Charity and donor resources

BBB ScamTracker received reports about alleged charities using shady tactics to solicit donations. BBB has helpful tips so you can avoid being scammed.

After a disaster or very public tragedy, people want to help in any way possible, and that often means contributing to fundraisers to help the survivors and the families of the victims. Sadly, scammers often take advantage of these moments of vulnerability to deceive donors.

Have your received an unsolicited phone call asking you to donate to a charity or casue? Unsolcitied telephone appeals are one way charities try to fundraise. Before giving, be informed.

Have you received mail saying you won a prize and all you need to do is make a contribution? Charity appeals come in many forms including sweepstakes. BBB is providing some basic tips and information donors want to consider when an appeal comes in the form of a sweepstakes.

Thinking of donating a car to charity? It’s a big decision and there are many things to consider before you make the donation. Be informed so you can feel confident when donating a car.

Thrift shops, drop-off bins and collection trucks in the neighborhood make it easy to get rid of goods we don’t want. Both charities and for-profits are major players in the market for used goods, sometimes separately and sometimes in a variety of arrangements. If you care about the charitable benefit your goods provide, be sure you know what it is.

Child sponsorship involves soliciting funds to assist needy children within a specified community in another country or in the US. In these programs, donors are expected to make more than a one-time gift and to contribute a certain amount on a monthly or periodic basis. Learn More from about what you should consider about these programs.

One benefit of donating to a charitable organization is the deductibility of the contribution. But that may not be the case for every donor. BBB provides information regarding deducting contributions.

Getting to many unwanted fundraising solicitations in your mailbox? There’s no way to stop all unwanted charity mail, but BBB has some tips that can help.

Holiday gatherings of family and friends can sometimes be challenging. So, to liven up a holiday occasion, consider making time to talk about charitable giving as a group.