The BBB provides essential advice for Michiganders looking to donate to wildfire relief in California
Arcadia: As wildfires rage in Southern California, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is stepping in to help Michiganders donate wisely. They want to make sure your contributions actually help those in need.
The BBB stresses checking if charities are legit before you give. They recommend using Give.org to see if a charity meets their standards. It’s a smart move to ensure your money goes to the right place.
While many fundraising efforts are popping up, some BBB Accredited Charities you can trust include the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, GlobalGiving, and The Salvation Army. They’re doing great work for wildfire relief.
When you see appeals for donations, look for clear details about what your money will support. The BBB warns against vague descriptions that don’t explain how your donation will help.
Scams can be a real issue after disasters, so be careful. If you get emails or social media messages claiming to connect you with a charity, don’t click on those links. Instead, go directly to the charity’s website to do your research.
If you’re considering crowdfunding, check out the site’s fees and procedures. GoFundMe is a BBB Accredited Business and has set up a crisis response team to keep an eye on fundraisers related to the wildfires.
They’ve also created a hub for verified GoFundMe pages to help those affected. Understanding the stages of disaster relief is important too. The BBB explains that disasters typically go through rescue, relief, and recovery phases, each needing different kinds of support.
For more tips, check out BBB.org. They’re all about promoting good business practices across 38 counties in Western Michigan.
