At various times during the year, schools may reach out to parents to help raise money for class projects, trips, school sports team uniforms and other activities not covered by existing school funding. These efforts can range anywhere from selling things (chocolate, gift wrapping, candy, etc.) to holding contests / charity events.  While most of these efforts are legitimately seeking donations for real needs, potential individual contributors and small businesses need to watch out for questionable efforts seeking to take advantage of public generosity to help children in the community.

In metropolitan areas, donors may want to be cautious about children with boxes of candy who may approach individuals on public transportation or on the sidewalk claiming to be raising funds for sports team uniforms. Red flags to look for are no parental or adult supervision, no specific school or team is named and the children don't have details when asked.

In a more modern twist on this suspicious approach, children may offer discount cards for pizza or other popular food instead of candy, when in fact no arrangements have been made and the cards have no value.

So what steps can a sympathetic potential donor take to avoid being taken? Here are some suggestions:

1. Ask for more details from the adult supervisor. If there is no adult present, that is suspicious.

2. What specific school or team is being assisted through this fundraising? If interested, you can contact them directly to verify the need and make a donation on your own, without making a purchase.

3. If a discount card is being offered for something like pizza, contact the company to see if they are aware of the offer.

4. Ask them if they have an online giving alternative. There are a number of online giving platforms (such as DonorsChoose.org) that help raise money for classroom projects. A school or teacher may consider posting a request on such sites to raise money for specific activities or needs. As always, we encourage contributors to visit Give.org to see if a charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. 

5. And, in cases where you suspect children performing such fundraising are at risk, contact local law enforcement to share your concerns.

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Pamela Landwirth, President, Give Kids the World (a BBB Accredited Charity) that manages an 84-acre resort in Central Florida that coordinates wish vacation packages for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families by providing resort accommodations and food service at GKTW Village and arranging the donation of theme park tickets and local transportation from supporting businesses.

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:

• JustWorld International
• Ms. Foundation for Women
• Network for Good

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