The United Nations Climate Change Conference is taking place in Paris this week as world leaders gather to discuss global warming and other important environmental matters. Protests have taken place around the world to encourage leaders to take significant actions to address climate issues. This spotlight on the environment during the holiday season will also bring donor attention to charitable organizations that address environmental issues. 

BBB Wise Giving Alliance reports on a variety of nationally-soliciting environmental groups seeking to address public awareness as well as take action on issues ranging from preserving wildlife to protecting the oceans and forests. Everyone recognizes the importance of protecting natural resources, but we also encourage donors to take the time to verify the trustworthiness of environmental charities by visiting Give.org to verify that they meet the 20 holistic BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.) And, if you are more interested in helping environmental groups closer to home, keep in mind that many of the BBBs report on regionally soliciting charities that are engaged in local efforts to do their part in helping the environment. 

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide the following video that features Robin Perkins, Director of Marketing and Communications for EarthShare (a BBB Accredited Charity) which annually helps hundreds of thousands of individuals connect with environmental and conservation charities. Among other things, they assist a number of workplace giving campaigns.  Workplace giving also happens to be the subject of the cover story of the holiday edition of the Wise Giving Guide.  

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:    

• Arbor Day Foundation
• Armed Forces Foundation
• Red Cloud Indian School  

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