The Better Business Bureau promulgates these standards to promote ethical practices by soliciting charity organizations to promote public confidence and further growth in public participation in philanthropy and to advance the objectives of responsible private initiative and self-regulation. Both the public and the charitable organizations will benefit from voluntary disclosure of the organization's activities, finances, fund raising practices, and governance. Information that donors and prospective donors will wish to consider. Inclusion and omission from this list should not be interpreted as either approval or disapproval.
Information is provided solely to assist donors in exercising their own judgment.
Soliciting organizations shall provide on request complete annual financial statements. Soliciting organizations' financial statements shall present adequate information to serve as a basis for informed decisions. Soliciting organizations shall substantiate on request their application of funds in accordance with donor expectations for the programs and activities described in solicitations. Solicitations shall include a clear description of the programs and activities for which funds are requested. Soliciting organizations shall establish and exercise control over fund raising activities conducted for their benefit by staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors, and controlled or affiliated entities, including commitment to writing of all fund raising contracts and agreements.