Red Cross Questioned on Aid Fund

The Better Business Bureau, acting on complaints from donors to the American Red Cross and critical reports about post-Sept. 11 fund-raising, has asked the group for information to help determine whether it still meets bureau standards for charities.

“Certainly, the information we’re asking for is out of the routine,” H. Art Taylor, president and chief executive officer of the bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, said in an interview Saturday. “We want to make sure that the public can be confident in what’s going on at the Red Cross.”

Officials at the Red Cross did not comment on the request Saturday.

The alliance made the request last month for information about the $850 million donated for its terrorist relief fund. The Red Cross was criticized for initially saying it would use some money for projects unrelated to the attacks.

In an attempt to help donors decide if an organization is reputable, the alliance rates national charities by 23 standards. They include spending at least 50% of donations on the activities promoted when raising money, and clearly specifying which programs and activities the contributions will pay for.

The reports are posted on the group’s Web site, https://www.give.org. The Red Cross entry at that site now says the bureau is seeking more information “to complete a more current report.”