Fill out the application to have your charity reviewed. The accreditation process is completely FREE.
BBB Cincinnati Charity Accreditation
A BBB Charity Report confirms a charity's commitment to transparency by a respected accrediting organization. Becoming a BBB Accredited Charity tells potential donors that your nonprofit complies with the widely respected BBB's 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
About Charity Accreditation
Purpose
Helps donors at all levels, including local businesses, obtain objective, third-party evaluations of the many charities that solicit donations
Gives charities a way to establish their credibility
Encourages sound practices in charity operations
The 20 Standards were developed with extensive input from nonprofit organizations large and small, as well as other experts in philanthropy. They address charity activity in four broad areas: governance and oversight; measuring effectiveness; finances; and fundraising and informational activities.
BBB does not rate charities against one another, approve or disapprove of any cause, or tell donors where to give.
Areas We Serve
- BBB Serving Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky & Southeast Indiana
- BBB of Chicago & Northern Illinois
- BBB Serving North Alabama
- BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest
- BBB Serving Southern Arizona
Process
BBB Charity Accreditation is completely FREE!
All charities that have one full fiscal year of finalized financial statements are eligible to apply and be evaluated against the BBB's 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. A charity must meet all 20 Standards in order to become accredited.
Once the application form is submitted, BBB will review it and respond with feedback regarding any further information needed, as well as guidance on meeting any unmet Standards.
After a charity meets all 20 Standards, the charity is accredited for 2 years, and a report is published on BBB.org. Accredited Charities can link to their report, and direct donors to search for their organization on BBB.org.
Once accredited, organizations have the option to apply for the Charity Seal Holder Program.
Charity Seal Holder Program
After a charity is accredited, that charity is eligible to participate in BBB’s Charity Seal Holder Program, which allows the charity to use the BBB Accredited Charity Seal on their website and in their promotional materials for a licensing fee. This program is entirely optional.
For more information about the Seal Holder program, or to enroll, contact BBB at info@cincinnati.bbb.org.
How to Get Started
Click here to access our online application form.
For more information or questions, please contact:
Charity Accreditation
(513) 421-3015
info@cincinnati.bbb.org