Donate to Trustworthy Charities on Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, as many people look for ways to honor and support veterans, it’s essential to ensure that your donations go to trustworthy charities. With thousands of organizations addressing veterans’ needs, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice to help donors make informed decisions.

Tips for Supporting Military and Veterans Charities

1. Avoid Mistaken Identity: With over 45,000 nonprofits serving veterans and military families, it’s easy to confuse similar-sounding names. Make sure you’re donating to the organization you intend to support. If you're unsure, check for reports on BBB’s Give.org to confirm the charity’s trustworthiness.

2. Find Out What They Do: Don’t assume a charity’s mission based on its name. Veterans organizations vary widely in focus, from offering housing and mental health services to assisting with job placement. Visit the organization’s website or review their latest annual report to understand their specific programs. You can visit this page to learn more about categories of Veterans and Military Organizations.

3. Be Careful with Phone Appeals: Telemarketing can be an expensive way for charities to fundraise, with a large portion of donations sometimes going to fundraisers instead of directly supporting veterans. Before giving over the phone, look into the organization’s programs and financial efficiency.

4. Watch Out for Excessive Pressure: If a charity representative pressures you for an immediate donation, this can be a red flag. Well-managed charities will encourage you to take time to learn about their work. Avoid on-the-spot decisions, and research the organization before contributing.

5. Ask How Donated Items Will Be Used: Veterans charities often solicit donated clothing or goods. However, these items are generally resold, and the charity may only receive a small portion of the proceeds. Ask the charity how donations will benefit veterans, and keep a receipt for your records.

6. Look Them Up on BBB’s Give.org: Visit Give.org to verify if the soliciting veterans or military service charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). These comprehensive standards address a variety of issues (such as charity governance, finances, results reporting, and appeal accuracy) and go beyond what government agencies require.

Trustworthy Veterans and Military Charities

Below you can find a list of national BBB Accredited Charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and focus on supporting veterans, military members, and their families. You can find local BBB Accredited Charities servicing veterans and military through Give.org's charity search page. 

Supporting veterans is a meaningful way to give back to those who served. This Veterans Day, remember to make informed giving decisions by researching charities and ensuring that your contribution goes to a trustworthy charity. Visit Give.org to verify the credibility of charities before donating.