Most will recognize the value of having accountability standards. They help bring objectivity to subjective concepts. They provide a guidepost and reference for organizations and help confirm donor expectations and acceptable behaviors. The BBB Standards for Charity Accountability also incorporate significant input from charities, fundraisers, private foundations, regulators, accountants and other professionals in philanthropy who were involved in their development. With the help of these knowledgeable experts, the standards produced in this open process were intended to represent the minimum acceptable behaviors for a charity soliciting the public. In part, they help verify trustworthiness by addressing four key areas:

• Adequate board oversight
• Results that correspond with a charity’s mission
• Financial accountability and
• Transparent and accurate donor communications

While standards serve as a valuable resource, they are more useful when someone takes the time to verify whether charities are following these recommendations. This is one of the significant roles we play in completing our evaluative reports on charities. We inform charities of any deficiencies found and suggest what actions can be taken to help amend initial findings. On a routine and continuing basis, charities work with us to make changes to enable them to meet standards. Practices change and we believe donors and the charitable sector both benefit from this process. We seek out charity feedback before posting a report on Give.org. We recognize that charities can help clear up issues brought to their attention or become engaged in strengthening their practices.

Unfortunately, there are some organizations that don’t provide BBB Wise Giving Alliance with any information despite repeated written request, including a certified letter. This is disappointing as these instances represent lost opportunities for charities to become aware of practices that can be improved and a lost opportunity to help potential donors make more informed giving decisions.

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Brian Brewer, Director of Marketing and Communications, of the Cancer Research Institute (a BBB Accredited Charity) which funds research at academic centers around the world through fellowships, grants, and clinical trials focused on increasing the understanding of the immune system and with the goal of developing immunological methods for the prevention and treatment of cancer. CRI also provides information to the public about cancer immunotherapy and connects patients to immunotherapy clinical trials. 

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:

• American Leprosy Missions
• Center for Science in the Public Interest
• First Book

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