Tri-State BBB Charity Reporting Service

The Tri-State Better Business Bureau Charity Reporting Service reviews local charities in our area against the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.  These standards which address organizational governance, fundraising, and financial issues, also include a number of provisions to strengthen charitable accountability to donors.

The Tri-State BBB Charity Reporting Service also offers an Accredited Charity Seal to authorized local charities that meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.  This program allows the authorized charities to inform their donors and other funders that the organization meets the Standards for Charity Accountability; addresses accountability issues like donor privacy and charity effectiveness that go beyond what the government require; and works to increase donor confidence and strengthen public trust in philanthropy.  

The Tri-State BBB believes our Charity Reporting Service can play a vital role in today's burgeoning philanthropic sector by establishing a framework of trust between donors and non-profit organizations in the same way the BBB currently brings buyers and sellers together.

There are three major categories of benefits to the Charity Reporting Service.

1. Education·       

  • Aids donors in making informed decisions through BBB charity reports.
  • Provides general information about charitable giving and the non-profit sector.
  • Publicizes the activities of those engaged in unscrupulous fundraising activities

2. Public Service
Valuable to members of the community at large by ensuring that the greatest possible portion of donated money goes to the cause for which it was intended.

3. Self-Regulation
Plays a key role in the self-regulation of the non-profit sector by implementing voluntary standards for accountability.

If you represent a local charity or nonprofit organization and you would like to be evaluated by the BBB, contact Amanda Shockley at (812) 473-0202 ext. 112 or via email.

Click here to download the Application for Accreditation for Charities.