About

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. BBB CEF is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization (EIN # 61-0973984). 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 annual funding opportunity designed exclusively for BBB Charity Seal Holders. A total of $10,000 in grants (four grants of $2,500 each) were awarded in 2025 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 businesses, disaster planning, protecting personal information, and more.

BBB Trust Scholarship – BBB CEF supports the BBB Student Video and Poster Scholarship 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.

BBB Events – Here is a listing of our 2026 events.

April 10-12 – Lexington - BBB Silent Auction at the Lexington Home Show

May 14 – Louisville – Build a Better Business Conference

June 9 – Lexington – Annual Golf Scramble

June 23 – Louisville – Annual Golf Scramble

July 24-25 – Lexington – Pickleball Tournament

August 25 – Louisville – Nonprofit Summit

September 18 – Brooks – Straight Shot Classic

October 3 – Louisville – Shredding and Electronic Recycling Event

November 12 – Louisville – Torch Award for Ethics

December 8 – Louisville – BBB Holiday Open House