This Veterans Day (Remembrance Day in Canada), think of the needs of veterans, military service members, and/or their families. BBB Wise Giving Alliance also offers some tips to help contributors make wise giving decisions about charities that address this community.

• Avoid Mistaken Identity. Some veterans charities include the same words in different order or slightly different form. So, be alert and make sure the organization you are considering is the one you want to support.
• Find Out What They Do. Don’t assume what the veterans organization does based on their name alone. Look for a clear description of the organization’s programs in its appeals and on its website.
• Ask How Donated Items Will Be Used. Find out how the charity benefits from the collection and resale of used clothing, cars and other in-kind donations. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price of the item or may have a contractual arrangement with a third-party to get a flat fee for each sale.
• Check Give.org: In addition to charity reports on BBB’s Give.org, check with your state government’s charity registration agency, usually a division of either the Attorney General’s office or Secretary of State’s office. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more giving advice and to access a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meets all 20 BBB Charity Standards) that address veterans and military service issues, see the following link.

Heart of Giving Podcast

In this week's Heart of Giving Podcast, BBB Wise Giving Alliance introduces a special series “Made by the Bay” sponsored by the Tipping Point Community to feature the work of people in the Bay area, working for the betterment of their community. This week’s guest is LaSaunda Tate, Chief Operating Officer, Homeward Bound of Marin, which provides homeless shelters and services for homeless families and individuals in Marin, California.

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:

• Anera
• Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
• PATH

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.