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  • How Agentic AI Can Empower Nonprofits with Zigment CEO Dikshant Dave

    How Agentic AI Can Empower Nonprofits with Zigment CEO Dikshant Dave

    In this episode of AI & Trust in the Charitable Sector Ezra from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org) sits down with Dikshant Dave, CEO of Zigment, to discuss how Agentic AI is redefining what’s possible for nonprofits. Together, they explore how intelligent, trustworthy AI systems can extend human empathy, automate donor and volunteer engagement, and help organizations do more good with fewer resources — without ever losing sight of mission and values.

    From early collaborations with BBB Accredited charities like Hope for Ukraine and KABOOM!, to real-world use cases such as AI-powered donor communication, multi-channel “conversation graphs,” and 24/7 empathetic support, this discussion dives deep into how technology can strengthen trust and scale impact across the nonprofit ecosystem.

    In this conversation, you’ll learn:

    Why nonprofits are uniquely positioned to benefit from Agentic AI.

    How Zigment’s tools create “first-layer” engagement with donors and volunteers through chat, SMS, and social media — while staying true to each organization’s mission.

    What “conversation graphs” mean for building consistent relationships across every touchpoint.

    How trust, transparency, and data security can form the foundation of ethical AI adoption.

    Why AI won’t replace human empathy — it frees staff to focus on the meaningful, mission-driven work that matters most.

    Key takeaway:
    AI isn’t here to replace people — it’s here to amplify their ability to connect, empathize, and create change. When built on trust and aligned with mission, Agentic AI becomes a force for good.

    Learn more:
    🔹 BBB Wise Giving Alliance → https://give.org
    🔹 Zigment → https://zigment.ai
    🔹 Zigment for Nonprofits → https://zigment.ai/solutions/non-profit

    #nonprofits #aiforgood #DonorTrust #ethicalai #transparency #AskGive #GiveOrg #BBBWiseGivingAlliance #generativeai #techforgood #philanthropy #digitaltransformation

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: International Fraud Awareness Week

    Wise Giving Wednesday: International Fraud Awareness Week

    As we recognize International Fraud Awareness Week, BBB Wise Giving Alliance joins the global effort to spotlight how individuals and organizations can protect themselves with some key charity fraud prevention tips.

    25 Years of Promoting Global Fraud Awareness

    This week marks the 25th anniversary of International Fraud Awareness Week (November 16-22), dedicated to the global effort “to minimize the impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education.” The week was established by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), a membership organization of over 95,000 professionals dedicated to anti-fraud training and education.

    Understanding the Cost of Fraud Across Sectors

    According to ACFE’s Occupational Fraud 2024: A Report to the Nations, businesses, governments, and nonprofits cumulatively lose approximately 5% of their revenue each year to fraud. The report is based on more than 1,900 cases of occupational fraud and explores costs, schemes, victims, and perpetrators of fraud.

    Protect Your Donations and Charities Against Fraud

    In honor of International Fraud Awareness Week, we’re sharing two sets of tips: first, tips to help donors avoid fraud; and second, tips from ACFE to help organizations protect themselves against fraud. While ACFE’s guidance is primarily aimed at small businesses, the advice is applicable to charitable organizations.

    Donor Tips to Help Avoid Fraud This Giving Season

    • Don’t fall for excessive pressure to give. If a charity requests that you send money on the spot, be mindful that this could be a ruse to get you to contribute without doing your due diligence. Trustworthy charities will welcome your interest, give you time to verify their legitimacy, and accept your donation at your convenience.
    • Be cautious of vague fundraising appeals. Make sure that program descriptions are clear in any materials, including appeals, annual reports, or websites. Fraudsters might seek to tug at heartstrings without offering specifics.
    • Examine financial statements. While you shouldn’t rely solely on financial information before giving, be alert to groups that don’t readily share financial information or spend very little on program activities.
    • Avoid mistaken identity. Look carefully at names of charities to ensure you are giving to the right organization. Scammers will seek to use similar sounding names to confuse you.
    • Visit BBB’s Give.org to verify if a charity meets all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e. a BBB Accredited Charity.) You can view our Alphabetical List of Charity Reports and search for charity reports here.

    ACFE’s Best Practices to Reduce Organizational Fraud Risks

    • Adopt a code of ethics for management of employees and controls for identifying vulnerabilities.
    • Establish hiring procedures that verify educational credits and include background checks (as permitted by law).
    • Train employees in fraud prevention.
    • Provide an anonymous reporting system for employees and other stakeholders to help uncover fraud.
    • Communicate anti-fraud policies, consequences of fraudulent behavior, and ways to report fraud to staff.

    Strengthening Cybersecurity to Protect Donor Data

    BBB WGA also encourage charities to proactively keep data as safe from fraud as possible by strengthening cybersecurity measures. Here’s one approach to data security from the BBB.

    We also encourage donors to always review a charity’s privacy policies online to see how the organization keeps your information safe.

    Report Suspected Fraud Using BBB Scam Tracker

    If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud, use BBB’s Scam Tracker to report or look up a scam for verification.

    What Can AI Do for Nonprofits? A conversation with AFP’s Art Taylor and Zigment’s Dikshant Dave

    In the latest of our AI Conversations with BBB Accredited Charities, we explore how AI can help—not replace—nonprofits. Bennett Weiner, President & CEO, BBB Wise Giving Alliance is joined by Art Taylor, CEO, AFP Global and Dikshant Dave, CEO of Zigment for a practical discussion on how AI is already supporting donor engagement, streamlining operations, and expanding impact. With real-life insights including an example from Yuriy Boyechko, CEO of Hope for Ukraine (a BBB Accredited Charity), this conversation is packed with ideas for nonprofits ready to explore ethical, mission-aligned AI tools.

    You can see the episode’s full description here. Interested in more content around AI and Nonprofits? Check out our AI & Trust in the Charitable Sector newsfeed.

    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:

    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.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Veterans Day Giving Tips for Supporting Military Charities

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Veterans Day Giving Tips for Supporting Military Charities

    As Veterans Day approaches, many donors seek meaningful ways to honor those who served. To help you give wisely, we’ve compiled Veterans Day Giving Tips and a list of BBB Accredited Charities that support veterans and military families.

    Why We Recognize Veterans Day on November 11

    Every November 11 in the United States, we honor military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The significance of this date traces back to the formal end of World War I hostilities, in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

    Wise Giving Tips for Supporting Veterans Charities

    As we take a day to honor our veterans this November 11, we offer these Veterans Day Giving Tips for those considering donations to charities that support veterans, military service members, and their families this year.

      • Find Programs that match your interests. Veterans’ charities offer a wide range of services, including mental health support, job placement assistance, and housing programs, to name a few. Visit charity websites and look through annual reports to see which charities align with the programs you most want to support. You can learn more about the categories Veterans’ charities on our Veterans’ and Military Service cause page.
      • Avoid mistaken identity. With tens of thousands of charities serving our veterans, the military, and tier families, many of these organizations have similar names. Verify that you’re donating to the intended organization by confirming that the web address, physical address, and phone number match the information provided in any fundraising appeal you receive. We encourage you to always visit our alphabetical list of charities and search page to ensure you’re giving to trustworthy organizations.
      • Don’t be pressured into giving. If a charity pressures you into immediate giving, be cautious. This could be a red flag. Reputable charities should encourage you to take your time and learn about their work. Avoid making hasty giving decisions and take your time to give thoughtfully.
      • Ask how donated items will be used. If veterans’ groups solicit donated goods or clothing, often these items are resold, and the charity may receive a fraction of the proceeds. Before you give, ask how your in-kind gifts will benefit the organization.
      • Be careful with phone appeals. If not managed properly, some telemarketing campaigns for military or veterans organizations can be an expensive way to raise funds with very little going to the organization. If financial efficiency is important to you, look over charity materials on websites and in annual reports for that information.
      • Look up charities on BBB’s Give.org. Please visit Give.org to verify that soliciting veterans and military service charities meet our 20 Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e. a BBB Accredited Charity). Our comprehensive standards address issues from charity governance and finances to effectiveness and appeal accuracy, and go beyond what government agencies require. You can visit our list of nationally soliciting BBB Accredited Military and Veterans Charities below to help you get started.

    BBB Accredited Veterans Charities You Can Trust

    To help guide your giving, here is a selection of nationally soliciting BBB Accredited Charities that support veterans, military families, and service members. Each has been evaluated and met the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

    Charity Name Give.org Report
    Armed Services YMCA of the USA View Report
    Blue Star Families View Report
    Boot Campaign, Inc. View Report
    Boulder Crest Foundation View Report
    Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation View Report
    Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes Foundation View Report
    Coast Guard Foundation View Report
    Disabled American Veterans View Report
    EOD Warrior Foundation View Report
    Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs View Report
    Healing Paws for Warriors View Report
    Homes for Our Troops View Report
    Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation View Report
    Military Child Education Coalition View Report
    Military Spouse Corporate Career Network View Report
    National Military Family Association View Report
    Operation First Response View Report
    Operation Healing Forces View Report
    Pat Tillman Foundation View Report
    Soldiers’ Angels View Report
    Travis Manion Foundation View Report
    United Service Organizations (USO) View Report
    United Through Reading View Report
    USA Cares View Report
    VetJobs View Report
    VFW Foundation View Report
    VFW National Home View Report
    Virginia War Memorial Foundation View Report
    Warrior Bonfire Project View Report
    Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation View Report
    Wounded Warrior Project View Report
    Wounded Warriors Family Support View Report

    Heart of Giving Podcast – Jeremy Kirshbaum on AskGive & Building Trust with AI

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a conversation with Jeremy Kirshbaum, Founder of Handshake, and Ezra Vázquez-D’Amico, Director of Digital Partnerships & Strategy at BBB Wise Giving Alliance, about the creation of AskGive – Give.org’s AI Powered Donor Advisor designed to help donors make informed, trust-based giving decisions. Together, we explore how technology can strengthen rather than replace human judgment in philanthropy, what it takes to align AI with a charity’s mission and values, and how innovation can support greater transparency in giving. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders and donors curious about using AI responsibly to build donor trust and advance social good.

     

    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:

    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.

  • AskGive & Building Trust with AI – Jeremy Kirshbaum & Ezra Vázquez-D’Amico

    AskGive & Building Trust with AI – Jeremy Kirshbaum & Ezra Vázquez-D’Amico

    How can AI actually increase donor trust rather than erode it? In this conversation, Bennett Weiner (President & CEO, BBB Wise Giving Alliance) speaks with Jeremy Kirshbaum (Founder, Handshake) and Ezra Vázquez-D’Amico (Director of Digital Partnerships & Strategy, BBB Wise Giving Alliance) about AskGive—Give.org’s AI Powered Donor Advisor that helps people make wise, trust-centered giving decisions using Give.org’s vetted resources.

    To draw out broader lessons on AI for the charitable sector, we cover why AskGive was built, how brand-safe AI is different from a generic chatbot, and what’s next (structured charity data for cause-based discovery) while keeping donors—not algorithms in the decision seat.

    Key takeaways

    – Trust by design: AskGive only draws from Give.org’s vetted content (charity reports, standards, advice), aligning AI answers with BBB Charity Standards and avoiding unverified sources.

    – Brand-safe AI is not the same as a generic chatbot: Tone, accuracy, and “no ranking charities” guardrails were co-designed with staff (from subject experts to frontline donor support) to reflect Give.org’s culture.

    – Help donors act, don’t decide for them: The tool surfaces facts, standards results, and advice—then puts the final choice back in the donor’s hands.

    – Cause-based discovery for new donors: Younger/values-driven givers can start with “I want to support animal welfare” and move into credible options without already knowing a charity’s name.

    – The Path From 70% to 100%: Spinning up a chatbot is easy; getting to on-brand, brand-safe, reliable, repeatable guidance takes custom work, evaluation checklists, and ongoing monitoring.

    – What’s next for AskGive: Structured data queries (e.g., “Show me five BBB Accredited environmental charities in my state”) to give donors more relevant, self-directed ways to explore.

    Why this matters for nonprofit professionals and people who care about social good

    – Practical AI path: Start small with mission-critical content, define tone/guardrails, and set evaluation criteria early.

    – Trust signals win: Transparent sourcing and standards-aligned answers reduce friction for donors and strengthen credibility.

    – Human-centered by default: Keep people in the loop—let AI inform, not decide.

    Try AskGive: https://give.org/askgive

    Enjoying the show? Follow/subscribe and leave a rating to help others find The Heart of Giving Podcast.

    #AskGive #DonorTrust #AIforGood #BBBWiseGivingAlliance #Charity #Philanthropy #Nonprofits #Accountability #give.org #socialgood #heartofgiving

  • Trusted Hurricane Relief Charities: Where to Donate After Hurricane Melissa

    Trusted Hurricane Relief Charities: Where to Donate After Hurricane Melissa

    Looking to support trusted charities for Hurricane Melissa relief? You’ve come to the right place.

    BBB Accredited Charities Responding to Hurricane Melissa

    Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, the most powerful hurricane ever to strike the island. The storm caused significant flooding, widespread damage, blocked roads, and landslides. One hospital was damaged and evacuated, and hundreds of thousands remain without power, with many communities still inaccessible. While a complete assessment is not yet available, trusted charities are already working tirelessly to deliver Hurricane Melissa relief. The following organizations are BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that are currently collecting funds in preparation for hurricane Melissa.

    Charity Name Give.org Report
    American Humane View Report
    American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee View Report
    American Red Cross View Report
    Americares Foundation View Report
    Catholic Relief Services View Report
    Cross Catholic Outreach View Report
    Direct Relief View Report
    Episcopal Relief and Development View Report
    Helping Hand for Relief and Development View Report
    Food for the Poor View Report
    GlobalGiving View Report
    International Medical Corps View Report
    Project HOPE View Report
    Salvation Army View Report
    Save the Children View Report
    World Relief View Report

    Additional BBB Accredited Charities will be added as we learn about their earthquake-related activities.

    How to Give Wisely After a Hurricane

    We offer these tips to help you support trusted charities for Hurricane Melissa relief:

    • Give to Experienced Groups: Support experienced organizations that stand ready to provide quick and effective assistance. Be cautious of new organizations that appear overnight following a disaster, as they may lack the capacity or experience to follow through on their promises.
    • Check for On-the-Ground Presence: Find out whether the charity already has staff or partners in the affected areas. Organizations with an existing local presence are often able to respond more quickly and effectively than those bringing in new teams.
    • Give Money Rather Than Goods, especially overseas: Cash donations are often the quickest and most effective way to help. They allow relief organizations to pursue what’s most needed efficiently. While donating food, clothing, or supplies is generous, these items can be difficult to store and distribute unless the organization specifically requests them.
    • Look for Appeal Clarity: Choose appeals that are upfront and transparent about what your donation supports. When disaster relief solicitations sound urgent but provide little detail about how funds will be used, don’t feel pressured to give.
    • Be Wary of “100 Percent” Claims: Be skeptical of claims that 100 percent of your donation will go directly to programs or victims. Even legitimate organizations incur administrative and operational expenses. Transparency about these costs is a sign of good management, not inefficiency.
    • Understanding Crowdfunding: If you choose to give through crowdfunding, it is safest to contribute to campaigns organized by people or groups you know and trust. Review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take measures to vet posts, others don’t.
    • Rely on Expert Opinion: Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Give.org recommends giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

    Why Give.org Is Your Trusted Resource

    When disasters strike, it’s more important than ever to give with confidence. That’s where Give.org, the site of BBB Wise Giving Alliance, comes in.

    We evaluate charities against 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability — covering governance, effectiveness, finances, and truthful fundraising practices. Only charities that meet all 20 standards are designated BBB Accredited Charities.

    We conduct these evaluations independently and at no cost to the charities, so you can trust that our assessments are thorough and impartial.

    Our mission is to help donors like you make informed, thoughtful giving decisions — especially in moments of crisis.

    Ready to Help?

    Support BBB Accredited Charities making a real difference after Hurricane Melissa. View Charities

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: How You Can Help Families Impacted by the SNAP Benefits Pause

    Wise Giving Wednesday: How You Can Help Families Impacted by the SNAP Benefits Pause

    As millions of Americans face food insecurity due to the potential SNAP benefits pause, nonprofits and donors alike are stepping up to meet the growing need.

    SNAP Suspension Could Affect 42 Million Americans

    As a result of the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it lacks the funds to distribute benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, starting November 1.

    As reported by CNN, this suspension will affect nearly 42 million people, or 1 in 8 Americans, with approximately 39% of recipients being children, 20% seniors, and 10% people with disabilities.

    The Associated Press reported that “food banks and pantries were already struggling after federal program cuts this year, but now they’re bracing for a tsunami of hungry people if a pause in federal food aid to low-income people kicks in…”

    Feeding America: “This Is Not About Politics. It Is About People.”

    In a statement released on October 24, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of BBB Accredited Charity Feeding America, said:

    “We are not alone in our understanding that families everywhere are on the brink of, or have already been forced to make, impossible choices between food and other necessities like housing and health care.

    For the Feeding America network, this is not about politics. It is about people.

    The most challenging and heartbreaking situation for staff members and volunteers is when the pantry shelves are empty, and they must turn people away—veterans, seniors, families with young children.”

    Ways to Support Food-Insecure Families During SNAP Benefits Pause

    If you are looking to help during the SNAP benefits pause, consider the following:

    • Support National or Local Food Banks: Food banks operate at both local and national levels. Some partner with community businesses and farmers to recover food that would otherwise go to waste, while others collaborate to advocate for expanded food access and address underlying causes of hunger. For example, visit Feeding America (a BBB Accredited Charity) to support a nationwide network or help locate a food bank near you.
    • Support Other Organizations Helping Those Affected: Other assistance programs, such as preschool support and initiatives that aid mothers and infants, may also be affected. The loss of SNAP benefits may also affect families’ ability to pay for housing, medical bills, pet care, and other essential needs. If you care most about health, children, or animals, consider donating to charities serving those areas.
    • There are Multiple Ways to Give: You can support food banks through monetary donations, donating nonperishable food items like canned or boxed goods, or volunteering your time. Ask the charity how you can best support them.
    • Give to Trustworthy Charities: Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). If a BBB charity report is not available on a shelter, review the organization’s website for additional details about its services, needs, and achievements.

    AskGive and Building Donor Trust with AI: A Conversation with Handshake’s Lev Gorelov

    As part of our new AI Conversations with Accredited Charities series, we sat down with Lev Gorelov, co-founder and research director at Handshake. In this discussion, we explored how AskGive—our AI Powered Donor Advisor—was built with Handshake, the lessons we learned along the way and how nonprofits can responsibly use AI to strengthen donor trust without sacrificing transparency or accuracy.

    Interested in more content around AI and Nonprofits? Check out our AI & Trust in the Charitable Sector Newsfeed.

    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:

    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.
  • How to Give Wisely for Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts

    How to Give Wisely for Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts

    As Category 5  Hurricane Melissa strikes Jamaica, many are seeking trustworthy ways to support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts.

    Why Giving Wisely Matters in Times of Disaster

    Hurricane Melissa’s devastating eyewall is now coming ashore in Jamaica. It has been reported that this Category 5 storm will be the most powerful hurricane to ever directly impact the island. With evacuation orders issued for coastal areas, many families are preparing for the severe weather and potential displacement.

    7 Tips to Support Trusted Hurricane Relief Efforts

    In times like these, acts of kindness make a difference. We offer these tips to help you support trusted Hurricane Melissa relief efforts:

    1. Give to Experienced Groups: Support experienced organizations that stand ready to provide quick and effective assistance. Be cautious of new organizations that appear overnight following a disaster, as they may lack the capacity or experience to follow through on their promises.
    2. Check for On-the-Ground Presence: Find out whether the charity already has staff or partners in the affected areas. Organizations with an existing local presence are often able to respond more quickly and effectively than those bringing in new teams.
    3. Give Money Rather Than Goods (especially overseas): Cash donations are often the quickest and most effective way to help. They allow relief organizations to pursue what’s most needed efficiently. While donating food, clothing, or supplies is generous, these items can be difficult to store and distribute unless the organization specifically requests them.
    4. Look for Appeal Clarity: Choose appeals that are upfront and transparent about what your donation supports. When disaster relief solicitations sound urgent but provide little detail about how funds will be used, don’t feel pressured to give.
    5. Be Wary of “100 Percent” Claims: Be skeptical of claims that 100 percent of your donation will go directly to programs or victims. Even legitimate organizations incur administrative and operational expenses. Transparency about these costs is a sign of good management, not inefficiency.
    6. Understand Crowdfunding: If you choose to give through crowdfunding, it is safest to contribute to campaigns organized by people or groups you know and trust. Review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take measures to vet posts, others don’t.
    7. Rely on Expert Opinion: Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Give.org recommends giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Always visit Give.org to find out more about the charity you are considering supporting.

    BBB Accredited Charities Responding to Hurricane Melissa

    The following organizations are BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that are currently collecting funds in preparation for Hurricane Melissa relief efforts.

    Charity Name Give.org Report
    American Humane View Report
    American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee View Report
    American Red Cross View Report
    Americares Foundation View Report
    Catholic Relief Services View Report
    Cross Catholic Outreach View Report
    Direct Relief View Report
    Episcopal Relief and Development View Report
    Helping Hand for Relief and Development View Report
    Food for the Poor View Report
    GlobalGiving View Report
    International Medical Corps View Report
    Project HOPE View Report
    Salvation Army View Report
    Save the Children View Report
    World Relief View Report

    Additional BBB Accredited Charities will be added as we learn about their Hurricane Melissa relief-related activities. (Updated 10/31/25)

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: What to Know About Photos and Images in Fundraising Appeals

    Wise Giving Wednesday: What to Know About Photos and Images in Fundraising Appeals

    As the giving season approaches, many charities will feature powerful photos in their fundraising appeals. But what should donors and nonprofits keep in mind when it comes to how those images are used?

    Why the Holiday Season Sees a Surge in Fundraising Appeals

    With the holiday season just around the corner, donors will see the traditional uptick in appeals to give. Many charities rely on donations around the holidays to “keep the lights on” during the leaner months, and the sense of goodwill surrounding the holidays makes it an ideal time to reach out to donors.

    The old adage goes “one picture is worth 1,000 words,” and charities will use them to tug on heartstrings, especially as the year winds down and donation appeals ramp up. And donors may have a little extra cash to give from the end of tax season or holiday bonuses.

    As you prepare to give this holiday season, we’d like to address the use of photos in fundraising appeals.

    How BBB Standards Guide Transparency and Accountability in Fundraising Images

    BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standard 15 is the backbone of our efforts to ensure charities are held accountable in their fundraising materials.

    Standard 15 calls for solicitation and informational materials to be “accurate, truthful, and not misleading, both in whole and in part.”

    4 Things to Keep in Mind About Photos in Donation Appeals

    Below we highlight some of the issues to consider, whether you are a potential donor or part of a charity. We encourage donors to “trust but verify” and charities to build trust through accountability and transparency.

    • Misleading or outdated images: If an appeal features a photo of a child assisted by the charity, readers will likely assume it’s a current photo. If, for some reason, the photo is more than three years old, charities should note its age.

    • Disaster images not tied to the appeal: Donors also expect that images in emergency aid appeals for a specific disaster depict that particular event. If generic photos or images from a different disaster are used, the charity should make that clear.

    • Permission for use of children’s photos: Charities should obtain permission from parents or guardians before using a child’s photo in a solicitation appeal, whether online, in direct mail appeals, on billboards, or through other communication channels.

    • Labeling of AI-generated images: Most donors are cautious about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in charity appeals, especially when it comes to images. BBB Wise Giving Alliance is reviewing how AI-generated visuals are being used to identify situations that could be misleading. If a charity opts to use an AI-created image instead of a real photo, being transparent about it can help build trust.

     

    AskGive Featured on News 5 Cleveland

    We’re proud to share that AskGive, our free AI-powered Donor Advisor, was recently featured on News 5 Cleveland.

    In the segment, reporter Mike Brookbank explores how AskGive helps donors connect with trustworthy charities and make informed, trustworthy giving decisions—an especially timely topic as the giving season approaches.

    Watch the full feature below and try out AskGive so it can support your giving journey.

     

    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:

    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.
  • Wise Giving Wednesday: How to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month Wisely

    Wise Giving Wednesday: How to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month Wisely

    October shines a light on the ongoing fight against breast cancer — and inspires many people to give. Before donating or buying “pink” products, here’s how to make sure your support truly makes an impact.

    Choose a Trustworthy Breast Cancer Charity That Matches Your Goals

    One challenge in supporting the fight against breast cancer is the number of charities supporting the cause, whether through research, awareness, education, or treatment.

    We encourage donors to find out what a given charity does to find the right fit. Examine any appeals for donations, the charity’s websites, and the annual report to get a better sense of the organization’s programs.

    You may find that the organization focuses on education, when you want to support research. Visit our Cancer Cause Page to learn more about the three main types of cancer charity organizations.

    Keep in mind that if you don’t feel comfortable with the charity asking for a donation, for any reason, you can find a better match.

    Understand Pink Ribbon Advertising

    You’ve likely seen the pink ribbons, or simply the color pink, in advertisements for breast cancer causes this time of year.

    Pink ribbons can be seen while shopping at grocery stores, clothing stores, or anywhere you might find consumer goods. Even professional and college athletics teams can wear pink shoes or uniforms to support the fight against breast cancer. Some pink ribbon symbols are trademarked by specific organizations, but a generic pink ribbon alone isn’t enough to guarantee that your purchase is supporting a charity.

    Cause-related marketing, covered by BBB Charity Standard 19, are promotions for goods or services in which a portion of the purchase will benefit a charity. But, before you buy a box or cookies or cereal to benefit a breast cancer charity, make sure that the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase to benefit the organization is disclosed at point of sale.

    Check for Details Before You Join a Breast Cancer Awareness Event

    It’s common to see special events like charity walks, runs, or golf tournaments this time of year.

    Just as with any special events designed to support one or more charities, look for specific details before you participate. As with any other solicitation material, make sure the language explicitly states which organizations will benefit from your participation.

    Find BBB Accredited Breast Cancer Charities You Can Trust

    Please visit our List of nationally-soliciting BBB Accredited cancer charities to find trustworthy breast cancer charities this October or year round.

    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:

    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.
  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Jane Goodall

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Jane Goodall

    Today we honor the life and legacy of English primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, who passed away on October 1. Her pioneering work with chimpanzees made her a cherished household name around the world.

    A Pioneer in Primatology and the Human-Animal Connection

    Goodall, first mentored by paleontologist Louis Leakey, engaged in field research studying wild chimpanzees of the Kasakela community in Gombe National Park, Tanzania.

    Her chimp research, which began in 1960, is considered the longest study of any animals in their natural habitat. Goodall’s work showed that chimps share many attributes with humans, including emotional complexity, social bonding, passing knowledge from generation to generation, and, unfortunately, even warfare.

    Perhaps the most iconic moment of Goodall’s work happened on November 4, 1960, when she noticed a chimpanzee, who she’d named David Greybeard, using a stalk of grass to pull termites from a termite mound. She later witnessed Graybeard and another chimp, Goliath, making termite “fishing” tools out of twigs. Tool creation by non-human animals had never been observed and was considered a defining characteristic of being a human.

    Goodall’s research also dispelled the notion that chimps are vegetarian and witnessed the chimpanzee “rain dance,” in which male chimps charge through the forest, vocalizing loudly, slapping trees and the ground, and dragging branches during rainstorms.

    A Global Voice for Conservation and Climate Action

    Beyond the publication of her research and articles in National Geographic, Goodall published 32 books in her lifetime. Goodall was also an active lecturer and traveled extensively promoting conservation and action on climate change.

    She established wildlife sanctuaries, developed reforestation projects in Africa, and campaigned for the ethical treatment of animals. Her life and work have been the subject of dozens of films.

    A Lasting Legacy: The Jane Goodall Institute and Her Enduring Impact

    Jane Goodall was named a Dame Commander of the British Empire and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The BBB Accredited Charity Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife, Research, Education, and Conservation was founded in 1977 and continues to protect, educate and advocate on behalf of chimpanzees and the natural world.

    Thank you for your incredible life, Jane. You will be missed.

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