As 2021 is now in its third week, many of us continue to work towards making new plans and resolutions into a reality. Regarding contributions, this past year has presented challenges and concerns that continue to overlap into our giving choices.  To help address this, we offer the following considerations:

Pandemic Pressures
As the U.S. has reached over 400,000 deaths from Covid-19 and 24 million cases, the pandemic continues to receive our attention. As a result, we need to remember charities, such as food banks, that are responding to the needs of families that struggle due to unemployment or other financial pressures. For the immediate future, these organizations will need our continued support.

Other Charities Need Help
While it may be difficult to imagine a time when the pandemic will be behind us, that should not distract us from helping other charities that are not directly addressing pandemic-related issues. These charities need our support throughout the year as well. Take the time to plan out your giving so that your household does not inadvertently neglect your favorite causes.

Making Choices
Whether you plan on spreading out your generosity to assist a variety of charities addressing different issues, or develop a more focused giving approach, please take time to ensure that the charities you choose are trustworthy and meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Visit our charity reports at Give.org.

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Rev. Steven E. Boes, President & National Executive Director, Boys Town (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks “to change the way America cares for children, families and communities by providing and promoting an Integrated Continuum of Care® that instills Boys Town values to strengthen body, mind and spirit.” Boys Town programs range from preventative services in the home to restrictive out-of-home placements for children with severe behavioral and mental health disorders. In between this range are school educational programs, in-home family counseling services, traditional and treatment foster care, short- and long-term family style residential programs and specialized group homes.

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:

• ICNA Relief USA
• Parkinson’s Foundation
• Relief 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.

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