Wise Giving Wednesday: Will Donors Get Disaster Fatigue?

As this blog is being written, the news reports a 7.1 earthquake shook
central Mexico including Mexico city and a category 4 hurricane, Maria,
threatens Puerto Rico.  As details of the expected devastation
emerge, we brace ourselves for images of more pain, suffering and the
rush to rescue victims of these tragedies. Charitable relief
organizations will quickly rally to address these disasters and donors
will respond to help.

These latest events, however, coming so soon after the horrendous impacts
of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, raise the question of whether donors will
eventually suffer disaster fatigue?  The donating public has
demonstrated time and time again that their generosity seems ever
present but at some point relief organizations may be concerned whether
that well will begin to run dry.  It is difficult to recall when so
many disasters have occurred in a close period of time.

Another potential concern is that as we enter the last quarter of the
year which includes the holiday giving season, many charities are
counting on the generosity of contributors to support their causes
during the most active time for giving. Past experience has shown that
donors will continue to fund their favorites as well as other charities
during the holiday season, despite earlier tragedy fundraising. Let’s
hope that is the case this time as well.  

All of this, in our view, points to the increasing importance of checking
out charities before donating to ensure that your hard earned dollars
are going to trustworthy organizations. Visit Give.org
to find out if a charity meets the 20 BBB
Standards for Charity Accountability.

 As part of our Building Trust Video series, we are pleased to
provide a video that features Keith Laughlin, President of  Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a BBB Accredited Charity.) This
organization partners with communities to transform unused railroad
corridors into multi-use trails that protect landscapes, revitalize
local economies and give Americans the opportunity to lead healthy,
active lives. 

Finally, remember to let us know by going to https://www.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