Tag: featured

Charity fundraising oversight may happen behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in keeping fundraising appeals accurate, transparent, and worthy of donor trust.

Building Fundraising Processes That Protect Donor Trust

BBB Wise Giving Alliance has years of experience working with charities to strengthen the truthfulness and transparency of their solicitation appeals.

Beyond our formal evaluation process, charities consult with us between biennial reviews to ensure their fundraising practices remain aligned with the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

This week, we’re sharing a bit of “inside baseball” guidance for charities on how to structure effective oversight of their fundraising efforts and avoid common pitfalls in solicitation materials.

Strong Oversight Practices Help Prevent Mistakes

If your charity manages fundraising in-house, it’s important for teams to stay aligned and communicate clearly to avoid missteps.

We’ve seen cases where stronger oversight could have prevented misleading or inaccurate appeals. For example, having sensitive materials reviewed by legal or finance colleagues can help catch well-intentioned mistakes.

Practical Steps to Strengthen Charity Fundraising Oversight

The following “rules of thumb” can help charities reduce the risk of problematic appeals that could put donor trust in jeopardy:

• Identify key players who should review fundraising copy and plans, including legal and finance representatives, among others.

• Establish an organizational checklist that outlines your organization’s unique fundraising practices and procedures, incorporating lessons learned from past issues to prevent them from recurring.

• Formalize the fundraising review process to ensure it occurs consistently, rather than sporadically. For example, you might assign clear responsibilities, use a standard checklist, and ensure oversight happens before new appeals are distributed.

• Develop a culture of disclosure where sharing information is valued and considered essential to organizational transparency.

Oversight Responsibilities When Working with Fundraising Firms

If your charity contracts with outside fundraising firms, it’s critical that both the board and staff are part of the process.

BBB Charity Standard 1 calls for outside arrangements with fundraising firms to be made in writing and shared with the charity’s board of directors. This gives the board an opportunity to review key financial terms, such as the expected portion of gross proceeds that will benefit the charity.

Beyond good governance, careful oversight of these arrangements helps protect your organization from unfavorable agreements with fundraising firms.

Additional Guidance on Charity Fundraising Materials 

In addition to the above charity fundraising oversite tips, we recommend that charities review our Do’s and Don’ts in Fundraising Copy.

This resource provides guidance on avoiding common issues identified by our staff under BBB Charity Standard 15, requiring solicitation materials to be accurate, truthful, and not misleading. This standard applies to all fundraising materials, including calls, event invitations, print and broadcast ads, grant proposals, and online appeals.

We hope this guidance is helpful for development teams and other key players creating trustworthy fundraising content.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Cure Alzheimer’s Fund
• March of Dimes
• Mercy Multiplied America

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.

A charity’s website is often the first place donors go before giving. Knowing what to look for can help you understand how it operates and whether it’s a trustworthy place to support.

Check a Charity’s Website Before Giving

Whether you’ve received a charity appeal in the mail or via social media, or heard about an organization from a friend, it’s often our first instinct to visit the charity’s website to find more information before giving.

If visiting charity websites isn’t a habit, it is good practice. Robust website materials are a positive sign that the organization you are considering is transparent and trustworthy. If a charity’s website is missing critical information or is unclear, you may want to reconsider.

Below we share a few tips to keep in mind as you review charity websites to help you make wise giving choices.

Start With the Basics: Mission, Leadership, and Programs

The first thing you may want to look for on a charity’s website is a clear explanation of what the organization does.

For example, it may be obvious that a charity focuses on cancer, but without reviewing its website, you might not know whether it supports research, treatment, awareness, education, or a specific type of cancer.

Websites should provide basic information that can help you make an informed giving decision.

Standard 17 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability calls for charity websites to include the mission statement, a roster of the board, a summary of the past year’s program activities, and financial information, including access to the charity’s most recent IRS Form 990.

Look for Clear Financial Information 

When reviewing websites, you should be able to easily find financial information. If the organization’s financial statements aren’t available in the “About Us” section or another prominent area, proceed with caution.

Look for complete IRS Form 990s (where applicable) or audited financial statements, rather than brief summaries that provide limited detail. (Houses of worship and their affiliated entities are not required to file an IRS Form 990.)

While many factors should be considered when choosing charities to support, financial transparency is a key component of trust.

Check Donor Privacy and Data Protection Practices

It’s important that privacy policies explain how the charity uses the information it collects and what protections (such as encryption and/or firewalls) are in place to secure personal data.

Keep in mind that charities may collect personal information not only through donor forms but also via emails and other communications.

BBB Charity Standard 18 calls for charity websites to include a clear privacy policy explaining what information they collect, how it’s used, how you can update or limit it, and how it’s protected. 

Reach Out With Questions or Feedback

If there is any information you’d like to see or improvements you’d like made to a charity’s website, don’t hesitate to contact the charity. Trustworthy charities appreciate feedback and value your input.

For Added Confidence, Visit Give.org

Taking the time to review charity websites can help you give with confidence and encourages organizations to maintain high standards of transparency and accountability. 

For even more confidence when giving, we encourage you to search for the charity on Give.org or visit our A-Z National BBB Accredited Charities List.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Global Catalytic Ministries
• Rainforest Action Network
• Marine Corps Heritage 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.

Why Charity Mission Must Come Before Personal Gain

Charities exist to serve the public good. Donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries place their trust in nonprofit organizations with the expectation that resources will be used to advance the charity’s mission, and not to benefit individuals connected to the organization.

To qualify as a 501(c)(3) charity under the Internal Revenue Code, organizations must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes and not for private benefit.

Consistent with this principle, board members have a duty of loyalty, requiring them to act in the best interests of the organization rather than their own financial interests.

What Related-Party Transactions Mean for Charities

Related-party transactions occur when a charity conducts business with individuals or entities connected to its board members or staff.

Examples include purchasing goods or services from businesses affiliated with board members, making grants to organizations where board members serve, or extending loans to board members or staff.

Conflicts of Interest Matter to Donors and Public Trust

For this reason, related-party transactions and conflicts of interest are important governance issues that charities must manage carefully to maintain public trust and meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

How to Determine Whether a Material Conflict Exists

Each related-party transaction is unique and requires careful review of the specific circumstances to determine whether a material conflict exists.

Some of the factors considered under BBB Charity Standard 5 (Conflict of Interest) include:

• Whether the charity has and follows a conflict-of-interest policy: A written conflict-of-interest policy is an essential first step. However, having a policy alone does not resolve potential conflicts unless it is strong, clearly implemented, and consistently followed.
• The size of the transaction relative to the charity’s budget and comparable expenses: Large transactions with board (or staff) related businesses can raise concerns and warrant closer review.
• Whether the transaction is one-time or ongoing: Multiple smaller transactions may collectively represent significant related-party activity.
• Recusal of the interested party: Even when a related-party transaction may benefit the charity’s mission, it is good governance practice for the individual involved to disclose the relationship and recuse themselves from discussion and voting.
• Whether competitive bids were obtained: When charities procure goods or services, they should consider multiple options to evaluate price, quality, and overall value before determining whether the related party’s offer is the best choice.
• Other arm’s-length procedures used by the charity: These may include independent outside evaluations, requiring interested parties to leave the room during deliberations, or documenting the board’s decision-making process in detail.

Other Governance Safeguards That Help Protect a Charity’s Mission

Another important governance threshold is set by BBB Charity Standard 4, which requires that no more than one or 10% of board members (whichever is greater) be directly or indirectly compensated.

It also requires that any compensated members not serve as Board Chair or Treasurer.

Together, Standards 4 and 5 help ensure that nonprofit boards remain independent and free from self-dealing.

Support Trusted Charities with Confidence

Strong governance practices help ensure that leadership decisions prioritize the organization’s charitable mission rather than personal financial interests, thereby maintaining the trust donors place in charitable organizations.

Before you give, take a moment to see whether a charity meets all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability at Give.org.

• Search for charities by name on Give.org →
• Explore trusted charities by cause with AskGive, our AI-powered advisor →

A quick check can help you make informed giving decisions and support organizations committed to transparency, accountability, and mission-focused leadership.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Habitat for Humanity International
• Together Women Rise
• Team Rubicon

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.

When a viral animal story captures the internet’s attention, it can do more than spark a moment of sympathy—it can also shine a light on the important work of wildlife conservation charities dedicated to protecting animals and their habitats.

Punch the Monkey’s Viral Story Captures the Internet’s Attention

Punch the Monkey (Panchi-jun in Japanese), a baby macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has taken the internet by storm in recent weeks.

A viral video shows Punch, abandoned by his mother at birth, being scolded by a larger monkey and then retreating to cuddle a stuffed IKEA orangutan (given to him by zoo staff to cope with his loneliness).

Responses blended sympathy for Punch’s treatment at the hands of the elder primate with “cuteness overload” at his bond with his stuffed friend, evoking Linus from Peanuts with his security blanket.

Sales of the $20 IKEA orangutan like Punch’s skyrocketed. Predictably, the stuffed animal and other “Punch” products soon hit eBay, Etsy and other online marketplaces, often for a much higher price tag.

How Viral Animal Stories Can Inspire Interest in Wildlife Conservation

What if the viral marketing “Punch power” generated in recent weeks could be harnessed to support wildlife causes? (Imagine Tony the Tiger or Chester the Cheetah supporting causes for tigers and cheetahs.)

Whether through cause marketing, awareness campaigns, or educational programing, such momentum could be channeled into meaningful conservation impact.

This week, we’d like to highlight the work of wildlife conservation charities, with the hope that Punch’s story can serve as inspiration.

How Charities Work to Protect Animals Around the World

Like the Japanese zookeepers, sometimes with Punch clinging to their legs, countless charity workers have dedicated their lives to wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

Charities help protect chimpanzees and other primates, elephants, wolves, migratory birds, bears, marine life, and many other species.

They advocate for new legislation, strive to uphold existing laws, manage and conserve land, and educate the public on environmental issues, among other countless initiatives they lead to protect our natural world. 

Examples of BBB Accredited Charities Supporting Wildlife and Animal Welfare

Below are a few examples of how BBB Accredited Charities are making a difference:

• Animal Welfare Institute supports efforts to prevent commercial exploitation of marine life, including the use of drift nets, blast fishing, and brutal practice of shark finning. This charity also works to protect marine habitats from pollution, coastal development, ocean noise, ship collisions, and other threats.
• Defenders of Wildlife advocates to combat invasive species, such as the spotted lanternfly, an insect native to China that threatens fruit trees, timber, and ornamentals across much of the East Coast and Midwest. The organization also addresses the Burmese Python, which preys on native species in South Florida, including the Key Largo woodrat
• International Animal Rescue partners with a local organization in Armenia to rescue and rehabilitate Syrian brown bears suffering from both physical and psychological trauma after being illegally held in small cages, used for entertainment, or kept as pets. Once rescued, the bears are placed in enriched habitats, fed a proper diet, and, if possible, released back into the wild
• Wildlife Conservation Network works with organizations around the globe to protect species, like the brown-headed spider monkey in Ecuador, through land acquisition and sustainable farming practices. The network also supports conservation of the rare Andean cat in the mountains of Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Chile by providing local women with environmentally sustainable income through traditional weaving, replacing activities that disrupt the cat’s habitat. The organization also helps protect Irrawaddy dolphins and the dugong (a relative of the manatee) in Malaysia by training locals in safe release techniques and deploying acoustic pingers to reduce bycatch.

Find More Trusted Wildlife Conservation Charities to Support

There are thousands of charities working to protect wildlife in the United States and around the world. As always, we recommend checking whether an organization meets our 20 Standards for Charity Accountability before you give.

The pages below offer helpful information about wildlife conservation and include lists of trusted charities you can support with confidence:

• Environmental Charities: Review a full list of BBB Accredited Charities working to protect wildlife habitats, ecosystems and natural resources, and learn more about how these organizations help conserve our environment.
• Animal Charities: Review a full list of BBB Accredited Charities dedicated to protecting animals and promoting animal welfare, and learn how these organizations support wildlife and humane treatment.

*Update: Punch seems to be making progress and having increasingly positive interactions with other macaques at the zoo. While there’s nothing wrong with an emotional support “stuffie,” we hope Punch continues to socialize and bond with his troupe.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• American Civil Liberties Union Foundation
• Planned Parenthood Federation of America
• Quiet Hour

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.

For more than six decades, the Combined Federal Campaign has made charitable giving part of federal employees’ everyday lives. If the workplace giving program is phased out, the charities and the donors who discovered them through CFC could feel the impact.

What Is the Combined Federal Campaign and Why Does It Matter?

Since 1961, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has encouraged federal employees to support nonprofit organizations through workplace giving, either by making one-time donations or through payroll deductions.

Over the years, the campaign has raised more than $8.7 billion for charities of all sizes. In 2024, the CFC generated $65.9 million in contributions from more than 71,200 employees, retirees, and contractors, as well as nearly 80,000 volunteer hours.

Scheduled Closure of the Combined Federal Campaign Portal

As reported by The NonProfit Times, earlier this week the CFC notified participating charities that “the CFC Charity Portal is scheduled to be decommissioned and will go offline as soon as Wednesday, March 4.”

What Closure of the Combined Federal Campaign Could Mean for Nonprofits

The CFC has long been a cornerstone of charitable fundraising, and one on which many organizations rely. Its looming discontinuation will hit many charities hard, particularly those already facing reductions in federal funding or increased demand for services over the past year.

Perhaps the greatest loss, however, is the campaign’s role as an on-ramp to charitable giving. The CFC introduced donors to a wide range of organizations and created space to consider which causes mattered most to them. While there may be more cost-effective ways to give, the reality is that, without the CFC, many individuals would no longer be as consistently exposed to or encouraged to support charities. Some (or many) would not ultimately follow through on their intentions to give outside the campaign.

Concerns About the Uncertain Future of the Combined Federal Campaign

Rosie Allen-Herring, Interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, voiced concern about the uncertain future of the campaign

“The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is a true American success story that, for more than 60 years, has been a powerful avenue for federal employees to support the communities where they live and work,” said Rosie Allen-Herring, Interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “CFC provides nonprofits—including United Way—with critical resources to serve communities: helping our neighbors put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, recover from disasters, give children a better life, and so much more. Eliminating this program would have a direct impact on communities nationwide, and I encourage people to contact their members of Congress and advocate for the continuation of the Combined Federal Campaign.”

How Donors Can Continue Supporting Trusted Combined Federal Campaign Charities

You can help by supporting organizations that have been cornerstones of the campaign, such as the BBB Accredited Charities United Way Worldwide or Creating Healthier Communities, which partner with local and national nonprofits in workplace giving campaigns, including the CFC, to help address critical community needs.

Give Directly to Trustworthy Charities

Another way to make an impact is by supporting your favorite trusted charities directly. Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity).

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Just as Olympic athletes improve by measuring their performance, charities build effectiveness and accountability through thoughtful oversight and measurement against their own goals.

The 2026 Winter Olympics and the Discipline of Improvement

Every four years since 1924, the Winter Olympics take center stage as many of the world’s greatest athletes compete in cold-weather sports including figure and speed skating, several skiing disciplines, hockey, and relative newcomers such as snowboarding.

This year, millions will tune in to watch the XXV Olympic Winter Games (Milano Cortina Olympics 2026) in Italy, cheering on athletes as they compete for glory and gold.

In the U.S., many remember the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” when an underdog American hockey team defeated the heavily favored Soviet team 4–3 on its way to winning gold. We also enjoy “brushing” up on more curious sports, such as curling.

Whether you tune in for ski jumping (Eddie the Eagle comes to mind) or the bobsledding (yes, the Jamaican bobsled team is competing this year), measurement and striving for improvement are central themes of the Olympics.

How the 20 BBB Charity Standards Promote Effectiveness and Accountability

BBB Wise Giving Alliance also recognizes the importance of measurement as a tool to help charities hold themselves accountable and strive to become more effective.

The backbone of our call for charities to set goals and measure progress is Standards 6 and 7 of the Standards for Charity Accountability.

• Standard 6 asks that charities have a board-approved policy committing the organization to complete an effectiveness assessment at least once every two years.
• Standard 7 requires that charities prepare a written effectiveness report to share with their board of directors.

Why Measuring Results Is Central to Charity Effectiveness

As mission-driven organizations funded by public contributions, charities have an obligation to monitor their effectiveness, strive to improve their impact, and communicate results.

We believe each charity’s governing body is best positioned to understand the context in which the organization operates and determine how to assess its effectiveness and impact.

Different Missions Require Different Measures

As with the diversity of Olympic events and athletes, the varied charitable missions of the organizations we evaluate mean that measuring effectiveness will look a little different for each charity.

A food pantry, for example, won’t measure progress in the same way as a large international crisis aid organization. Similarly, a pet shelter in New York may face different challenges than one in Cedar Key, Florida.

What a Strong Effectiveness Assessment Should Include

Our Standards call for a charity’s effectiveness assessment to include:

• Measurable goals and objectives that align with the charity’s mission
• Description of activities undertaken to achieve those objectives
• An assessment of the success and impact of the charity’s programs
• In some cases, measurement of the satisfaction of program beneficiaries
• Consideration of alternative recommendations for future actions

Getting Started: A Practical Framework for Charity Effectiveness and Accountability 

For charities that are just getting started, we recommend an alternative written framework in which they answer five fundamental questions outlined in Charting Impact.

Excellence Is a Process, Not a Medal

Most Olympic athletes don’t win gold, but they return home focused on improving for the next competition.

Similarly, charities rarely achieve every goal and may need to reconsider their approach as they strive to fulfill their mission.

Our effectiveness assessment Standards prioritize a frank assessment by the governing board. This process helps trustworthy charities use donations wisely, refine their strategies, and better fulfill their mission.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Marfan Foundation
• WE Charity
• Volunteers of America Michigan

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.

Ever wonder why some donation requests arrive with calendars, coins, or return address labels? These free gifts in charity appeals can catch a donor’s eye—but can often leave donors wondering whether a donation is expected.

Why Charities Send Free Gifts in the Mail

Including small “free” items, such as address labels, greeting cards, or calendars, in fundraising appeals is a long-standing and common practice. These enclosures are often intended to capture attention and introduce a charity’s mission.

For donors, these items can be a way to show pride in a cause they support and help raise awareness among friends, family, and the broader community.

Are You Required to Donate After Receiving a Free Gift?

No. Receiving free items should never make you feel pressured or obligated to give. Charitable donations are voluntary, and unsolicited gift items do not create any obligation.

What BBB Standards Say About Fundraising Appeals

BBB Charity Standard 15 requires that solicitation and informational materials be accurate, truthful, and not misleading, and that they do not place undue pressure on recipients to donate.

For example, an appeal that includes a dollar and then asks you to return that “much-needed” dollar along with an additional donation may create unnecessary pressure and does not meet this Standard.

Tips for Donors Receiving Charity Appeals With Free Gifts 

Below are a four tips for donors who receive fundraising appeals that include free items:

1) Remember there is no obligation
You did not order these items and are not required to pay for, donate in exchange for, or return them. You may keep or discard the items without giving, and doing so does not create any debt or responsibility.

2) Don’t let free items be the basis of your decision
Your decision to give should be based on the charity’s mission, effectiveness, and accountability, rather than a sense of obligation or gratitude for receiving a small item.

3) Be cautious with appeals that include money
Some appeals include coins or cash to draw attention. While this may prompt some people to donate, it can also create discomfort or guilt. If an appeal feels manipulative or wasteful, it’s okay to pause and decline.

4) Trust your instincts
If a solicitation makes you feel pressured, confused, or uneasy, that’s a sign to step back. Ethical fundraising should feel respectful, transparent, and empowering. Before you give, we encourage you to visit our list of charities that meet all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Thoughtful Giving Should Never Be Driven by Pressure

Free items in fundraising appeals can raise awareness, but they should not override thoughtful giving.

Once you have found a charity that aligns with your values and meets your expectations for accountability, you can proudly wear that tote bag or use those labels to address your mail.

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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:

• Friendship Force International
• National Space Society
• Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship

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.