Wise Giving Wednesday: Honor Betty White by Supporting Animal Charities

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We were saddened to learn that Betty White, one of the most beloved celebrities, passed away just weeks before her 100^th birthday. While she was most known for her television and movie roles, she also was a long-time supporter of various animal-related organizations. As a result, we believe that one way of honoring this legacy would be donating to animal organization(s).  To help achieve this objective, we compiled a list of various nationally-soliciting animal organizations. While some of these aren’t necessarily the ones that Betty specifically supported, they have been evaluated by BBB Wise Giving Alliance and found to meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.) To help in making a donation choice, we also offer the following additional tips.

• Be aware of name confusion. As animal charities are one of the most popular categories of organizations, be mindful that some may have name similarities. Look at the name carefully since the one you are considering may not be the one you have in mind.

• Find out that they do. Don’t assume what an animal charity does based solely on the name alone. Their activities can vary quite considerably such as animal rescue, wildlife conservation efforts, providing shelters for adoption, training dogs to assist the blind and/or wounded veterans, animal advocacy, encouraging diets that don’t contain meat among other possibilities. Look for a clear description of the organization’s programs in its appeals and on its website.

• Watch out for excessive pressure. Don’t be pressured to make an on-the-spot donation to an animal charity. Charities should welcome your contribution whenever you send it.

• One time vs. monthly donations. Some charities encourage recurring donations where the organization automatically charges a credit card a monthly contribution amount. It’s okay to support a charity this way if that is what you want, but also remember you can choose to make a one-time gift if you prefer.

• Visit Give.org. In addition to charity reports on BBB’s Give.org, check with your state government’s charity registration agency, usually a division of either the Attorney General’s office or Secretary of State’s office. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.  Also, registration with a government agency does not signify a government endorsement or recommendation.

The following are various animal-related charities that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.) 

African Wildlife Foundation

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians

American Humane

America’s VetDogs – The Veterans K-9 Corps

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Big Life Foundation USA

Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Defenders of Wildlife

Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee

Friends of Animals

Galapagos Conservancy

Golden Retrievers in Need Rescue Service

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind

Humane Society International

Humane Society of the United States

International Animal Rescue, US

Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife, Research, Education and Conservation

K-9s for Warriors

Last Chance for Animals

National Anti-Vivisection Society

National Audubon Society

National Wildlife Federation

Ocean Conservancy

Pandas International

PetSmart Charities

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Polar Bears International

Primate Rescue Center

Puppy Jake Foundation

RedRover

Wild Animal Sanctuary

Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

World Animal Protection

World Wildlife Fund 

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to revisit a previous video of Stephen Wells, Chief Executive Officer, Animal Legal Defense Fund (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. Through its litigation program, the organization files lawsuits to stop the abuse of companion animals, and animals abused in industries including factory farming and the entertainment business. ALDF also works with law enforcement and prosecutors to seek maximum penalties for animal abusers.

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Heart of Giving Podcast

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast discusses the upcoming book by authors Allison Fine and Beth Kanter, "The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in An Automated World". The book focuses on how the rise of "Smart Tech" has led to a shift of power away from people and it aims to help organizational leaders understand when and how to use the technology ethically and responsibly in order to become “Smart Nonprofits." 

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. 

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