Better Business Bureau (BBB) Consumer Education Fund (CEF)

BBB Consumer Education Fund’s mission is to provide consumer education and forge a bridge of trust between businesses, charities, and consumers. It is the public education and outreach arm of BBB, Greater Kentucky Region. We provide the following educational programs and services: 

BBB Charity Review Program – Our longstanding local charity review program promotes high standards of conduct among nonprofits in our 118-county service area. We evaluate nonprofits, free of charge, against BBB’s rigorous 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Nonprofits that meet all 20 standards earn the distinction of being a BBB Accredited Charity. The resulting free reports on give.org help donors make informed giving decisions and help nonprofits showcase transparency.

BBB Lifeline Grant – In September 2025, BBB CEF launched the Lifeline Grant, a new annual funding opportunity designed exclusively for BBB Charity Seal Holders that can be used for general operating expenses. The four recipients – Centro Latino of Shelbyville, Central Louisville Community Ministries, ChooseWell Communities, and Sowing Seeds with Faith – each received $2,500 grants.

BBB Military Line – This program is for military consumers and their families. Its mission is to bring consumer education, BBB services, and advocacy to a population that is known to be targeted by scams and unethical business practices. While many BBB Military Line services are provided online, your BBB also provides support by attending local events, and by providing educational workshops, scam presentations, financial literacy programs, and more.

Consumer Education – BBB conducts community presentations for senior citizen groups, community and civic organizations, and school groups of all ages. BBB encourages these groups to take a proactive approach to prevent scams, identity theft, and fraud before they occur. Our staff also participates in consumer expos, business trade shows and local events to interact one-on-one with consumers. Through these efforts, our staff speaks to scores of groups and several thousand consumers each year.

BBB Speakers Bureau – CEF provides free presentations to local businesses and nonprofits on topics that include top scams, ID theft prevention, and military consumer education. Presentations can be tailored for meetings, workshops, classes, virtual events, luncheons, and radio or television programs.

BBB Trust Scholarship – BBB CEF supports the BBB Student Video and Poster Scholarship Contest that provides a scholarship opportunity to local high school students. In 2025, a total of $10,250 was awarded to 14 students. In addition to the scholarship money, $2,000 was awarded to 4 schools.

Free Document Shredding & Electronic Recycling Event – BBB CEF holds this event each fall in Louisville.

 BBB CEF is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID number 61-0973984.