| Just in time for holiday shopping, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which serves Western Washington and Oregon, is offering a resource to help consumers and businesses make informed charitable donations. The BBB has compiled information about local charities into a booklet called the “Wise Giving Guide.”
When you give a charitable donation, how do you know that your generosity was put to good use? How can you find out if a charity is properly registered to solicit? How do you know if a charitable organization is spending reasonable sums on fundraising?
The “Wise Giving Guide” profiles local charities, giving information about their purpose. programs, and expenditures. In addition, the guide indicates if a charity meets the BBBs fifteen voluntary standards for charitable solicitations. The standards represent a general guide to components that would be evident in a charitable organization that was using funds wisely, soliciting in a proper manner and had appropriate Board oversight. An example of one of the standards concerning use of funds states that a charitable organization must apply 50 percent or more of its total revenue for program expenditures to fulfill the cause of the organization.
The guide contains information on charitable organizations that have been brought to the BBB’s attention, but inclusion or omission should not be interpreted as either approval or disapproval. The vast majority of charitable organizations are doing an excellent job. It’s up to donors to do their homework and decide for themselves on their own giving plan The BBB also has full comprehensive reports on charities available. and consumers are strongly encouraged to take a look at a charity’s full report as well.
The BBB asking for a $3 suggested donation to help offset the cost of postage and handling. Contact the BBB hotline at (206) 431-2227, onfo@wwbbb.org or visit www.thebbb.org. | 
