Charitable Donation Value Guide, Charity Giving Guide

Tips For Donors

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance publishes information to help you in your charity donation decisions. Below, you will find guidance on specific issues related to charity donations.

While it’s the donors’ decision, BBB WGA recommends they avoid or be extremely cautious when contributing to nondisclosure charities. Charities that do not provide BBB WGA with any of the requested information needed to complete our charity evaluations are called “nondisclosure charities.” While this could be benign, some of these charities could also be hiding something by choosing not to disclose.

To produce our reports, BBB WGA asks charities to complete a detailed online questionnaire and provide copies of supporting documents. The majority of charities provide this requested information to BBB WGA.

Basic Giving Tips

Before donating, make sure you’re making smart, informed choices. These essential giving tips will help you maximize your impact and avoid common pitfalls.

Charity Mailing List Removal

Getting too many charity mailings? Learn how to remove your name from mailing lists and take control of the donation requests you receive.

Guide to Car Donations

Thinking about donating your car? Our Guide to Car Donations covers six key things to know, FAQs, and a list of BBB Accredited Charities that accept vehicle donations.

Ukraine Charity Relief Tips

BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips for donors to consider along with a list of resources and interviews with BBB Accredited Charities that are raising funds for Ukraine-related relief assistance.

Tips for Supporting Military and Veterans Charities

Get tips for donating to military and veterans charities with confidence. Learn how to verify organizations, avoid scams, and support causes that truly help veterans.

Tips for Donating to Police and Firefighter Charities

Ensure your donations to police and firefighter charities truly support first responders and your community. Learn how to avoid misleading appeals.

How to Handle Charity Telemarketing Calls

Get smart about charity telemarketing calls. Learn key questions to ask, how to verify legitimacy, and how to opt out of future calls.

Used Goods Donations Tips

Before donating used goods, learn how to ensure your contributions truly benefit charities. Get tips on thrift stores, drop-off bins, and tax deductions.

Charity Sweepstakes: What You Should Know

Charity sweepstakes offer a chance to win prizes while supporting a cause. Learn what to look for to ensure transparency and trustworthiness.

Understanding Child Sponsorship

Thinking about child sponsorship? Learn how these programs work, how funds are used, and what questions to ask before committing to a donation.

Deducting Contributions: What Donors Should Know

Learn about properly deducting charitable contributions on your taxes. Get key tips on eligibility, record-keeping, and IRS requirements.

Disaster Relief Donations Tips

When disaster strikes, generosity matters. Learn how to donate effectively, avoid scams, and support trusted disaster relief organizations.

Consejos para Donaciones de Ayuda en Desastres

Cuando ocurre un desastre, la generosidad es clave. Aprenda a donar de manera efectiva, evitar fraudes y apoyar organizaciones de ayuda confiables.

Planned Giving: How to Make a Lasting Impact

Planned giving allows you to support a charity in the future through your will or other financial arrangements. Learn key tips to help you plan ahead.

You can make a bequest or other planned gift to the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. [Click here] to learn more.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance strengthens public confidence in charities by promoting wise giving and trustworthy charity practices. Charities are evaluated, at no charge, based on 20 BBB Charity Standards. The resulting reports are available on Give.org.

©2025 BBB Wise Giving Alliance
501(c)(3) | EIN 52-1070270

Government & Regulatory Disclosures Privacy Policy

Stay Informed. Join Our Mailing List.