I often point out that the BBB Wise Giving Alliance is a standards-based charity evaluator that seeks to verify the trustworthiness of charities by completing rigorous evaluations based on 20 holistic standards. How do we define trust?  These are the areas addressed by the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability such as charity governance, effectiveness reporting, finances, fundraising, and appeal accuracy.

The concept of trust points to expected future behaviors based on past experience. In turn, the evaluations competed by BBB WGA are looking back at what the charity has done in the previous year in terms of the various issues addressed by our standards. 

Reliability is another component of trust that provides confidence that the charity will do what it says. There is an honesty component of this behavior verification that, in part, is addressed by the BBB Charity Standards that addresses appeal accuracy. Reliability is also enhanced by proper oversight such as the stewardship exercised by an active and engaged governing board that is focused on the best interests of the charity. 

In a way, trust provides the platform that helps fuel contributions and provides the charity with an opportunity to forge relationships with donors that extend beyond just financial support.

On a separate note, as part of our Building Trust Video Series we are pleased to provide a video that features Barbara Newhouse, President and CEO, ALS Association (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to address amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships. 

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:  

• Limbs for Life Foundation
• Support for Educational and Economic Development
• VH1 Save the Music Foundation  

Finally, remember to let us know by going to https://give.org/ask-us-about-a-charity1/ 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