October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These events, which have taken place for several decades, have helped raise funds for numerous charities seeking to address breast cancer in a variety of ways: through medical research, assistance in treatment and prevention education activities. When contributing, take the time to learn about the various ways charities work to address this important cause. The name alone won’t always reveal what the organization does. 

One very popular means of raising funds during this awareness month is through cause-related marketing. This is when a promotion announces that the purchase of a good or service is assisting breast cancer organizations. If so, see if the ad mentions the specific charity that will be helped.  Also, BBB Charity Standard 19 calls for such promotions to disclose, at the point of appeal, the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity, and if applicable, the duration of the campaign and any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount.  For example, “5 cents for every abc product sold in October will go to xyz charity up to a maximum of $100,000.”  Be wary of promotions that state breast cancer charities will be assisted but are not very transparent about specifics. 

To help identify trustworthy breast cancer organizations, we encourage donors not only to be mindful of BBB Charity Standard 19.  Visit Give.org to find out if the charity meets all of the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. 

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video series, we are pleased to provide a video that features Ellen Willmott, Interim CEO of Susan G. Komen (a BBB Accredited Charity), whose mission is to end breast cancer through funding research. In addition, the organization offers assistance to those facing the disease by funding screenings, education, and treatment and support programs. 

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:

• International OCD Foundation
• Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
• Multiple Sclerosis Association of America 

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