If you are considering donating to veterans’ charities, you must do your research first. Charity and consumer protection officials across 49 states have cracked down on phony charities and fundraisers that solicit donations online, by phone, direct mail, or door-to-door.
According to their tax filings, some charities spend little or no donations on the services they claim to provide. Using federal tax filings, experts analyzed veterans charities.
You’ll Be Making a Difference
Many veterans are struggling to get the help they need to live. This is especially true for those who were injured during military service.
One charity that does a great job of helping disabled veterans gives combat-injured veterans mortgage-free smart homes adapted for each person’s disability. It also gives them vehicles and mobility equipment.
Another important charity that helps veterans navigate the confusing process of applying for benefits and pursuing appeals if necessary. It also assists with finding housing, food, and mental health care.
When it comes to employment, veterans can offer a lot to businesses. They have valuable skills in any industry and often work well independently and as part of a team. However, some of these veterans may have disabilities that make it hard to find or keep jobs.
You’ll Be Helping a Veteran
If you choose one of the charities on the list, you’ll know that your donation will be helping a veteran directly. In 2021, some helped over 1 million veterans get benefits, including disability compensation and mental health support.
Supporting disabled veterans donations is a noble cause, as it helps provide crucial assistance to those who have served our country and are now facing challenges. Contributions to disabled veterans donations can significantly impact veterans’ lives by providing them with essential resources and support.
Some service members need a friendly face and a listening ear. Volunteering to run errands, take them on outings, or say “thank you” is a great way to help them feel valued and supported.
A lack of community connections and a feeling of loneliness can lead to depression and suicide among veterans. Many of the charities on our list work to connect veterans with local and national resources, such as housing assistance, medical care, and job training. Some send care packages to wounded veterans. Others host job fairs and provide interview skills, resume writing, and more. Others still build or modify homes to accommodate injured veterans.
You’ll Be Helping Your Community
In addition to the financial assistance programs offered by veterans charities, they often help veterans find employment. They also provide connections to care, emergency assistance, and more at the local level.
For example, some programs spent more than $350 million on fundraising between 2001 and 2011, according to tax filings. That includes paying commercial fundraisers to send mail asking for donations and urging Americans to volunteer at veterans’ hospitals or become pen pals with vets.
Other charities may spend too much on overhead or other expenses that do not contribute directly to veterans. For example, according to its tax filings, the charity spent $160 million on a direct-mail campaign to solicit money and ask veterans to become pen pals.
Other charities, however, spend less on overhead and more on the veterans they serve. That’s why it’s essential to research a veteran nonprofit before donating. Please ensure it has a high beacon score, meets all 20 standards for charity accountability, and does what it promises to do with your donation.
You’ll Be Helping Yourself
Many charities offer services that veterans need, like help with navigating the VA disability claims process, transportation to medical and VA appointments, and assistance obtaining financial support. Some charities have a wider range of programs, while others focus on a specific area of need.
Choosing the right charity is essential. Before you donate, check a charity’s website for transparent information about how they use your money. Look for information about their mission and figures regarding how much your donation is used toward that mission.
Remember, making an impact doesn’t always have to be monetary. Donating your time by visiting veterans or volunteering at a homeless shelter can also significantly help those who have served our country and deserve our support. Just as with donating money, be sure the items you wish to donate are safe for volunteers to pick up and transport and safe for long-term storage on thrift store sales floors without risk of damage or injury to other donated items.
