For those seeking to help the victims and families of the elementary school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, the BBB offers the following tips to consider.

Does the solicitation respect the families of victims?
As charitable organizations and/or crowdfunding posts raise funds to help, they should obtain permission from the families to use either the names of the victims and/or any photographs of them. Don’t assume there is an official connection if photos are displayed.

Is there a description of the use of donations?
Be cautious about vague appeals that don’t identify the intended use of funds. For example, is money being collected for funeral expenses or other family needs? Also, unless told otherwise, donors will assume that contributed funds quickly collected after a tragedy will be distributed or spent just as quickly. Be mindful of public announcements that describe family assistance to help avoid donating to duplicative efforts.

Are donations tax deductible?
Contributions that are donor-restricted to help a specific individual/family are not deductible in the U.S. as charitable donations, even if the recipient organization is a charity. See IRS Publication 526, page 7, for more information on this subject.  

What should be considered in crowdfunding requests?
It is not unusual for fundraising to start within hours after a tragedy has occurred. Please keep in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take precautions in carefully screening, vetting, and managing postings after a tragedy, others might not. If you are unsure, review the posting procedures described on the crowdfunding site and find out about transaction fees and other specifics.

How can you verify a charity’s accountability?
Tragedies can generate donation requests from a variety of organizations seeking to help victims of violence or advocate on related issues. As always, we remind donors to check out charities by visiting Give.org to verify if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). Be cautious about newly created groups that will be difficult to check out.

Video of the Week

As part of the Building Trust Video series, BBB Wise Giving Alliance interviews Sharif Aly, CEO of Islamic Relief USA (a BBB Accredited Charity.) Mr. Aly talks about the organization's relief efforts in Turkey and Syria after the devastating earthquake.

Heart of Giving Podcast

In this week’s program, BBB Wise Giving Alliance interviews Aimee Gilbreath, President of PetSmart Charities, (a BBB Accredited Charity) that grants funds to nonprofits aligned with its mission and partners with shelters to find forever homes for pets. Ms. Gilbreath discusses her love for animals and and what PetSmart Charities is doing in the animal welfare space.

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:

• Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
• National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund
• Nonviolent Peaceforce

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.