About BBB Wise Giving Alliance
BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB WGA) is a standards-based charity evaluator that seeks to verify the trustworthiness of nationally-soliciting charities by completing rigorous evaluations based on 20 holistic standards that address charity governance, results reporting, finances, fundraising, appeal accuracy and other issues. National charity reports are produced by the BBB WGA and local charity reports are produced by local Better Business Bureaus all reports are available at Give.org.
Q. The Syrian refugee crisis is becoming a tragedy. How do I as an individual help in a meaningful manner? There are many sites on the internet soliciting money, how do I choose the one with immediate impact?
A. Yes, the media reporting has reached a very emotional point for caring and compassionate Americans. As the Syrian refugee crisis continues to grow, BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB WGA) warns donors to be cautious when making donations to assist refugees in need.
Sadly, these type tragedies generate public sympathy but unfortunately also attract scam fund raising efforts. BBB is reminding contributors to be on the lookout for questionable solicitors and recommends that they focus giving efforts on charities that already have a presence in the impacted areas. In turn, your contribution will have an immediate benefit.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises, when donating to assist in the Syrian refugee crisis, keep the following tips in mind to avoid scams:
' Be cautious when giving online. Be cautious about online giving, especially in response to spam and phishing messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. Instead, go directly to the charity's website.
' Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Be cautious when relying on third-party recommendations from bloggers or other websites. The public can go to Give.org to verify if a charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
' Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims. Despite what an organization might claim, charities have fund raising and administrative costs.
' Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas. Unless the charity already has staff in the affected areas, it may be difficult to bring in new aid workers to provide assistance quickly.
' Determine if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups. Some charities may be raising money to pass along to relief organizations. If so, you may want to consider "avoiding the middleman" and giving directly to those that have a presence in the region.
The following organizations are collecting funds for Syrian refugee relief and meet all of the BBB Charity Standards:
* CARE USA
* Catholic Relief Services
* Church World Service
* Concern Worldwide U.S.
* Global Giving
* Helping Hand for Relief and Development
* International Medical Corps
* International Rescue Committee
* Islamic Relief USA
* Lutheran World Relief
* Medical Teams International
* Mennonite Central Committee
* Mercy Corps
* Oxfam America
* Plan International USA
* Save the Children
* United States Fund for UNICEF
* World Food Program USA
* World Relief
* World Vision
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.