Wise Giving Wednesday: Fundraising for Charlottesville Victims

Following the outpouring of public shock and concern over the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, many are seeking to
assist the victims of violence directed at those protesting the white supremacist rally. As with other tragedies,
bad fundraising actors are more likely to strike when emotions run high. The Office of the Attorney General in Virginia
issued a
press release yesterday urging donors to exercise caution as they consider donating money to assist victims in
their recovery. BBB Wise Giving Alliance also shares the following tips to assist contributors.

1. Wise Giving. Don’t assume the first contribution request is the best choice. Take the time to find trusted
   charities that are providing assistance.
2. Crowdfunding Cautions. Questionable solicitors may set up a crowdfunding page but have no official connection
   to the victims and/or their families, or to any charitable organization. While some crowdfunding sites have implemented
   procedures to help prevent fraudulent efforts, especially after a tragedy, others don’t. Also, crowdfunding sites
   vary in terms of fees charged for transactions and when collected donations are released to the fundraiser.
3. Respecting Victims and Their Families. Organizations or individuals raising funds should get permission
   from the victims and/or their families to use either the names of the victims and/or any photographs of them.
4. How Will Donations Be Used? Watch out for vague appeals that don’t identify the intended use of funds.
   For example, how will the donations help victims and/or their families? Also, unless told otherwise, donors will
   assume that funds collected quickly in the wake of a tragedy will be spent just as quickly. See if the appeal
   identifies when the collected funds will be used.
5. What if a Family Sets Up Its Own Assistance Fund? Some victims and/or their families may decide to set
   up their own assistance funds. Be mindful that such funds may not be set up as charities. Also, if collected
   monies are administered by a third party such as a bank, CPA or lawyer, this will help provide oversight and
   ensure the collected funds are used appropriately (e.g., paying for medical expenses, counseling, and other tragedy-related
   needs.)

For additional information about making informed giving decisions, visit
Give.org.

As part of our Building Trust Video series, we are pleased to provide a video that features Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, Founder
and President of the
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (a
BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to promote understanding and cooperation between Jews and Christians and
to build broad support for Israel and other shared concerns.  

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:

•  
  American Red Cross
•  
  SADD
•  
  World Monuments Fund 

Finally, remember to let us know by going to 
https://www.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