Tag: featured

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.

Each February, World Cancer Day reminds us of the ongoing fight against cancer—and how we can make a difference by supporting the right organizations.

Why World Cancer Day Matters

February 4th is World Cancer Day, established 26 years ago in Paris at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium. The day is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

With nearly 20 million new cancer diagnoses in 2025 alone, it’s fair to say that many of us have had a friend, family member, or colleague who has been affected by cancer.

We encourage you to consider supporting trustworthy cancer charities today or throughout the year.

How to Choose the Right Cancer Charity

Choosing a cancer charity can be daunting given the thousands of options available.

Donors often decide where to give based on personal experiences or those of loved ones. For example, you may be particularly interested in charities that focus on supporting children, prioritizing research, or addressing specific types of cancer.

What Your Donations Help Fund

Supporting cancer charities helps fund vital initiatives, such as cutting-edge AI technologies that improve early diagnosis and detection, immunotherapy treatments that strengthen the body’s immune system, and the provision of screenings and treatment for individuals.

Tips for Giving to Cancer Charities

Whichever cancer charity you choose to support, we’d like to share a few tips to help ensure your donation goes to an organization you can trust.

• Double-check charity names. With so many cancer charities out there, it’s no surprise that many include the word “cancer” in their name and may sound familiar. Take the time to look carefully to ensure you’re donating to the intended organization. It’s also a good idea to check that the address listed in any fundraising appeal matches the one on the charity’s official website.
• Look for clear mission statements and descriptions of program activities. Look closely at charity appeals and websites to understand the specific activities each organization is involved in. Don’t make assumptions about what a charity does, and instead look for clear, detailed information. Whether you want to support treatment, prevention, education, or research, look for charities that align with your interests.
• Be wary of exaggerated appeals. If statistics in charity appeals seem too good to be true, think twice and double-check. Be especially cautious of organizations claiming that “100% of your donation goes to supporting cancer research,” for example. If such a statement is made, the organization should also explain how they cover fundraising and administrative expenses.
• Seek clarity in cause-related marketing. Many cancer charities are involved in cause-related marketing campaigns, in which purchases of consumer goods or services will benefit a specific charitable organization. If you are considering purchasing a product that will also benefit a cancer charity, look for clear disclosures that identify the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase price that will benefit the stated group before you give. For more details about Standard 19, on cause marketing disclosures, please see our BBB Charity Standards.

We hope these tips provide you with peace of mind as you explore supporting cancer charities.

Support Cancer Charities You Can Trust

For even more confidence when giving, please review our list of nationally soliciting cancer charities that meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

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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:

• Consumer Reports
• Wildlife Conservation Network
• MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger

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.

As new rules affecting charitable deductions take effect in 2026, here are some key changes donors should keep in mind.

Start Planning Now: Tax Prep Meets Giving Strategy

As much of the East recovers from snow and ice storm Fern, we hope you are staying safe and warm.

While life returns to normal, it’s also a good time for donors to start preparing 2025 tax filings and to begin planning charitable giving for 2026.

With many already receiving W-2s and other tax documents, this is a good moment to consider the tax implications of your charitable giving.

Itemizing vs. Standard Deduction: What It Means for Charitable Gifts

Whether you prepare your own taxes using online services or work with an accountant, charitable giving can have important tax implications.

Filers must first decide between taking the standard deduction, which varies by filing status, or itemizing their deductions.

Itemizing allows you to subtract certain expenses from your adjusted gross income (AGI), which can reduce the amount of tax you owe.

Common itemized deductions include:

• State and local taxes
• Mortgage interest
• Medical expenses
• Charitable contributions

New Tax Rules for Non-Itemizers in 2026

Last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill, signed on July 4, 2025, permanently reinstated a tax rule that applies beginning with the 2026 tax year.

Under this rule, non-itemizers (those taking the standard deduction) may deduct up to $1,000 in qualified charitable contributions ($2,000 if filing jointly).

While this deduction does not apply to the 2025 tax year (returns filed in 2026), it is something to keep in mind when planning your charitable giving in 2026, which will be reported on your 2027 tax return.

What charitable donations qualify?

• Only cash contributions made by credit card, check, online donations or payroll deductions
• Donations to qualified 501(c)(3) public charities
• Gifts that have followed IRS charity deduction rules, such as a written acknowledgement of gifts of $250 or more

While we always encourage generous giving to trusted charities, contributions above the limits for non-itemized deductions cannot be carried forward from year to year and these deductions cannot be used in conjunction with a private foundation or donor-advised funds (DAF).

New Rules for Itemizers in 2026

There are also new rules for itemizers stemming from the 2025 legislation.

Under these rules, itemizers will be able to deduct only cash contributions exceeding 0.5% of AGI, but no more than 60% of AGI in a single year. For example, if your AGI is $100,000, only gifts above $500 are eligible for deductions.

Some individuals may choose to lump several years of charitable contributions into a single year or take advantage of the flexibility offered by donor-advised funds (DAFs). 

Other effective strategies include qualified charitable IRA distributions and gifts of appreciated stock. Stocks, and other non-cash assets, can be deducted at full market value before taxes, allowing donors to avoid capital gains taxes.

Charitable IRA distributions can lower AGI (and taxable income) and even reduce Medicare premium in the long run.

Corporate Giving: What’s Changing in 2026

Corporate giving will now be subject to a new 1% AGI floor.

Contributions below this threshold may prompt organizations to either increase giving in a single year to qualify for the deduction or bundle multiple years’ contributions into one year to maximize tax benefits.

What This Means for Charities

It’s still unclear how much charities will benefit from the new tax regulations, but many hope that the standard-deduction advantage could generate much needed revenue.

Some projections anticipate a short-term boost, with the potential for long-term donor re-engagement that could help reverse the trend of a shrinking donor base.

Ultimately, the impact depends on everyday donors, so we encourage everyone to make 2026 giving plans that benefit you, support charities, and make a meaningful difference.

More Info: IRS Guidelines on Charitable Deductions

If you’re looking for official guidance on what kinds of charitable contributions qualify for deductions—and how to document them—refer to the IRS booklet on charitable deductions IRS Publication 526.

This resource outlines the rules for cash and non-cash donations, recordkeeping requirements, and limits based on income. The “about” page will be updated as IRS Pub 526 updates.

Whether you’re itemizing or claiming the standard deduction, reviewing this IRS guide can help ensure your giving meets the criteria for tax benefits.

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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:

• Save the Children Federation
• Team Telomere
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County

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.

Our brains are wired to save time—but when it comes to generosity, taking mental shortcuts can lead us to making mistakes in giving.

What Are Mental Shortcuts and Why Do They Matter in Giving?

Have you ever judged a book by its cover? If so, you are not alone. Our brains love a mental shortcut, saving energy by avoiding conscious thought in favor of quick solutions. It’s a natural human tendency.

These shortcuts help us run away from a bright spider, follow a crowd toward an exit, or choose food that looks familiar. They can be useful, and even lifesaving! But they can also lead us astray. Mental shortcuts play a role in why attractive people tend to earn more, why we’re willing to pay extra for certain brands, and in far more nefarious biases.

How Cognitive Biases Can Lead to Mistakes in Giving

When it comes to giving wisely, mental shortcuts can also help or lead to unwanted outcomes.

• On the positive side, when you see the BBB Accredited Charity seal, you can be confident that our team has carefully verified the charity meets all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
• Other brain biases can be trickier, and push us to feel confident when we shouldn’t, or make rushed decisions to give.

Taking some mental shortcuts can result in our charitable gifts going to untrustworthy actors.  So try to keep your mind in check when it comes to giving. 

Spot These Common Mental Shortcuts Before You Give

Here are four common brain biases that can influence your giving—plus how to overcome them:

1. Familiarity Bias – “That Name Sounds Familiar”

Familiar names feel safer. If your mom’s name is Jane, you may instinctively feel more comfortable with a new coworker named Jane. In the same way, knowing that many cancer charities do excellent work can make a new cancer-related solicitation seem automatically trustworthy.

Be cautious of appeals that use names very similar to well-known charities. Bad actors can rely on donors’ familiarity and goodwill, counting on people who do not pause and verify before giving.

2. Urgency Effect – “There Is No Time to Pause”

We can be overly influenced by an exaggerated sense of urgency. Appeals that strongly tug at your heartstrings, without offering clear, specific, or verifiable details, could be a sign of a scam.

Even during times of humanitarian crises or natural disasters, when needs are genuinely urgent, be cautious of pressure to click links or scan QR codes on the spot. Trustworthy charities welcome verification and follow-up questions; and they are willing to take the time to build a relationship with you.

3. Bandwagon Effect – “Everyone Is Doing It”

In this day and age, viral moments can bring us together. Joining the “Holy Airball” trend on TikTok can be fun; coming together to support a trustworthy charity in response to a disaster can be powerful. But just because everyone is doing something doesn’t make it a reliable signal of trust.

If you’re joining the masses for a good cause or responding to a celebrity appeal, take a moment to do so thoughtfully and responsibly. When using crowdfunding platforms, the safest approach is to donate to campaigns for people you personally know or to support established charities you trust.

4. Size Bias – “Bigger is Better”

Unconsciously, we tend to assume that high-priced items are better, attractive people are smarter, and bananas in a museum are art. (Art critics may disagree.) Some donors may similarly assume that charities claiming 100% of donations go to programs are better stewards of their money.

There is a lot to unpack in such claims, but, in short, bigger is not always better. When you see statements like “100% of your donations will be spent on programs,” this should raise a red flag. All legitimate charities have administrative and fundraising expenses… these costs do not simply disappear. In the worst-case scenario, you are being misled. In the best-case scenario, those costs are covered by other funding sources, such as wealthy donors, board members, or corporate sponsors, but they still exist.

Well-run charities need reasonable administrative and fundraising expenses to operate effectively. Pressuring organizations to maintain unrealistically high program-spending ratios can actually be harmful. When you see such claims, ask follow-up questions. Don’t let 100% claims be the deciding factor in your giving decisions. Instead, focus on the charity’s overall effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.

Give.org Helps You Cut Through the Noise

A short pause can go a long way. Before you donate, always take a moment to visit Give.org to verify the charity’s trustworthiness. Your brain (and your generosity) will thank you.

Search for a charity now →  

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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 Epilepsy
• United Methodist Family Services
• Foundation for the Poor

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.

Strong governance is one of the clearest indicators that a charity is prepared to use donations responsibly, stay mission-focused, and earn long-term public trust.

Why Governance Matters for Mission-Driven Charities

In our first post of the new year, Wise Giving Wednesday explored how charities can refocus on mission in 2026.

This week, the focus turns to governance, a critical element enabling charities to achieve their mission.

When charities approach governance with integrity and efficiency, they are better positioned to focus on mission and earn public trust.

What Does Good Governance Look Like in Practice?

The beginning of the year is when many charities begin putting new budgets and strategic plans into action. Ultimate responsibility for setting and approving an organization’s direction rests with the board of directors.

A strong board offers clear oversight and sets a thoughtful, ethical direction for the organization.

The Three Duties Every Charity Board Should Know

Guidebooks from state regulatory authorities commonly identify three essential responsibilities of a charity’s board:

• Duty of loyalty – placing the charity’s mission first;
• Duty of care – wise use of the charity’s resources; and
• Duty of obedience – following bylaws and appropriate government regulations.

Governance and Oversight Standards from BBB Wise Giving Alliance

The first five BBB Standards for Charity Accountability help ensure an active, independent board of directors, free of self-dealing.

Here are some highlights of what’s expected to meet each standard:

• Standard 1 calls for adequate board oversight of the charity, including CEO performance reviews, board approval of budgets and fundraising practices, adoption of a conflict-of-interest policy, and establishment of adequate accounting procedures to safeguard charity practices.
• Standard 2 looks for a minimum board size of five voting members.
• Standard 3 verifies a minimum of three board meetings, with majority attendance, within a calendar or fiscal year.
• Standard 4, on board compensation, calls for no more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) of board members to be compensated, and that no compensated members serve as board chair or treasurer.
• Standard 5 seeks to ensure organizations are free from conflicts of interest arising from business affiliations. We verify that charities have appropriate arms-length procedures in place.

What Charity Governance Practices Matter Most to Donors?

In our 2024 Donor Trust Survey, we presented participants with a list of practices that help strengthen board oversight of a charity’s operations and staff, and asked them to pick the three they considered most important.

The most important charity governance practices chosen by donors were:

• Establishing procedures to prevent financial mismanagement (57%);
• Avoiding transactions with board- or staff-affiliated businesses that could create conflicts of interest (42%); and
• Limiting compensation to no more than 10% of board members (42%).

Good governance helps charities use resources wisely and stay true to their mission, while building donor trust.

Check Charity Governance Practices Before You Give

To explore how your favorite charities measure up against the 20 BBB Charity Standards, search our full database at Give.org.

Each evaluative report includes information about governance and oversight, financial management, organizational effectiveness and fundraising practices to help you give with confidence.

Search for a charity now →  

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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:

• Soccer Without Borders
• World Vision
• Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund

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.