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.
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.
Used Goods Donations
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 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 for Charities
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.
Police & Firefighter Appeals
Ensure your donations to police and firefighter charities truly support first responders and your community. Learn how to avoid misleading appeals.
Telephone Appeals
Get smart about charity telemarketing calls. Learn key questions to ask, how to verify legitimacy, and how to opt out of future calls.
Charity Sweepstakes
Charity sweepstakes offer a chance to win prizes while supporting a cause. Learn what to look for to ensure transparency and trustworthiness.
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
Learn about properly deducting charitable contributions on your taxes. Get key tips on eligibility, record-keeping, and IRS requirements.
Disaster Relief Donations
When disaster strikes, generosity matters. Learn how to donate effectively, avoid scams, and support trusted disaster relief organizations.
Donaciones para 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
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.