Wise Giving Wednesday: Helping to Address the Amazon Fire

Many donors are motivated to help address the horrible fires that are spreading in the Amazon, an area known for its oxygen supply, biodiversity, and indigenous population. The startling circumstances of these fires prompts some to reach for their credit cards to support environmental groups responding to the fires.  As you consider giving, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance would like to share some suggestions:

1. Look past the attention getting photos on crowdfunding postings about the Amazon fire and identify whether the contributions being requested are just being passed along to a designated organization. If so, consider cutting out the middle man and make a direct donation to the designated organization on that organization’s website.
2. Consider what types of programs you want to support and seek out charities that match your interests. For example, some environmental charities are engaged in advocacy and public awareness, others might conduct scientific research, engage in reforestation, or offer long term plans to address the impact of such fires. Don’t assume what the organization does based solely on its name.
3. No matter which charity you choose, take the time to verify if they meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability by visiting Give.org.

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Pamela Landwirth, President, Give Kids the World (a BBB Accredited Charity) that manages an 84-acre resort in Central Florida that coordinates wish vacation packages for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families by providing resort accommodations and food service at GKTW Village and arranging the donation of theme park tickets and local transportation from supporting businesses.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Center for Civilians in Conflict
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• Food & Water Watch

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are  interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO  
BBB Wise Giving Alliance