Tag: featured

A case involving alleged stolen charity funds shows how quickly weak oversight can put donations, a charity’s mission, and public trust at risk.

Oregon Lawsuit Alleges Disaster Relief Funds Were Stolen

On April 16, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed a lawsuit against Marcus Brooks, the founder and executive director of Cascade Relief Team (CRT).

Brooks established the charity in September 2020, purportedly offering aid to victims of fires, floods, and tornadoes in Oregon (during one of the state’s most destructive wildfire seasons) and in Kentucky.

Alleged Wild Spending, Not On Disaster Aid

The lawsuit alleges that Brooks diverted contributions and government grants for personal use, including spending at casinos, on personal vacations including Disneyland, as well as on vehicles and personal bills.

Among the alleged misused funds are $270,861 for Brooks’s credit card payments, loans, and other bills, and another $67,885 spent on rent, child support payments, liquor, strip clubs, and jewelry.

A Red Cross Grant Meant for Tornado Victims Comes Under Scrutiny

The lawsuit further claims that a $326,000 Red Cross grant to CRT, intended to help tornado victims in Kentucky, ended up in an overdrawn CRT account and incurred $17,000 in overdraft fees.

According to the lawsuit, Brooks claimed the remaining $309,000 went toward restructuring CRT, but the funds were allegedly used to start a personal business.

CRT ran out of money in 2023, and Brooks allegedly fired all staff members without notice to donors, beneficiaries, or the communities meant to benefit from CRT’s programs.

The Governance Gaps Behind the Allegations

The lawsuit alleges that Brooks was solely in charge of CRT’s finances and that the organization was not adequately governed.

According to the complaint, none of the board members listed on CRT’s government filings attended meetings or reviewed financial records, and there may have been no meaningful financial records.

The complaint further alleges that Brooks ran funds through 26 different bank accounts, opening and draining accounts, and accepting loans on CRT’s behalf that were never deposited but repaid with CRT funds. 

The district attorney is seeking a court order requiring Brooks to repay the funds, barring him from serving in a leadership role at a charity in the future, and shutting down CRT.

What Strong Charity Oversight Should Look Like

While the lawsuit against Brooks will take some time to conclude, it serves as a reminder to charities about the importance of strong governance practices.

Our 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability offer guidance on strong oversight and governance practices that help reduce the risk of financial mismanagement and maintain transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Below are some highlights from our governance standards, many of which directly relate to the accusations against Marcus Brooks:

• Maintain a board with at least five members

• Hold at least three board meetings per year

• Hold regular CEO performance reviews conducted by the board

• The board should oversee and approve the budget, fundraising practices, conflict of interest policies, and accounting procedures

• Limit the number of compensated board members and ensure that the board chair and board treasurer are not compensated

• Establish and enforce a conflict of interest policy, including procedures for arm’s-length transactions

See Other Government Actions Involving Charities

Cases like this one are not the only time government authorities take action involving charitable organizations.

Give.org’s Government Settlement Agreements and Actions Against Charities page highlights a representative sample of 2024 and 2025 final actions involving charities, including matters related to alleged deceptive solicitation, governance issues, and breaches of fiduciary duty.

Reviewing these cases can help donors and charities better understand the kinds of oversight concerns that may arise—and why accountability practices matter before problems occur.

Disaster Relief Giving Tips for Donors

As hurricane and wildfire season approaches, we will provide guidance to help donors make informed disaster relief contributions tailored to specific events.

In the meantime, here are general disaster relief tips to keep in mind. 

Remember: Don’t just Give. Give wisely.

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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:

• Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
• Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
• Thomas Jefferson 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.

Earth Day 2026 is a chance to do more than celebrate—it’s a chance to get involved and support trusted environmental charities making a difference. 

Why Earth Day Matters

For more than 55 years, Earth Day has brought people together in support of environmental protection.

Launched by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson after the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, it began as a nationwide teach-in and helped build momentum for major environmental actions, including the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and landmark laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

How to Get Involved on Earth Day 2026

Earth Day 2026’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights that environmental progress isn’t driven by any single administration or election, but by the everyday actions of communities, educators, workers, innovators, and families.

People support environmental causes for many reasons, from a love of nature to concerns about sustainability, health, and justice. If you are looking to get involved this Earth Day, here’s a map of Earth Day Events around the country.

You can also check with local community centers, churches, and schools, which often host their own activities and projects.

Tips for Supporting Environmental Charities Wisely

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when supporting environmental charities.

• Join a Small Share with Big Potential: According to Giving USA’s Annual Report on Philanthropy for 2024, Environmental and Animal causes account for just 3% of all charitable giving. But momentum is building, with donations increasing 7.7% between 2023 and 2024. This Earth Day, you can build on that momentum.

• Find the Right Environmental Cause for You: Environmental charities address a wide range of issues, including conservation and wildlife protection, climate change, and environmental justice. As you consider giving, think about which issues matter most to you. Explore our Environmental Charities Cause page to understand the five major categories of environmental organizations to help you find the best fit.

• Understand What Your Donation Supports: Do you know what your donation supports? Look for environmental charities that share clear information about their mission, program accomplishments, governance, and finances through their websites, annual reports, and newsletters. These resources can help you understand how your contribution is used and the impact it makes.

• Choose Charities You Can Trust: Trust matters when deciding where to give. Look for charities that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, which evaluate key accountability areas, such as governance, effectiveness assessment, financial responsibility, and accuracy of communication materials, here.  

This Earth Day, every action counts. Whether you give, volunteer, or spread awareness, your support can help protect the environment, and the people and animals who depend on it, while creating lasting change.

Explore Trusted Environmental Charities for Earth Day

To help you get started, we have highlighted a list of nationally-soliciting BBB Accredited environmental charities below. These organizations meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

They reflect a range of missions, from conservation and wildlife protection to climate, parks, and community-based environmental work. Click any of the charity names below to learn more about their programs and to see their full report.

Looking for more options? Explore our full Environmental Charities or Animal Charities cause pages to find additional organizations aligned with your values.

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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:

• Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
• National Jewish Health
• Vital Ground 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.

Looking to give back? Volunteering is a simple way to support your community and find purpose along the way.

Why Volunteering Matters for You and Your Community

Research on happiness suggests that a happy life is supported by three core elements: purpose, connection, and enjoyment.

Volunteering for a cause you care about offers many of the ingredients that make life meaningful. Purpose comes from contributing to something larger than yourself; connection grows through shared experiences with others; and enjoyment often sneaks in when you least expect it, through moments of satisfaction and good company.

Volunteering channels these elements into something even greater: a meaningful contribution to the well-being of others.

National Volunteer Month: A Reminder of What’s Possible

On National Volunteer Month, we celebrate the nearly one-third of Americans who formally volunteer each year (and more than half who do so less formally). Collectively, they help create a more caring and connected world.

Mentoring a student, joining a clean-up event, helping to distribute food, offering your professional skills, or building a playground, all bring people together and help make communities stronger and more joyful.

How to Start Volunteering (Even If You’re New)

This month is also a great opportunity to consider joining the volunteer force. No prior experience required. However you choose to engage, volunteering reinforces the very elements that help improve both your life and your community.

If you are looking to get involved, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start with purpose: Choose something that matters to you. Volunteering is most rewarding when it connects to something you genuinely care about, whether that is education, food security, the environment, or animal welfare. Even a small commitment feels meaningful when it aligns with your values.

• Build connection: Look for opportunities with people (or animals, if they’re more your cup of tea). Some of the most fulfilling volunteer experiences come from working alongside others. Joining group activities, like mentoring programs, food drives, or pet adoption events, can turn volunteering into both a service and social experience.

• Enjoy it: Don’t overthink it. Not every moment needs to feel profound. Whether you prefer to share your skills or try something outside your comfort zone, some of the most meaningful experiences come from unexpected places
• Start small and stay consistent: Volunteering doesn’t need to be a huge time commitment. Even a few hours a month can make a difference. Small actions can build lasting habits and relationships.

• Volunteer with Trustworthy Charities: Visit Give.org and verify if the charity you’re considering meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

Volunteering may bring purpose, connection, and joy, but ultimately contributes to something larger than yourself. Getting started is often the hardest part but, over time, you may find you gain as much as you give.

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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:

• Hope for Ghana
• Special Operations Warrior Foundation
• Scholarship 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.

Joint cost allocation may be a technical accounting concept, but it has real implications for how charities report expenses, demonstrate accountability, and build donor trust.

What Is Joint Cost Allocation?

Sometimes charities communicate with the public in ways that inform and inspire action while also asking for support. But when a single communication serves multiple purposes, how should those costs be reported?

Joint cost allocation is an accounting method that may be used by charities to allocate the costs of activities that combine programmatic or educational content with fundraising.

The original guidance was issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Statement of Position 98-2 and is now codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 958-720.

When Can Charities Use Joint Cost Allocation?

This accounting method is intended to allow organizations that genuinely conduct programmatic activities through combined communications (such as direct mail) to more accurately report their functional expenses. 

For example, an educational newsletter that includes a solicitation for donations and a qualifying call to action may qualify for joint cost allocation, provided the activity meets specific criteria related to purpose, audience, and content.

• Purpose: The material must have a genuine programmatic or educational purpose in addition to fundraising.
• Audience: The audience should not be selected primarily based on their likelihood to donate, but should include individuals who have a reasonable interest in the programmatic content.
• Content: The materials must include a clear “call to action” that encourages the recipient to take a specific action furthering the organization’s mission, other than making a donation. Examples may include contacting an elected official, supporting a public policy initiative, or seeking assistance from a medical or social service provider.

It is important that organizations apply joint cost allocation appropriately and only when the materials meet the criteria established by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), rather than using it to misclassify or overstate program expenses.

How BBB Standard 13 Applies to Joint Cost Allocation

BBB WGA Standard 13 calls for charities to accurately report their expenses and specifically addresses joint cost allocation. See all 20 BBB Charity Standards

When organizations report joint cost materials (such as mailed solicitations or telemarketing scripts) with more than 50% allocated to program expenses, this prompts additional review. As part of our evaluation process, organizations may be asked to provide copies of joint cost materials annotated to identify calls to action and to show how costs have been allocated among program, fundraising, and administrative functions.

Issues that may result in a charity not meeting Standard 13 include the absence of a qualifying call to action, failure to meet the purpose or audience criteria, or over-allocation of costs to program activities.

For more information, we encourage you to review our expanded guidance on joint cost allocation.

Accurate Expense Reporting Matters

Joint cost allocation may be technical, but its proper implementation matters: it helps ensure financial reporting reflects reality and builds donor trust.

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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:

• Children, Incorporated
• Global Catalytic Ministries
• Opportunity at Work

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.

 

Here are a few common myths about charitable giving — and the facts every donor should know.

What Donors Should Know About Common Giving Misconceptions

Giving to charity can be incredibly rewarding, but it is easy to get tripped up by common misconceptions.

From doubts about your ability to make a difference to questions about costs or transparency, charitable giving myths are common. Understanding the facts helps you support causes effectively and confidently.

Today, we’d like to debunk some misconceptions about charitable giving.

Do Only Wealthy Donors Make a Real Impact?

Myth: “Only wealthy donors can move the needle and help charities achieve their mission.”

Fact: Every dollar counts. Many charities rely on small but consistent gifts to further their mission.

Should Charities Avoid Fundraising Expenses?

Myth: “Charities shouldn’t have fundraising expenses.”

Fact: Well-run charities need reasonable administrative and fundraising expenses to operate effectively. Fundraising, in turn, supports the programs and services that drive impact. To help prevent fundraising expenses that are high relative to contributions, BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standard 9 calls for total fundraising expenses not to exceed 35% of total contributions.

Are There Tax Benefits to Charitable Giving?

Myth: “There aren’t tax benefits from giving to charitable organizations.”

Fact: Donations to 501(c)(3) charities can be tax-deductible. Beginning in 2026, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts ($2,000 for joint filers).

Is It Too Risky to Give Because of Charity Scams?

Myth: “It’s dangerous to give because there are many charity scams.”

Fact: While it’s wise to stay alert for potential scams (which you can report), most charities work to advance meaningful causes. If you’re unsure, take a moment to research the organization and give with confidence.

How Can Donors Find Transparent and Accountable Charities?

Myth: “Charities aren’t open about how they operate.”

Fact: While not all charities are an open book, many charities prioritize openness and accountability to earn your trust. We recommend supporting BBB Accredited Charities, which have been found to meet our Standards related to governance, results reporting, finances, and truthful and transparent representation.

• Search for charities by name on Give.org
• Visit our A-Z National BBB Accredited Charity Reports list
• Explore charities by cause with AskGive, our AI-powered advisor

Taking a few moments to learn the facts behind charitable giving myths can help you give wisely and support causes that make a real difference.

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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:

• HOPE International
• Innovations for Poverty Action
• InvestED

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.

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.