Question & Answer for Charities
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE BBB'S PROGRAM?
The purpose of the program is to provide factual information about charitable organizations for potential donors. At the national and local level, Better Business Bureau has established voluntary standards for charitable organizations based on information a donor may reasonably expect to evaluate an appeal for support.
HOW WILL MY ORGANIZATION BENEFIT BY PARTICIPATING IN THE BBB CHARITY REVIEW?
Your organization will benefit by providing information to consumers, businesses, and foundations. In most cases, BBB asks for this information as a result of inquiries about your organization. Participation with BBB is voluntary, but full disclosure about your organization's purposes and activities reassures a potential donor that they are making a wise giving choice.
BBB ASKS FOR A LOT OF INFORMATION, WHY IS THAT?
BBB provides reports based on the Standards for Charitable Accountability. To ensure that an organization meets the standards, BBB must have detailed information. The standards help inform a potential donor about an organization's purposes, governance and how much of their donation directly benefits the cause.
HOW IS THE INFORMATION MY ORGANIZATION PROVIDES USED?
The information provided is summarized in a report that states your organization's purpose, programs, and fund raising methods, as well as a financial summary of your organization's most recent fiscal year regarding expenditures on programs, fund raising, and management. The report indicates which BBB standards your organization meets. Information about your organization is compiled into an annual publication called the BBB Yellow Pages, which gives a brief description of the organization, program percentage expenditure, and the number of standards the organization meets.
HOW LONG ARE REPORTS ACTIVE?
BBB reviews each organization every two years. Your organization may submit updated information at anytime. Evaluations are based on a review of all the standards for one applicable time period.
WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE BBB'S REPORT?
BBB will provide a draft report for you to review before the report is made available to the public. At this time you may review the report, consult with BBB staff in regards to the report findings, and ensure your organization's information is recorded accurately. BBB will accept response statements from your organization that may be included in our report when appropriate.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Please contact the BBB Charity Review Program with any other questions.
Email: CharityReview@thebbb.org
