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Nine years ago, GivingTuesday was started by the New York-based 92Y to foster a generosity movement on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (which falls on November 30th in 2021). The movement now operates as a separate organization, GivingTuesday, promoting the idea that everyone has something to give and encouraging people around the world to join forces.

Our recently released 2021 Give.org Donor Trust Report found that young people and minorities express a greater desire to be approached by charities than the general public, with 50.1% of African Americans and Hispanics saying they would like charities to approach them more or would be willing to give more if approached (as compared to 33.1% of survey participants overall). GivingTuesday is a great opportunity for new, young, and diverse donors to engage with charities and causes.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance encourages donors to participate in GivingTuesday, and to take the time to ensure their generosity is well used. To assist in achieving this goal, we offer the following five tips:

1. Watch out for mistaken identity. As some charity names look similar, make sure the charity you are considering is the one you have in mind.
2. Avoid on-the-spot donation decisions from unfamiliar organizations. Typically, the holidays bring a higher frequency of donation requests. Don’t succumb to pressure to make an immediate giving decision. Responsible organizations will welcome your gift tomorrow as much as they do today.
3. Be wary of overly emotional appeals. If an appeal brings tears to your eyes, make sure it is also clear about what the charity intends to do to address the issues. Visit the charities website for details about their program services.
4. See if the charity is registered to solicit. 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. Keep in mind that registration does not mean the government agency endorses, approves or recommends the charity.
5. Check BBB’s Give.org. Rely on standards-based evaluations. Charities that are found to meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability are helping to demonstrate their trustworthiness. Get free access to BBB charity reports at Give.org.

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Michael Roberts, President and CEO,  First Nations Development Institute  (a BBB Accredited Charity ) which works to improve economic conditions for Native Americans through technical assistance and training, advocacy and policy, and direct financial grants. 

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Heart of Giving Podcast

In this week's Heart of Giving Podcast, we interview music icon Roger Daltrey, founder and frontman of the English rock band, The Who. We talk about his inspiring music and his deep commitment to raising awareness about teen cancer in the U.S. through the organization that he helped establish, Teen Cancer America (a BBB Accredited Charity.) 

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:

• EOD Warrior Foundation
• MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
• New Eyes for the Needy

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