-Caveat Lector-
>From www.bbb.org/alerts/kosovopr.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFor information, contact: Bennett Weiner
703.247.9323
BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU CAUTIONS DONORS ON KOSOVO RELIEF APPEALS
Charitable Requests to Assist those Displaced in the Balkans
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Arlington, VA, April 6, 1999 -- In the wake of the ongoing events in
Yugoslavia and surrounding areas, many relief organizations are
launching campaigns to raise funds to help refugees and their
families. The Better Business Bureau warns potential donors against
fraudulent appeals by some who may see disasters as an opportunity to
take advantage of American generosity and concern. "Given the urgency
and overwhelming needs of the refugees," said Bennett M. Weiner, vice
president and director of the Philanthropic Advisory Service of the
Council of Better Business Bureaus, "this is all the more reason for
donors to check out soliciting groups to ensure their generosity is
used effectively and wisely."
Established relief organizations will be soliciting for contributions
to meet both immediate and long term needs of refugees. Appeals
should describe the specific services the charity intends to provide
to refugees and their families. If not, individuals should ask for
details from these organizations about how they intend to use
solicited funds.
In addition, newly organized charities may be soliciting for support.
Potential donors should ask about the special need or service being
provided that prompted the organization's creation and how they
intend to spend their funds and provide assistance. Even newly
established organizations should have written material available
describing their programs, anticipated expenditures, and how they
will carry out activities.
Some groups may be raising funds for distribution to existing relief
organizations as opposed to directly providing services. If so, you
may want to consider sending a donation directly to the benefiting
organization. Also, some charities may change their program focus
during a crisis to respond to the changing needs of refugees. Do not
assume the charity will carry out the same activities throughout the
crisis.
Organizations conduct solicitations for relief in several ways:
through the mail, telephone, door-to-door appeals, the Internet, and
announcements in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television.
Although timing is critical in responding to the needs of the
refugees, potential donors should not succumb to pressure in making
an immediate donation without first checking out the charities.
Fraudulent solicitors often demand on-the-spot contributions and rely
on the fact that individuals will not question their efforts.
The Philanthropic Advisory Service (PAS) advises against giving out
credit card numbers to a phone solicitor. This can be a ruse to
obtain the card number for illegitimate purposes. Ask the caller to
send written information on the charity's programs and finances.
Check out relief charities by contacting the Better Business Bureau
or your local charity registration office (usually a division of the
state attorney general's office). Information on national charities
is also available from CBBB's Philanthropic Advisory Service. In
addition, PAS also offers the following tips for donors to consider:
1.Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on
describing what the charity will do to address the refugees in
Yugoslavia and the surrounding areas.
2.If you contribute, do not give cash. Make a check or money order
payable to the name of the charitable organization, not to the
individual collecting the donation.
3.Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations. Be wary
of any request to send a "runner" to pick up your contribution.
4.Do not give out your credit card number or other personal
information to a telephone solicitor. Ask the caller to send you
written information on the charity's programs and finances.
5.Do not hesitate to ask for written information that describes the
charity's programs and finances. Even newly created organizations
should have basic written information available.
6.Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable
questions about their operations, finances, and programs. Ask how
much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the
appeal and how much will go toward other programs and administrative
and fund raising costs.
7.Find out what the charity intends to do with excess contributions
remaining after they have funded their Kosovo activity.
8.Check with organizations before donating goods. If the charity
accepts donated items, have they confirmed there is a need for these
materials? Ask about arrangements for shipping and distribution.
9.Remember, there will be opportunities to give in the future. The
problems will not disappear when the headlines do.
10.Check out charities with your Better Business Bureau and obtain
further advice on giving and access PAS reports on specific national
charities by visiting the BBB central web site at www.bbb.org.
###
CBBB's Philanthropic Advisory Service (PAS) routinely reports on
national charities and specifies whether they meet the 23 voluntary
CBBB Standards for Charitable Solicitations. Among other things, PAS
produces written reports on national charities and a quarterly
newsletter, Give But Give Wisely(R)" which summarizes its evaluation
results on the most asked about groups.
A<>E<>R
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