Forty-one years ago, during America’s bicentennial year − 1976, we introduced a printed list summarizing our evaluation of nationally soliciting charities in relation to the BBB Charity Standards. It was called “Give, But Give Wisely.”  The poster-sized publication was folded to fit into a regular business-size envelope and served as a means to spread our accountability information before today’s electronic alternatives. 

Twenty two years ago, in 1995, we became the first charity monitoring program in the nation to post its evaluative charity reports on the Internet. We always provided free access to these detailed reports which not only summarized our evaluation conclusions but also shared information on the charities’ mission, programs, governance, tax-exempt status, fundraising methods and finances. 

Although our website traffic on Give.org continues to grow, we continue to receive demand for our-hard copy magazine-style publication, now called the Wise Giving Guide, which is produced three times each year. Despite the fact that the cover story for this magazine is available online, some people prefer the ability to review a hard copy alternative, particularly older donors, who don’t rely on computers or laptops as much as younger generations.  In addition, the printed version of this magazine continues to include the summary listing of our national charity evaluations. 

If you know someone who would appreciate a copy of the printed version of this magazine, send their name and street address via email to charities@council.bbb.org and we would be happy to mail them a free copy of the Guide that will help them Give, But Give Wisely. 

Video of the Week 

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video that features Stacy Pagos Haller, President and CEO, BrightFocus Foundation (a BBB Accredited Charity).  BrightFocus is an organization that seeks to advance research and public information in three areas: Alzheimer’s disease, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. 

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:

• Brother’s Brother Foundation
• Galapagos Conservancy
• Green Beret Foundation 

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