In a perfect world, it would make sense to make philanthropic choices solely through sound judgment - always reviewing the facts and circumstances, identifying what the charity is doing to address the specified issue or problem, and seeking out third-party sources such as Give.org, to help verify if the charity is following accepted accountability practices. Sadly, we know that objective reason does not always dominate donation decisions. We react emotionally to disasters, tragedies, and humanitarian needs whether experienced by a large population or your neighbors down the street. Many of us empathize, especially when these circumstances are in the media spotlight, and we are prompted to donate to the featured cause as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this is when donors can be vulnerable to those seeking to take advantage of this generosity. To avoid this dilemma, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice.

Give yourself time. Impulsive giving does not always generate the best donation choices. If you are being pressured to make an immediate gift, that could be a red flag that something is amiss.

Recognize there are choices. Diversity is one of philanthropy’s strengths. For any cause or problem, there are usually numerous organizations seeking to address the same issue. Remember, no one is limited to the one charity that has asked for support.

Be alert to exaggeration. If a charity appears to be overly boasting about its achievements, it would be wise to seek out facts that back up those claims. While some organizations can certainly demonstrate success, it should be based on true results, not just flowery language.

Emotional motivations can be helpful. Sometimes emotion can bring attention to choices that might otherwise be overlooked. A family member stricken by a rare disease could prompt donations for research to cure a less popular cause. Emotional stories can spotlight these matters, but be careful if emotion is used as a ruse to get one to donate without looking further.