Children return to schools around the country as we approach the Labor Day holiday. To many parents, this means more than just new backpacks, books and boxes of pencils. They may also be asked to help raise money for school needs such as special class projects or gaps in overall funding. These events can take a variety of formats such as bake sales, selling candy or holding an auction.

For those seeking to take steps for having a well-managed and accountable fundraising efforts, here are some tips:

• Make sure specific plans and goals are in place. What is the activity that is being supported through these donations? Is there a target dollar amount that is seeking to be raised?
• Are the parents provided with letters or online communications that introduce the fundraiser and explain how it will be conducted?
• Will someone be in charge for keeping track of volunteers and making arrangements for how funds will be recorded and collected?
• Will fundraising volunteers and participants be kept informed about how much was raised?
• Will thank you notices be sent to all contributors?

There are also online alternatives for teachers seeking to raise money for classroom projects or other needs, they can consider posting a request on DonorsChoose.org which helps teachers across America post classroom project requests so individuals can provide funding.

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video of Ron Carter, President & CEO, Children, Incorporated (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to improve children's lives through greater access to education and basic needs assistance. The organization aims to provide children opportunities to learn skills that will one day help them to be able to support themselves and become contributing members of their communities. CI partners with existing organizations in each country or area in which the organization works, and those organizations appoint volunteer coordinators to manage and oversee CI's child assistance efforts.

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:

• Keep a Child Alive
• National Arbor Day Foundation
• World Vision

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry 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