During the holidays, many are compelled to give to charities. Unfortunately, donations aren’t always allocated as the donor intends and some charities are outright scams. The Better Business Bureau provides detailed reports on charities to help donors make confident decisions and avoid the pitfalls of blind philanthropy.“Despite the downturn in the economy, people are still looking for creative or small ways that they can give back and support those who are even less fortunate over the holidays,” said Dale Mingilton, president and CEO of the BBB Serving Denver/Boulder. “However you decide to give, it’s important to stop and take the time to research the charity thoroughly to make sure that your dollar stretches the farthest it can in this tough economy.”
BBB Charity Reports are different from the BBB’s reports on businesses. Charities reports do not have ratings; instead they provide results of a review that tells the public information not only about how the charity handles its money, but about its programs, effectiveness, board oversight, fundraising, etc. These aspects are reviewed in accordance with the BBB’s twenty Standards for Charity Accountability.
If a charity does not provide the BBB with this information, it is stated in the report. If the charity meets certain standards but not all twenty, the standards they do not meet are explained in the report.
Locally, the BBB has 620 reports on charities, 123 of which meet the twenty standards.
To check out a charity, please visit www.denver.bbb.org and click on, “Check Out a Business or Charity” or call (303) 758-2100. Look for more wise giving tips from your BBB in the coming weeks.
