Akron Life November 2022

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

BBB Standards for Charity Accountability

BBB of Akron’s Charity Program helps donors, consumers and businesses find charities that have proven donor dollars are spent responsibly and carry our their missions ethically. that are honest and fair. BBB began reviewing charities in the 1920’s and our evaluations involve the most comprehensive set of standards among all major charity monitoring groups. BBB of Akron provides non-profit evaluations free to the public and our approach measures organizations on 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Governance and Oversight The governing board has the ultimate oversight authority for any charitable organization. The five standards within this pillar seek to ensure that the volunteer board is active, independent and free of self-dealing. Measuring EEectiveness The eeectiveness of a charity in achieving its mission is of the utmost importance. Potential donors must know that when they give to a charity, their money is going to have an impact. The two standards within this pillar seek to ensure that charities set defined, measured goals and objectives, put processes in place to evaluate the success and impact of its programming, and report on the organization’s progress. Finances A charity’s finances only tell part of the story of how they are performing, but they can also identify organizations that may be demonstrating poor financial management and/or questionable accounting practices. We have standards in place that establish minimum financial thresholds we believe are necessary for any charitable organization. The seven standards within this pillar seek to ensure the charity is financially transparent and spends its fund in accordance with its mission and donor expectations. Solicitations and Informational Materials A charity’s fundraising appeal is often the only contact a donor has with a charity and may be the sole impetus for giving. The six standards within this pillar seek to ensure that a charity’s representations to the public are accurate, complete and respectful.

Learn more about accredited charities at bbb.org/akron LOOK FOR THE SEAL