BBB Shares Smart Donation Tips for Giving Tuesday

The Tuesday following Thanksgiving, known as Giving Tuesday, has emerged as a significant day for charitable giving. This event occurs after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, gaining momentum since its inception in 2012. The movement has raised over $1 billion globally for online donations, encouraging individuals to contribute to various causes.

Importance of Researching Charities

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB WGA), through its platform Give.org, emphasizes the importance of researching charities before donating. Art Taylor, the president and CEO of BBB WGA, stated that their evaluations help donors understand charity trustworthiness, aiding in informed giving decisions. Ensuring that contributions go to ethical organizations maximizes the impact of holiday donations.

Smart Donation Tips for Giving Tuesday

To support donors this Giving Tuesday, BBB WGA provides several tips that promote wise giving throughout the year:

• Beware of Name Similarities: Charities often have similar names, which can lead to confusion. Verify the exact name of the organization before donating.
• Examine Charity Websites: Reputable charities should clearly communicate their mission, goals, and financial information on their websites.
• Avoid Rush Decisions: Many donations are solicited in public places during the holiday season. Take your time to consider before making a donation.
• Be Cautious of Emotional Appeals: Some charities may use emotional marketing tactics. Research the organization to ensure ethical practices.
• Check Registration with State Officials: Verify if a charity is registered with your state’s attorney general’s office to ensure legitimacy.
• Request Evaluations: Trustworthy charities often agree to evaluations based on standards like the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
• Verify Tax Status: Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to confirm that the charity is tax-exempt and ensure your contribution is tax deductible.

Additional Resources

For more tips on donating wisely, visit bbb.org/holiday. Report any fraudulent activity or suspicious practices by calling BBB at 903-581-5704 or through the BBB ScamTracker.

Established in 1985, BBB Serving Central East Texas serves 19 counties. As a nonprofit organization, it champions high standards for ethical business behavior and provides essential services to consumers, including access to over 5.3 million business profiles and charity evaluations.