Neighbor News
5 BBB Tips to Ensure Great Giving on #GivingTuesday
BBB Wise Giving Alliance Urges Donors to Give Wisely This Holiday Season
#GivingTuesday, the National Day of Giving, kicks off the holiday giving season on November 29, following Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Before donating to a charity this season, it is wise to carefully review a charity and ensure it is a trustworthy organization. BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB WGA) has been helping to promote #GivingTuesday for the past four years by encouraging donors to make thoughtful giving decisions.
“Our main objective is to help donors find charities they can trust,” said Jim Temmer, president and CEO of the BBB Serving Wisconsin. “We believe that our rigorous reviews help verify trust before you donate.”
BBB WGA recommends these tips to give wisely, on #GivingTuesday and any day of the year:
- Watch out for copycats. There may be hundreds of charities seeking support in the same category, and some may have similar sounding names. Don’t fall for a case of mistaken identity. Avoid cases of mistaken identity by looking at the name carefully.
- Consider the whole picture, not just finances. While financial ratios help in identifying cases of financial abuse, it’s a mistake to use them as the sole basis for making a giving decision. A good ratio does not necessarily mean a charity is well managed, honest in its appeals, transparent about its activities, and effective in achieving its mission.
- Avoid being pressured. Don’t succumb to pressure to make an on-the-spot giving decision. Responsible organizations will welcome your gift tomorrow just as much as today. What does the charity do? A charity’s name won’t necessarily reflect the nature of its program activities. Take time to check on the organization to make sure it is trustworthy and transparent (check with Give.org).
- Keep emotions in check. Donors need to be mindful that con artists will often strike when emotions are running high. Always take a moment to verify that your selected charity operates ethically.
- Decide together. Sit down with your family or friends to discuss the causes and charities that are most meaningful to you. This will help narrow your search before making a donation.