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On this Veteran’s Day, we remember those who have served and are serving the nation still today.  Their lives are filled with challenge and sacrifice- some far too much.  But we are grateful, and proud of those who choose to serve in the military.

There are many charitable organizations that help military veterans and active duty service members.  Too often these organizations barely make ends meet, but they fulfill a critical role in supporting injured veterans and those trying to get a new start on life as civilians.

One of the best things we can do when considering a charitable donation to a veteran’s or public service organization is to make sure our contribution will be used effectively.  Charity Navigator is one of the best sites for exploring charities, and they rate non-profit organizations on the basis of how effectively they put donations to work, as compared to how much money is spent on actual charitable efforts rather than administrative expenses.

“Any charity that spends money inefficiently is doing a disservice to both its donors and its intended beneficiaries, but the fact that these charities are using the good name of America ’s heroes to raise donations and then end up spending most of these donations on fundraising or administration is especially sad. Donors become victims when their donations are not used to benefit their local police, firefighters or service men and women as they had thought. Police, firefighters, and veterans are doubly hurt both because they don’t receive the assistance they need, and because people who give to a poorly-run, inefficient charity once, may be hesitant to donate to a well-run police, firefighters, or veterans charity in the future.”

What else can we do to make sure our money will be used effectively?  Charity Navigator has three primary recommendations:

• Give locally. Don’t trust a charity based in another state that promises that it will give money to police, firefighters or veterans in your state. If you want to support your local or state police, fire station, or military unit contact them directly and find out where they prefer to have donations given.
• Never give over the phone. Of the charities with high fundraising expenses, much of their money is spent on for-profit telemarketing companies. These companies often charge the charity 20 to 90 cents of each dollar raised. That’s more of your money not going to those protecting you.
• Look at the charity’s finances for yourself. Ask to see a copy of the charity’s annual report or a brochure describing its mission, accomplishments and a current financial statement. You can also request a copy of the organization’s IRS form 990. Federal law requires nonprofit organizations to provide their last 3 IRS form 990s (tax returns) within 30 days of your request. Charity Navigator has detailed analysis of the financial records of many police, firefighters, and veterans groups on our site. The lists below show some of the best and worst police and firefighters, and veterans’ charities that we currently evaluate.

We can be thankful for all who serve.  Yet on this day, we remember our military veterans and those who serve far from home. 

Filed under: Donations, Giving Options