Pride Month takes place in June as communities across the country engage in a variety of activities and events to recognize the contributions and impact of LGBTQ+ individuals and the freedom to live with equality. For generous Americans seeking to show their support by donating to charities addressing LGBTQ+ issues, BBB Wise Giving Alliance has compiled a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., those that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.)  Here are some tips to consider in choosing which groups to support.

Diversity of purposes.

These organizations include a wide variety of missions and objectives. Some seek to offer scholarships, leadership training or other academic pursuits. Others develop and present artistic productions. Some seek to address various health issues such as AIDS or crisis intervention; others are focused on advocacy, information, and public policy issues. Some organizations are solely focused on LGBTQ+ issues, while others may only have one of the programs addressing this subject. The key point is that the charity’s name does not always reveal the full nature of programs being addressed. Review the groups’ websites and materials to gain a better grasp of their activities.

Cause Marketing Cautions.

During Pride Month, some organizations may partner with businesses in cause marketing activities. This involves a promotion of a good or service announcing that a portion of sales will be contributed to a specified LGBTQ+ charity. If so, make sure the promotion is transparent and specifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will help the charity (for example, 5 cents for every box of cereal sold.) Not all advertisements are clear on this point and some use vague language such as “profits” or unspecified “proceeds” will go to a charity. See this previous blog for additional details on this subject.

Accountability Confirmation.

During Pride Month, BBB Wise Giving Alliance also urges donors to verify the trustworthiness of LGBTQ+ organizations by finding out if the organization meets the BBB Charity Standards. These standards address a variety of issues including charity governance, finances, results reporting, and appeal accuracy. The comprehensive approach reflected in these standards serve both donors and charities in helping to ensure a transparent and honest charitable marketplace.

The following are BBB Accredited Charities that address LGBTQ+ issues. Some are national in scope, while others carry out regional efforts.

Aid for AIDS International  

AIDS Foundation Houston   

AIDS Volunteers   

amfAR Foundation for AIDS Research   

Boulder County AIDS Project   

Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS   

Cascade AIDS Project   

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center 

Encircle: LGBTQ Family and Youth Resource Center   

Flying House Productions  

Gay Men’s Health Crisis   

Housing Works   

Human Rights Watch  

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center  

Montrose Center  

NYC Anti-Violence Project  

Point Foundation   

SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders    

Trevor Project 

Video of the Week

As part of the building trust video series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Kari Rosbeck, President and CEO, Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (also known as the National Tuberous Sclerosis Association.) This is a BBB Accredited Charity that supports research into the diagnosis, cause, management, and cure of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The organization also provides individuals with TSC and their families with direct access to information, resources, and specialists experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and management of TSC.

Heart of Giving Podcast 

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features an interview with Sam Cobbs, the President and CEO of the Tipping Point Community which seeks to improve lives in the Bay Area and chart a new path for philanthropic organizations. Tipping Point has invested nearly $300 million for housing, early childhood, education, and employment solutions in the Bay Area.  

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