On Veterans Day, our thoughts turn to veterans and military service members, especially those in need of assistance.  Charities devoted to the various needs of veterans and their families deserve our support throughout the year. But for those donors thinking of making a special contribution in honor of Veterans Day, we urge them to be cautious to avoid some of the more questionable efforts seeking to take advantage of American generosity. 

We are here to help the public make informed decisions about the organizations they want to support. BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips on giving to veterans and military affiliated organizations:

• Mistaken Identity : Watch out for name confusions. Many veterans’ charities include virtually the same words in different order or slightly different form.
• Clear Program Description : Look for a clear description of the organization’s programs in its appeals and on its website. If the charity says it is helping veterans, does it explain how (financial assistance, shelter, counseling) and where it is doing so?  
• Telemarketing Cautions : Telemarketing can be a costly method of fundraising unless carefully managed. If called, do not hesitate to ask for written information on the charity’s programs and finances before making a donation decision.
• On-the-Spot Donation Decisions : Be wary of excessive pressure in fundraising. Don’t be pressured to make an immediate on-the-spot donation. Charities should welcome your gift whenever you want to send it.
• Donating Used Clothing and Other Goods : Find out how the charity benefits from the collection and resale of used clothing and other in-kind gifts. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price of the item or may have a contractual arrangement to get a flat fee for every household pick-up, no matter what the contents.
• Check with Outside Sources Before Giving : In addition to charity reports on Give.org, check with your state government’s charity registration agency, usually a division of the Attorney General’s office.

We hope the above provides some guidance and welcome you to learn more at Give.org.

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:    

• Conservation Fund
• Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
• From the Top  

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