Nov 08, 2023
Many donors will choose to honor Veterans Day (Remembrance Day in Canada) by making contributions to charities that help veterans, military service members, and/or their families. To help donors make wise giving decisions about charities that address this community, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips.
Some veterans charities include the same words in different order or slightly different form. So, be alert and make sure the organization you are considering is the one you want to support.
Don’t assume what the veterans organization does based on their name alone. Look for a clear description of the organization’s programs in its appeals and on its website.
If not managed properly, some telemarketing campaigns for veterans organizations can be an expensive means of raising funds, especially if the charity is making “cold calls” to people who have not donated previously. Don’t be pressured to make an immediate gift, accountable charities will welcome your donation whenever you want to send it.
Find out how the charity benefits from the collection and resale of used clothing, cars, and other in-kind donations. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price of the item or may have a contractual arrangement with a third-party to get a flat fee for each sale.
In addition to charity reports on BBB’s Give.org, check with your state government’s charity registration agency, usually a division of either the Attorney General’s office or Secretary of State’s office. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.
For more giving advice and to access a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meets all 20 BBB Charity Standards) that address veterans and military service issues, see the following link.
This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a discussion with Tonyel Edwards, Partner, The Bridgespan Group and Aria Florant Co-Founder & CEO, Liberation Ventures.
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:
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.
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BBB Wise Giving Alliance provides charity reports, which help donors review charities and find a trustworthy charity to support. We also conduct charity assessments to help charities improve their practices and demonstrate trust.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance provides charity reports, which help donors review charities and find a trustworthy charity to support. We also conduct charity assessments to help charities improve their practices and demonstrate trust.
