Ten years after the terrible events of Sept. 11, 2001, Americans continue to dig deep to help victims of the tragedy and their families. Today, a number of old and new charities are soliciting donations to aid those in need and to support 9/11 memorials.
But also during this 10th anniversary, New York City’s Better Business Bureau is pointing to news reports about some charities that solicited money in the name of 9/11 relief but did not use the funds appropriately.
“BBB recommends: do your homework before giving to the 9/11 cause of your choice,” says Metro New York’s BBB Foundation in a news release. “It is wise to be wary.”
Here are the Better Business Bureau’s tips for people who are approached with a 9/11 giving opportunity, especially one that seems unfamiliar or has a name similar to the name of a well-known charity.
Ask questions about why the charity still needs to collect 9/11 related money now. What ongoing purposes are they serving that flow from the events of 9/11? Request written details from the charity about what it does with the donations.