit Give.org to find out if your selected charity is nondisclosure.
5. Rely on standards-based evaluations. Charities that are found to meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability are helping to demonstrate their trustworthiness. Get free access to charity reports at 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 featuring Linda Webb, Executive Director, Ally’s House (a BBB Accredited Charity) that provides financial assistance to the families of Oklahoma pediatric cancer patients. The financial assistance covers expenses such as medical costs, housing, transportation to and from treatment, and household utilities.  It also sponsors a summer camp for patients between the ages of 9-17. 

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H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance