Year End Giving Plans

As the year draws to a close in less than two months, now is a good time to begin making your end of year giving plans so you are not rushing at the last minute. You also will be reminded to make donations on Giving Tuesday (November 28^th) and throughout the holiday season when many charities receive a large portion of their annual gifts. To further assist your contribution choices, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following considerations.

Finding Alternatives to Cash Contributions

If money is tight, remember there are other ways to help. Consider donating nonperishable food to food banks. Some communities organize donations of warm coats in good condition. And don’t forget a number of charities that welcome donated toys to help needy children. The earlier you help these efforts, the more likely your generosity will do the most good, as soon as possible. For more tips on donating goods, see this post.

Helping Earthquake Recoveries

In the past year, there were a number of earthquakes that caused devastating damage: Syria and Turkey in February, Morocco in September, and most recently Afghanistan in October. To address immediate needs, charitable relief organizations help conduct rescues, distribute meals, offer medical care, and provide shelters. Impacted areas, however, also have long-term recovery needs. Charities and other organizations will be involved in helping families build homes, schools, houses of worship and repair roads. Donors can donate at this time to help accomplish these necessary improvements.

Addressing Community Needs After Shootings

Donors are heartbroken when they hear about tragedies that involve mass shootings. While so many of these awful crimes take place, some have received significant attention in the 2023 headlines such as the shootings in a dance studio in Monterey Park, California this past January, an elementary school in Nashville in March, and those killed by a mass shooter in Lewiston, Maine in October. Many donors responded to crowdfunding requests to help the victims and their families and/or sought to support organizations seeking to address gun control issues. These locations also should be remembered for their ongoing needs to strengthen the recovering communities as they seek to rebuild trust and address continuing medical needs.

Remembering Maui

The devastating August wildfires in Maui, Hawaii caused unbelievable damage and burned thousands of acres. Long-term recovery and rebuilding will take years to complete. Many organizations are working to help this area repair and improve. Review this list of BBB Accredited Charities.

Providing Ukraine Relief

Remember there are international relief organizations that continue to provide help to areas of Ukraine. As the war continues, demands also continue for medicines, food, and other urgent items. Some groups are working with local Ukraine charities and houses of worship to help distribute assistance. The attached list of BBB Accredited Charities provided help to Ukraine in 2022, visit these charities’ respective websites to learn if they have current Ukraine assistance efforts.

Assisting Relief Efforts in Israel and Gaza

For those seeking to help victims and families impacted by the war between Israel and Hamas, there are many opportunities to donate. See the list of BBB Accredited Charities addressing these needs.

Favorite Causes

Of course, don’t forget to donate to your favorite organizations as well. We also recommend you take the time to visit Give.org to verify if the chosen charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

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Heart of Giving Podcast

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Jean Accius, Ph.D., President & CEO, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities. Dr. Accius leads an organization that seeks to break down the barriers to health and empower communities to thrive.

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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:

• Catholic Medical Mission Board
• Easterseals North Georgia
• Voto Latino Foundation
  

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.