BBB: Alternative Giving List

November 28, 2008

The BBB recommends shopping at thrift stores as a way to give back during the holidays.

( Phoenix, AZ ) The Better Business Bureau is encouraging people who can't give money to charities to find other ways to help. KJZZ's Paul Atkinson reports.

BBB Charity Giving Guide
This webpage allows you to search for a charity and see how much money a non-profit actually spends on its cause versus on administrative costs.

BBB Top 5 Alternative Giving List

BBB Top 5 Giving Alternatives List

Toys, Food or Other Items

Many organizations can put “in-kind” gifts to good use, but there are points to keep in mind. First, the donor should contact the charity to find out what donated items are needed. Donors sometimes think any item they give will be useful to someone, but the truth is that broken toys are not welcomed and soiled or tattered clothes will not sell in a thrift store. Disposing of unusable “gifts” actually costs charities heavily in manpower and fuel costs.

Shop Thrifty

Goodwill Industries reports that as personal finances shrink, more people are buying donated clothes at its stores. And additionally, sales benefit its programs to provide job training. Buyers should note though, that not all thrift stores equally benefit the charities whose names are associated with them. For more information about giving to charity thrift shops, plus information about related tax deductions, donors can go to www.bbb.org/charity.

Car Donations

Changes in tax rules beginning in 2005 have in many cases lowered the charitable deductions for car donations. Donors should check out the charity’s activities and find out how the charity distributes the proceeds from car donations, and how proceeds benefit those in need. In some cases, the charity may receive a flat amount or a small percentage of the car’s re-sale. See the BBB Resource Library at www.bbb.org/charity for additional information.

Your Time

Donors can also volunteer their time this holiday season. The personal rewards can be great and can be as important to the charity as a cash contribution. Nevertheless, it’s wise to find out about the charity before making a commitment. Volunteering doesn’t have to involve direct assistance to those in need (like ladling soup at a homeless shelter). Assisting with office work or other behind-the-scenes tasks can be just as helpful. While the value of a donor’s time is not deductible, some out-of-pocket expenses directly related to volunteering, like transportation costs, may be.

Your Voice

Many charity Web sites feature “advocate” as well as “donate” buttons. Those charities are telling donors that their advocacy can help advance policies and practices that will contribute to their missions. Charities can’t promote political candidates but they can urge or lobby for public policies that further charitable causes. Donors may be asked to contact their representative in relation to certain legislation. Many charities also advise on how donors can further their programs through advocacy in local communities.

While there are many ways to give this holiday season, keep in mind that even a small cash gift often produces big benefits. For example, Feeding America says that $1.00 in cash can help bring up to $30 worth of food due to economies of scale not available to the public.

[ Paul Atkinson ]

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