Last week, I joined 21 other organizational leaders in signing a letter that was sent to 1400 foundations. You may be aware of it. The aim of the letter was simple: we want foundations to invest 1% of their grant budgets in organizations that work to improve the performance of the non-profit sector. These organizations in part make up what is commonly referred to as the non-profit infrastructure. 

They support effective management, collection of data, measure performance, educate boards, enable efficient and professional fundraising, and in our case, educate charities and donors about what is required for trustworthiness. These organizations are vital to the success of non-profit work but are often neglected by funders when it comes to supporting their financial needs. Funders make an assumption that this work will somehow continue at a high level without their support. 

The sector needs more foundations to fund non-profit infrastructure. The challenge is that many foundations have set up funding guidelines that preclude them from supporting infrastructure organizations. We hope that where this is the case, that foundation executives and board members will consider amending those guidelines to enable them to support the important services non-profit infrastructure organizations deliver. 

If you are a charity and have a chance to speak with a foundation leader, mention the letter to them and ask them to consider setting aside funds for infrastructure. If you are a grant maker, I hope this will stimulate a dialogue in your foundation that leads to greater support for these organizations. 

On a separate note, as part of our Building Trust Video Series we are pleased to provide a video featuring Scott Jackson, President & CEO of Global Impact (a BBB Accredited Charity) which works with approximately 450 public and private sector workplace giving campaigns to generate funding for more than 120 international charities. Global Impact also serves as administrator for the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas 

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: 

• International Aid
• Save the Children Federation
• World Vision 

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