On March 26 ^th, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a press release announcing that it had shut down a telemarketing firm ( Menacola Marketing) that was soliciting on behalf of the National Vietnam Veterans Foundation (NVVF.)  New York State indicates that the National Vietnam Veterans Foundation was previously shut down by the Attorney General in 2016 due to deceptive solicitations. 

As stated, “Under the settlement, Menacola will dissolve and its principals… are permanently barred from fundraising for charity.” The principals will also pay $100,000 that will be distributed to reputable charities supporting veterans. 

Prior to 2016, BBB Wise Giving Alliance had sent written requests to NVVF over a number of years and had not received any of the requested materials or information.   

BBB WGA encourages donors to check out charities at Give.org before making a donation, especially in response to telemarketing requests for funding. 

Video of the Week 

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Ron Carter, President & CEO, of Children, Incorporated (a BBB Accredited Charity) which is a child sponsorship organization that seeks to improve children's lives through greater access to education and basic needs assistance.   In 2017, the organization reports that it works across the United States and in 22 additional countries. 

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:

• Angioma Alliance
• Caring for Cambodia
• Cigar Family Charitable 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