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 serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana. We provide the following educational programs and services: 

BBB Charity Review Program:

To help donors choose a charity wisely, our BBB reviews and develops reports on charities. Nonprofits that meet all of BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability earn the distinction of being an Accredited Charity. There is no charge to the charity for BBB to develop and post a report. The reports are available to the public for free at give.org.

BBB Lifeline Grant:

In September 2025, BBB CEF launched the Lifeline Grant, a new funding opportunity designed exclusively for BBB Charity Seal Holders. The program will provide up to $5,000 in grants to strengthen local nonprofits and help them continue their vital work.

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:

BBB provides seminars to local businesses on topics that include crimes against business owners, disaster planning, protecting personal information, and more.

Heroes for Trust Student Scholarship Contest:

BBB CEF supports the Heroes for Trust Student Contest that provides a scholarship opportunity to local high school students.

Free Document Shredding & Electronic Recycling Event:

BBB CEF holds this event each fall at regional locations.

Annual Events

BBB CEF’s largest fundraisers are the annual Louisville Bruce Gadansky Memorial Golf Scramble and Lexington Golf Scramble. We also host an annual Clay Shoot and a Build a Better Business Conference.