Donating in Summer  

As we approach the first day of summer later this month, BBB Wise Giving Alliance encourages donors to consider the following tips and options to help them make wise giving decisions.

Concerts that Contribute

As in-person fundraising events return to pre-pandemic levels, people will be invited to various summer concert events with claims that ticket purchases will benefit a specified organization.  If so, see if the promotion discloses what amount of the purchase will help the charity. Don’t assume the entire ticket price will go to the group. Take the time to check out the charity to verify if it meets the BBB Charity Standards.

Face-to-Face Fundraising

For many metropolitan areas, summer months also involve in-person appeals made by young solicitors with electronic pads. Look to see if the solicitor is wearing clothing with the charity’s logo, has an ID card, and don’t be shy to say no if not interested. Some of these giving requests involve monthly commitments, where your credit card might be automatically charged each month. 

Furniture, Frocks, or Footwear 

There is still a chance to finish your spring cleaning so you can donate unwanted clothing, furniture, or other used items to charities of your choice. Don’t assume used goods are distributed to the needy. Ask how these gifts will be used. If sold in charity thrift stores, how much of the sale benefits the cause?  If a clothing collection bin appears in your supermarket’s parking lot, don’t assume the store has vetted the subject organization. Research the charity online by visiting BBB.org and Give.org. 

Walks and Runs for Charity

During the summer months, we will also see charity walks, runs and other athletic events. Be sure to look for costs associated with participation, the activities to be supported, the amount, if any, the organization expects you to raise, or other applicable rules involved with the event.

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Heart of Giving Podcast

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features an interview with Stacy Palmer. Ms. Palmer is CEO and Editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a publication she helped found in 1988 which now functions as an independent nonprofit organization. For nearly 35 years, The Chronicle of Philanthropy has remained a leading voice on news related to the nonprofit sector.

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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:

• Mountaineer Food Bank
• Global Christian Relief
• NAEIR National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources

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.