Veterans Support Organization

Just because a charity includes the words “veterans” or “military” in its name does not mean that veterans are members of the group, nor does it necessarily mean that veterans or their families will benefit from the money you donate.

Unscrupulous people attempt to exploit sympathetic causes because they know people are more likely to donate to them. A charity should have written information about what it does and where you’re donated funds will be used. Be skeptical if you request written information and the charity or its fundraiser is reluctant to provide it, or asks for a commitment to donate before doing so.

Before you give, check out the charity. Do not give to a charity you know nothing about. Before making a donation, ask for written information about the charity’s programs and finances. Consider giving to charities in your community whose programs you can see. Most non-profits are likely required to register with the state it is located in before it engages in any fundraising activity. 39 states and the District of Columbia have laws specific to nonprofit fundraising activity that address registration.) Charities that solicit contributions in more than one state or on the internet may be required to register in every state in which solicitation occurs. Some nonprofits use a common form, called the Unified Registration Statement, for that purpose, although generally state specific forms must also be used to meet various state requirements.

Watch out for name confusion. Many veterans’ charities use very similar-sounding names. Just because a charity includes the term “veteran” in the name does not necessarily mean the charity is affiliated with, benefitting or even working with veterans, or the Veterans Administration. Make sure you are donating to the charity of your choice. Do not assume that a charity is properly managed just because the charity claims it is staffed by veterans or has veterans on its board of directors. Charities will often have large boards of directors or advisory boards, or include veterans as part of their personnel. This does not necessarily mean that veterans are involved in making decisions about how the money will be spent.

Don’t feel pressured to make a donation “on-the-spot.” Give yourself time to research and decide if this is really the organization that most closely fulfills the cause you want to support. Well-established charities will welcome your donation whenever you are ready to send it.