Tag: recommended

Preparing for hurricane season is about protecting your household and knowing how to help when a storm hits.

What NOAA Predicts for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

June marks the beginning of Atlantic Hurricane season in the US. While no major hurricane made landfall in 2025 for the first time in a decade, it isn’t a wise gamble to predict a similar outcome this year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 10% chance of an above-normal season and a 35% chance of a near-normal season.

Specifically, its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook calls for a 70% probability of between 8 and 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. These ranges fall below the “normal” season averages of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.

Most of the predicted activity is likely to occur during August-September-October (ASO), the peak months of the hurricane season.

Preparing for a Hurricane Before the Storm

A prudent approach is to focus on preparedness and readiness for the range of possible outcomes.

Just two seasons ago, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage after making landfall in Florida, with impacts felt far inland, including catastrophic flooding, wind damage, and widespread power outages across parts of the Southeast, including Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, not the first places you think of when you think of “coastal” storms.

In preparation for the season, here are some tips taken from both the CDC and American Red Cross about staying safe in case a dangerous hurricane makes an unwanted appearance in your neck of the woods.

Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list, so please visit the above sites and pay attention to local authorities and resources as well.

• Formulate a plan. Keep emergency numbers handy. Locate the nearest shelter, including those that accept animals.

• Gather emergency supplies. Include nonperishable food, plenty of water, power sources, and basic tools. Don’t forget essentials such as medication and important paperwork.

• Prepare your home. Clear your yard of debris, cover windows and doors, and ensure you have plenty of batteries for important devices such as carbon monoxide and fire alarms.

• Fill your car’s gas tank. Fuel may be harder to find once a storm is approaching or after power outages.

• Visit the National Hurricane Center. Check the Center’s hurricane watches and warnings for the latest information.

How to Give Wisely After a Hurricane

Tips from the Wise Giving Alliance about giving in hurricane aftermath:

• Understand what issues the charity is addressing. Is the organization focused on food, shelter, medical care, cleanup or long-term rebuilding? Visit charity websites to learn about the specific activities the charity is engaged in.

• Be cautious of in-kind gifts. While well-meaning, the logistics of shipping physical items can be extremely difficult during disasters. Monetary donations tend to be more efficient during emergencies. When making an in-kind contribution it is best to work through charities that have established distribution networks already in place.

• Sustained giving is crucial. Remember that charities need money well before and after the storm. Sustained giving can be a good choice as preparedness, cleanup, and rebuilding, doesn’t happen overnight.

• Verify charity trustworthiness. Consider giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities). Visit Give.org to find an organization doing important disaster relief work.

For more information and tips on giving wisely after a disaster, visit our Disaster Relief and Preparedness cause page.

Stay safe, give wisely, and enjoy the beginning of vacation season.

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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:

• Atlas Free
• Salvation Army (National Corporation)
• Western Resource Advocates

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

When an outbreak draws urgent attention, thoughtful giving matters. Here’s how to support trusted Ebola response efforts and avoid scams.

The Ebola Outbreak in the DRC and Uganda

An Ebola outbreak centered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and affecting neighboring Uganda is drawing increasing attention from public health authorities, humanitarian organizations, and governments around the world.

While experts are not calling for panic, many are emphasizing the importance of early action to support containment efforts and protect vulnerable communities.

Responses from Health Authorities and Humanitarian Organizations

Responders are working to contain the disease while navigating a complex operating environment. 

According to ABC News, medical professionals on the ground describe an environment marked by fear, misinformation, insecurity, and distrust, making it harder to identify cases, trace contacts, and encourage people to seek treatment.

International health authorities stress that containment remains the priority.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, while the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is actively supporting response efforts. The Gates Foundation recently announced an initial $15 million commitment to support the African-led response, highlighting the importance of coordinated international action.

Public health experts note that Ebola is not spread through the air and that rapid identification, isolation, and other infection-control measures remain effective tools for limiting transmission.

Why Early Action Is Critical to Containment

International Rescue Committee (IRC), a BBB Accredited Charity, warned that delayed detection and gaps in contact tracing may mean the outbreak has been spreading undetected for longer than initially understood.

At the same time, the organization emphasized that strengthening infection prevention, supporting frontline health workers, and improving community outreach can help contain further spread.

Trusted Charities Responding to the Ebola Outbreak

For donors considering support, informed giving can help ensure resources reach the people and communities most affected. Below is a list of BBB Accredited Charities responding to the Ebola outbreak. 

Charity Name	BBB Give.org Report	Relief Efforts
Catholic Relief Services	Review Report	Learn more and donate
Direct Relief	Review Report	Learn more and donate
Global Impact	Review Report	Learn more and donate
International Rescue Committee	Review Report	Learn more and donate
Oxfam	Review Report	Learn more and donate
Project HOPE	Review Report	Learn more and donate
UNICEF USA	Review Report	Learn more and donate

This list will be updated as we learn of other BBB Accredited Charities supporting the response. (Updated June 4, 2026)

Tips for Avoiding Ebola Donation Scams

Times of heightened public attention can also create opportunities for bad actors. Before you donate, watch for these common warning signs and take a few moments to verify where your money is going.

1. Pause When an Appeal Uses High-Pressure Tactics

Scammers frequently manipulate emotions with urgent stories about people or animals in desperate need, while providing few verifiable details. Even during genuine times of need, trustworthy charities will welcome follow-up questions and will gladly accept your donation when you are ready.

2. Avoid Unusual Payment Methods

Be cautious if someone insists on payment with cryptocurrency like Bitcoin and avoid any requests to donate via gift cards, wire transfers, cash apps or virtual currency. Requests for these payment methods are common warning signs of scams because the funds are often difficult or impossible to recover.

3. Double-Check Similar-Sounding Charity Names

Be cautious of appeals that use names very similar to well-known charities. Scammers often rely on familiarity and goodwill, counting on donors who may not pause to verify before giving.

4. Watch for Charity Impersonation

Carefully check website addresses, usernames, and donation links. If you donate through Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, make sure you are using the charity’s official and verified account. Scammers may create look-alike usernames, profiles, or QR codes that closely resemble legitimate organizations. When possible, navigate to the payment account through the charity’s official website or look for verification indicators provided by the platform before sending money.

5. Take a Moment to Research the Charity

Take time to visit the charity’s website, visit Give.org, or verify that the charity is registered with the IRS or your state charity regulator. You can verify an organization’s charitable tax-exempt status through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. In addition, about 40 states require charities to register with the attorney general’s office or secretary of state before soliciting donations.

6. Report Suspected Donation Scams

If something feels unusual (whether it is the tone of a message, an unexpected payment request, or a new account claiming to represent a familiar organization) contact the charity directly using information from its official website. If you encounter a potential scam, contact your state attorney general’s office or the Federal Trade Commission to help authorities investigate questionable activities.

Support Ebola Response Efforts With Confidence

Before giving, visit Give.org to see whether the charity you’re considering meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and to better understand its transparency and accountability practices.

• Search for a Charity
• Browse National Charity Reports

While outbreaks like this can feel distant, early support for trusted response organizations can help strengthen containment efforts and protect vulnerable communities. By taking the time to give thoughtfully, you can help ensure that resources reach trustworthy charities working on the front lines.

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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 Humane
• Salvation Army – Eastern Territory
• St. Labre Indian School Educational Association

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 catchy appeal can open the door to giving, but clear charity appeals are what build lasting donor trust.

What the Kars4Kids Ruling Found

On May 8, 2026, the Superior Court of California ruled against Kars4Kids, a Lakewood, NJ-based charity for making untrue or misleading statements in their advertising materials.

The ruling in the case, Puterbaugh vs. Oorah, states that the organization “should have known through reasonable care, that the statements were untrue or misleading.”

Kars4Kids was found in violation of section 17500 of California’s Business and Professions Code, as well as section 17200 of the Unfair Competition Law (UCL).

Why Clear Charity Appeals Matter

The case involved the donation of a 2001 Volvo, valued at $250, to Kars4Kids. The Plaintiff donated the non-operational vehicle after his wife demanded the car be moved before a social event.

He testified that his decision to give to Kars4Kids was influenced by the Kars4Kids jingle:

“1-877-Kars4Kids, K-A-R-S Kars for Kids, 1-877-Kars4Kids, Donate your car today.”

Based on these messages, the Plaintiff believed that his car donation would benefit underprivileged children in California, but later learned the donation supported a religious organization based in Lakewood, New Jersey.

The Plaintiff noted that the “jingle” contained no religious affiliation or indication that donations would be limited by geography, religion, or ethnicity. He also indicated that he had not visited the organization’s website, as he was “not a computer person.”

Kars4Kids’ Chief Operations Officer, Esti Landau, acknowledged the jingle, which has aired for two decades, did not provide specific details about the charity’s activities, which support summer camps in New York and New Jersey, and other religious programs serving youth and adults.

Approximately 25% of Kars4Kids’ revenue comes from donations made in California. Landau testified that Kars4Kids has no programs in California and that the organization’s primary purpose is not to help economically disadvantaged children.

The ruling in the case requires Kars4Kids to refund the $250 within 30 days and cease all non-compliant broadcasts within the same timeframe. You can find Kars4Kids post-trial statement here.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance has a current nondisclosure report on Kars4Kids, as the organization has not responded to our requests for information.

Fundraising Appeal Guidelines for Charities

Below are some guidelines to keep in mind when developing charity communication materials:

• Provide Clear Program Descriptions: Clearly describe the programs or services for which you are seeking contributions. Even a brief explanation can help potential donors better understand your work and how and where their support will be used.

• Ensure Accuracy and Truthfulness: Make sure all facts and figures in your appeals are accurate, including program accomplishments, financial information, and statistics about the issues you address. Avoid creating any misleading impression. If you make claims about your program’s effectiveness or impact, ensure you have sufficient documentation to back them up.

• Use Stories and Photos Responsibly: If you feature a story or photo about a specific individual or event, verify that it accurately reflects the situation described. If photos or stories are more than three years old, identify their age so readers don’t assume they represent current situations. For those interested in more guidance, see our previous post about photos and images in fundraising appeals.

• Establish a Review Process: Problems with fundraising appeals can arise when fundraising operates in isolation from the rest of the organization. To help prevent this, charities should establish a regular review process that involves key staff such as legal and finance personnel, use internal guidelines or checklists to avoid recurring issues, and promote a culture of transparency and information-sharing across the organization.

• Update Communication Materials: Review and update website content and annual reports regularly to ensure they provide a current, clear, and accurate picture of the charity’s mission, programs, and impact. Donors increasingly rely on these materials when evaluating transparency and trustworthiness.

Tips for Donors Reviewing Charity Appeals

The following tips can help donors assess the accuracy and transparency of charity appeals and materials:

• Understand What You are Supporting: Look for clear descriptions of the charity’s programs and services, including how and where donations will be used.

• Check for Accuracy: Review appeals carefully to ensure claims about impact, accomplishments, and finances appear accurate and well supported.

• Review Stories and Images Carefully: Consider whether stories and photos accurately reflect the individuals, events, or situations described. If images or stories are more than three years old, they should be identified as such. If a photo or appeal appears to be AI-generated, you may also want to look for disclosure or ask the charity for additional information.

• Review Website and Annual Reports: Check the charity’s website and annual reports for current, clear, and consistent information.

• Ask Questions: If you have questions about a charity’s fundraising appeals, programs, or how donations are used, contact the charity directly for clarification. 

Give With Confidence

Before making a donation, take a moment to look beyond the appeal. Visit Give.org to see whether the charity you’re considering meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and to better understand its transparency and accountability practices.

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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:

• Mississippi Children’s Museum
• International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
• Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic (SAFE) Project US

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 impersonation scams are evolving quickly, but a few simple verification steps can help donors avoid fraud and charities protect donor trust.

New Ways Charity Impersonation Scams Target Donors and Nonprofits

Earlier this month, ABC News reported on an elaborate and disturbing scheme in which scammers impersonate immigration attorneys and nonprofits on social media platforms to exploit the growing demand for immigration legal services. Some schemes reportedly use artificial intelligence to manufacture fake hearings, including people dressed as judges or officers during video calls.

These scams can seriously threaten the reputation of legitimate charities while stealing from vulnerable immigrant families.

Last month, The Chronicle of Philanthropy also covered scammers spoofing charities and donors on Venmo. “Spoofing” is a tactic in which bad actors disguise themselves as a trusted source, such as a familiar charity, to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information.

Scammers may copy an organization’s logo, branding, and even create social media usernames that differ from the legitimate account by only a character or two. In the Chronicle story, volunteers connected to a Pennsylvania animal welfare organization received fraudulent donation solicitations impersonating the charity.

Technology Is Making Charity Fraud Harder to Spot

While technology can be a powerful force for charitable giving, it can also equip scammers with increasingly sophisticated tools.

Recent technological advances have made charity fraud easier through lower costs of impersonation, the ability to scale quickly online, and increasingly sophisticated emotional targeting:

• Artificial intelligence can be used to generate realistic fraudulent emails, websites, and images.
• Social media platforms can be a vehicle for scammers to rapidly spread emotional appeals.
• Cryptocurrency and other difficult-to-trace payment methods can make it harder to recover stolen funds.

Unfortunately, these technologies can enable bad actors to create highly convincing fraudulent appeals that harm donors, legitimate charities, and the public trust that connects them.

Advice for Donors: Watch for Common Charity Scam Tactics

Before you give, take a few moments to verify that the appeal, account, and organization are legitimate.

Beware of “Look-alike” websites, social media, or payment accounts.

Carefully check website addresses, usernames, and donation links. If you donate through Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, make sure you are using the charity’s official and verified account. Scammers may create look-alike usernames, profiles, or QR codes that closely resemble legitimate organizations. When possible, navigate to the payment account through the charity’s official website or look for verification indicators provided by the platform before sending money.

If something feels unusual (whether it is the tone of a message, an unexpected payment request, or a new account claiming to represent a familiar organization), contact the charity directly using information from its official website.

Be cautious of similar-sounding charity names.

Be cautious of appeals that use names very similar to well-known charities. Scammers often rely on familiarity and goodwill, counting on donors who may not pause to verify before giving.

Pause before responding to high-pressure fundraising appeals.

Scammers frequently manipulate emotions with urgent stories about people or animals in desperate need, while providing few verifiable details. Even during genuine times of need, trustworthy charities will welcome follow-up questions and should accept your donation when you are ready.

Avoid unusual or hard-to-trace payment requests.

Be cautious if someone insists on payment with cryptocurrency like Bitcoin and avoid any requests to donate via gift cards, wire transfers, cash apps or virtual currency. Requests for these payment methods are common warning signs of scams because the funds are often difficult or impossible to recover.

Take time to verify the organization.

If you have concerns, take time to visit the charity’s website, look for its report on Give.org, or verify that the charity is registered with the IRS or your state charity regulator. You can verify an organization’s charitable tax-exempt status through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. In addition, about 40 of the 50 states require charities to register with the attorney general’s office or secretary of state before soliciting donations.

Know Where to Report Charity Fraud

If you want to alert a law enforcement agency about a problem you encountered, contact the attorney general’s office in your state (in Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency). For allegations of charity fraud, you can also inform the Federal Trade Commission. These agencies use such reports to help identify and investigate questionable activities.

Tips for Charities: Protect Your Organization from Impersonation Scams

Fraud prevention is both a cybersecurity and donor trust issue. While it can be difficult to predict when bad actors will impersonate an organization, charities of all sizes can take meaningful steps to reduce risk and respond effectively.

Report Fraud Attempts Promptly

Many charities avoid formally reporting fraud attempts, which can make it harder to warn the public and identify broader patterns. Organizations that experience impersonation scams, fake donation accounts, or other cyber fraud should report incidents promptly to law enforcement, state regulators, relevant social media platforms, and applicable vendors or payment processors. Prompt reporting can help platforms remove fraudulent accounts faster and may help prevent additional victims.

Train Staff and Volunteers to Recognize Suspicious Communications

Frontline staff and volunteers should understand common scam tactics, how to recognize suspicious communications, and how to respond professionally if concerns arise. Organizations should also establish clear internal procedures for escalating potential cybersecurity or fraud threats to previously identified personnel.

Claim and Monitor Your Charity’s Online Presence

Even small nonprofits should regularly monitor social media platforms, giving or fundraising platforms, and domain registrations for impersonation attempts or fake accounts. Claiming official usernames early can also reduce opportunities for fraud.

Communicate Clearly if Your Charity Is Impersonated

If your organization is impersonated, timely and transparent communication matters. Alert donors and supporters quickly through official channels, explain what is known, and provide clear guidance on how to identify legitimate communications moving forward. Honest communication can help preserve trust.

Protecting Donor Trust Starts with Verification

Technology has made modern charity scams more sophisticated, but awareness, verification, and proactive communication remain powerful tools for protecting both donors and charities.

If you are considering donating to a charity, always search for its report on Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Charity Standards.

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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:

• Meals from the Heartland
• National Runaway Safeline
• Nobis Works

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.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the organizations and communities working every day to support mental wellness and reduce stigma.

This Year’s Theme: More Good Days, Together

Since 1949, May has marked Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to promoting mental wellness in the United States.

This year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” highlights the importance of personalized and community-centered approaches to mental health.

By encouraging reflection on what a “good day” means for different individuals and communities, the campaign seeks to connect people to mental health support, advance advocacy and education, and foster greater community engagement.

The Ongoing Need for Mental Health Support

According to the 2025 “The State of Mental Health in America,” 23.4% (about 60 million people) of American adults experienced a mental illness in 2024.

In addition, 17.7% (46 million) struggled with a substance use disorder; and 5.5% (14 million) reported serious thoughts of suicide.

While some measures showed improvement among youth aged 12 to 17, 11.3% (nearly 3 million) of these young people experienced a major depressive episode in 2024.

Why Access to Mental Health Care Still Matters

Beyond the prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders, the report points to other concerning trends.

More than 77% of adults with substance use disorders in 2023 and 2024 did not receive treatment, while 28.6% of adolescents did not receive a preventive health visit in 2024.

The report also found that one quarter of adults experiencing mental illness were uninsured.

Supporting Someone Struggling With Mental Health Challenges

With so many friends, neighbors, and family members affected by mental health and substance use challenges, Mental Health Awareness Month is an important opportunity to consider how we can support one another.

This May, we share some of the recommendations offered by BBB Accredited Charity National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI):

• Speak up against mental health stigma.

• Share personal experiences and listen to others to help build stronger community connections.

• Help create supportive spaces that foster understanding, connection, and healing for those affected by mental illness and substance use disorders.

Supporting Trusted Mental Health Charities

If you’d like to support mental health charities this May, consider starting with our 20 Standards for Charity Accountability and finding specific charities through our Alphabetical List.

Below are a few of our Accredited Charities working every day to address mental health challenges:

• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD) funds scientific research on the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, autism, bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD.

• Mental Health America promotes mental health as part of overall wellness through prevention, early identification, intervention, integrated care initiatives, advocacy, education, and research.

• NAMI works to improve the lives of individuals affected by mental illness through advocacy, awareness, education, and research. Its volunteer network delivers peer-led education programs, skills training, and support services for community members.

• Wounded Warrior Project provides free programs and services for veterans and service members, including outdoor rehabilitative retreats, peer support, and professional assistance. It also offers support in financial education, employment services, and benefits navigation.

If you or anyone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988 Lifeline.

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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 Ukraine
• Rare
• Store to Door

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.

At a time when fewer people are giving to charities, new research points to an important opportunity: many donors are open to giving more, but trust still matters.

The 2026 Donor Trust Report: Trends in Donor Trust

Yesterday, BBB Wise Giving Alliance released the Give.org Donor Trust Report 2026: Trends in Donor Trust and Perspectives. 

Based on a December 2025 survey of more than 1,500 U.S. adults and nine years of trend data, the report examines donor trust, engagement, and giving preferences.

The findings arrive at a time when donor participation is declining and giving is increasingly concentrated among a smaller group of major contributors.

Donors Are Open to Giving More—Especially Younger Donors

The survey revealed one of the highest levels of openness to solicitation in the past nine years, with 42.1% of U.S. adults saying they are open to give more.

Within this group, 27.9% said they might give more if asked, and 14.1% would like charities to reach out more often.

Openness is especially strong among younger generations, particularly Gen Zers, who express a high willingness to give more if asked and be approached by charities more often (63%), even as their current donation rates remain comparatively low.

Charity Trust Is Improving, but Not Equally Across Causes

Encouragingly, the survey also suggests that trust is improving for many charities, with 12 of 13 charity categories experiencing increases in high-trust between 2024 and 2025.

At the same time, trust is not evenly distributed. Preferences vary by generation, with older donors tending to place higher trust in health and veterans organizations, while younger generations show stronger trust in causes such as animal welfare and civil rights.

Where Donors Look for Information Before Giving

Among donors who actively seek information before giving, the most influential resources remain charities’ own websites (54%) and third-party evaluators (39%).

AI Summaries Are Emerging, but Trust Still Starts Elsewhere

Notably, 2025 marks the first year AI summaries were included as a research option.

According to survey participants, AI-generated summaries still play a limited role in giving decisions, with only 7% of donors saying their giving choices are meaningfully influenced by AI summaries as of the end of 2025.

The Trust Gap Charities Still Need to Close

Despite these encouraging results, a persistent trust gap remains: 67.7% of respondents say trusting a charity is essential before donating, yet only 18.3% report high trust.

This gap has remained relatively stable over the past nine years and continues to shape donor behavior.

Taken together, the findings reflect a broader disconnect between opportunity and engagement.

See the Full Donor Trust Report

Visit the Give.org Donor Trust Report 2026: Trends in Donor Trust and Perspectives page to explore key findings and shareable infographics on donor openness to solicitation and the state of trust in the charitable sector.

• Key Report Findings & Infographics 
• Donor Openness to Solicitation (infographic)
• The State of Trust in the Charitable Sector (infographic)
• Download the Full Report (PDF)

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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 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Hearing Health Foundation
• Hope for Haiti’s Children

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 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.