• Be Cautious of Phone Appeals. Some telemarketing campaigns for veterans’ charities are an expensive way to raise funds with very little going to the organization. If you receive a phone call from an unfamiliar group, take the time to verify their trustworthiness by visiting BBB’s Give.org.
• Be Wary of Excessive Pressure. If you feel a charity is too aggressive when requesting a donation, take a “time out” and look into the group before giving. If you’re satisfied that you trust the organization after doing some research, they will still welcome your gift.
• Watch Out for Name Confusion. Many veterans’ charities have similar sounding names with the same words in a different order or form. Be alert so that you’re giving to the intended group.
• Find Out What They Do. Look for a clear description of charity programs in both fundraising appeals and on websites. Don’t rely on the charity name alone to determine what kind of programs they operate.
• Learn How Donated Items Will Be Used. Find out how the charity benefits from the collection and resale of used clothing and other in-kind gifts. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price of the item or may have a contractual arrangement to get a flat fee for every household pick-up, no matter what the contents.
• Explore the Types of Charities Serving Military and Veterans. Visit our veterans and military service charities page to learn about some of the common focus areas for military and veterans charities—from mental health care to caregiver support.
• Check Outside Sources Before Giving. Visit Give.org and see if the charity meets all 20 of our Standards for Chairty Accountability. Browse our A-Z list of national charities. You can also check your state government’s charity registration agency, often a division of the Attorney General’s or Secretary of State’s office. 

Accredited Veterans and Military Charities You Can Trust

Below we’ve provided a list of BBB Accredited national veterans and military service charities (i.e. meets all 20 BBB Charity Standards). These charities are devoted to the needs of veterans year-round, so remember that your gift can make an impact throughout the year.