Best Immigration Charity To Donate To: The National Immigration Law Center
This nonprofit has defended the rights of low-income immigrants in the US since 1979. It works to provide immigrants access to health care and fights unconstitutional immigration policy. The nonprofit also works to educate the public on the impact new laws would have on vulnerable immigrant groups and low-income immigrants.
Best Alzheimers Charity To Donate To: The Alzheimers Association
The Alzheimers Association aims to fight and cure Alzheimers disease from all sides. Donations fund Alzheimers research and clinical trials and help connect individuals and families affected by Alzheimers to care in their communities. The organization also advocates for Alzheimers research nationally and at the state level.
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Special Operations Warrior Foundation
Focus: Military Family SupportAccounting and transparency score: 100.00Program expense ratio: 88%
Mission: Special Operations Warrior Foundation ensures full financial assistance for post-secondary education from an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or technical or trade school, as well as educational and family counseling, pre-school grants, and tutoring, to the surviving children of United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps special operations personnel who lose their lives in the line-of-duty and to provide immediate financial assistance to severely combat-wounded and hospitalized special operations personnel and their families. We contact every family and advise them of the programs we provide. The children can attend any accredited college they are accepted to attend. Over 90% of our children attend college and 94% complete their degrees or vocational training. We made a pledge to the special operators serving and we are 100% committed to keeping that pledge.
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Helping Veterans And Their Families
As the year draws to a close, there are no shortage of charities and other philanthropic organizations seeking financial support. Yet before the holiday distractions take hold, donors use this time of the year to remember the sacrifices made by the men and women serving in the U.S. military, and to support causes that help them when they return home.
One of the most important aspects to investigate before giving to a veterans’ charityor any charitable organizationis how much of the money donated actually goes to the cause being supported, and how much is earmarked for administrative expenses. Several servicessuch as Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and Charity Watchprovide information about a charity’s functions, finances, and management. These three services happen to be free, although others charge both the site user and the charity to be rated.
Sandra Miniutti, vice president of marketing for Charity Navigator, says at least 75 percent of donations should go toward programs. “If a charity’s financials show that just pennies on the dollar are going towards the programs they support, that’s a red flag and you should probably direct your donations somewhere else,” she says.
Below are some of the highest rated charities helping veterans groups and their families, according the Charity Navigator. Their ratings are based on financial health, accountability, and the transparency of reporting.
By Susan CaminitiPosted on 15 Nov. 2014
Semper Fi & Americas Fund
Veterans facing injuries, as well as their families, are often put into difficult situations. On top of the physical and emotional toll such injuries can have on soldiers and their loved ones, navigating recovery is a chore in and of itself. The Semper Fi & Americas Fund is here to help provide personalized recovery options as well as guidance through medical and emotional recovery.
CharityWatch Program Percentage: 91%
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Service Dog Best Veteran Charities
Providing highly trained service dogs tailored to meet specific veteran needs at no cost to the qualified and deserving veteran. The MK9s Service Dog Solution MK9s seeks to provide highly trained service dogs tailored to meet specific veteran needs at no cost to the qualified and deserving veteran. Costs are kept to a minimum by a dedicated all volunteer force who raise and train the puppies for free. Costs are therefore limited to purchasing the puppies, feeding and veterinary care during the training period.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. was established for the charitable purpose of: 1) rescuing, raising, and training the highest caliber medical service/assistance dogs, 2) pairing highly trained dogs with individuals afflicted by disabilities, including a focus on veterans with combat wounds, 3) building/restoring independence and improving quality of life, for both the recipient and the dog, while minimizing reliance on government, communities, caregivers, and families 4) advancing successful service dog training practices by promoting appropriate trainer education and contributing to related research studies 5) pursuing increased public awareness and education regarding current disability laws and contributing to new/enhanced laws regarding service dogs.
Mission: NEADS World Class Service Dogs was established in 1976.
Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America
This 10-year-old organization serves the 2.4 million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan from their first day home through the rest of their lives. Founded by an Iraq veteran, the group’s mission is to provide new veterans with health, education, and employment support. IAVA also encourages ways for them to connect with other veterans in their area.
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Us Veterans Initiative : Housing Employment And Mental Health For Vets
U.S. Veterans Initiative was founded in 1993 by judge Harry Pregerson who wanted to help house homeless veterans. Since their founding, they have grown to provide services on 11 sites in five states.
Their impact and transparency ratings:Charity Navigator gives U.S. Vets 100 out of 100 points for finance and accountability .GuideStar gives them the platinum seal of transparency.
We believe all veterans deserve every opportunity to live with dignity and independence. It is our duty at U.S.VETS to deliver on our promise to always serve those whove served.
U.S. Vets
What they do: U.S. Vets serve veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They do this by offering emergency housing, transitional housing, and assistance finding permanent housing. They also offer employment assistance and career counseling, as well as mental health services.
What theyve achieved: U.S. Vets help over 20,000 veterans overcome the obstacles of homelessness annually. For example, in 2020, they provided 425,738 bed nights and helped 7,500 vets either acquire housing if they were struggling with homelessness or prevented vets from becoming homeless. They also placed 993 vets in jobs to help them become more self-sufficient.
Ways to contribute: You can donate to U.S. Vets directly on their website. You can also volunteer your own time or hire a veteran if you are an employer.
How To Make Your Money Count For Any Charitable Donation
Before donating to any charity, you should know these guidelines to help ensure your money will go where you intend it to.
- Dont give credit card, bank account or personal information to charity telemarketers. If you want to give, you should be the one who initiates the call.
- Dont give to internet appeals if the cause does not look legitimate and doesnt check out. Traditional frauds have gone electronic in recent years, giving con artists easy access to thousands of potential victims.
- Dont give in to pressure. Anyone who cant wait for a donation while you check out his or her organization is likely to be a crook.
- Expect specific information. Ask what kind of relief this organization is going to provide. Dont give to a vague appeal.
- Check out the charity with national, state and local authorities. Established charities register with the Internal Revenue Service. You can search for specific nonprofit organizations on the IRS website.
- Report abuses to the nearest Better Business Bureau and/or your states Attorney Generals office. You can also report abuses to the National Fraud Information Center at 876-7060 or at Fraud.org.
To find out more information about charities and how to investigate them on the web, go to either Give.org or CharityWatch.org.
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Intrepid Foundations & Museum
The Intrepid Family of Foundations funds The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, The Fisher House Foundation, The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, and The Intrepid Relief Fund, making a difference in the lives of countless military, veterans and their families through aid and educational experiences.
Veterans Advantage supports the Museum and it’s various educational programs, and Ken Fisher and Gerry Byrne, who are also on the board of the museum, are on our Board of Advisors.
Best Womens Rights Charity To Donate To: Global Fund For Women
The Global Fund for Women proudly calls itself and its supporters champions for equality. From setting up the first womens fund in Nepal to funding secret schools in Afghanistan, this bold organization strives to empower women and girls around the world and ensure they are granted basic human rights.
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Hen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation
Focus: Military Social Services
Accounting and transparency score: 100.00Program expense ratio: 91.9%
Mission: Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of 82 comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $451 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation. Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near hospitals.
Accounting and transparency score: 100.00Program expense ratio: 85.2%
Air Force Enlisted Village
Focus: Military Family SupportAccounting and transparency score: 100.00Program expense ratio: 89.3%
Mission: The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 to provide a safe, secure and dignified place for indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel. The Village’s primary goal and focus is to provide a home and financial assistance to these women. The surviving spouse with the greatest need is cared for first and none are refused assistance due to financial status. Low pay and frequent military moves leave some spouses without careers, home equities, retirement plans or any significant assets. Surviving spouses requiring financial assistance live here among peers sharing memories of Air Force life without the stigma normally associated with subsidized housing facilities.
Accounting and transparency score: 96.00Program expense ratio: 92.8%
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Best Legal Aid Charity To Donate To: The Innocence Project
More than 365 innocent individuals in the US have been exonerated thanks to DNA evidence. The Innocence Project fights for justice by re-examining cold cases with new DNA evidence and freeing those who were wrongfully convicted. The nonprofit also aims to reform the criminal justice system to prevent future wrongful incarcerations.
Hope For The Warriors
Military wives founded this organization in 2006 as they witnessed, first-hand, the effects of war on spouses and their families. The group’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Services include career transition and education programs, health and wellness counseling, and community building initiatives for military families as they transition into civilian life.
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Donate To A Nonprofit Focused On Military And Veteran Families
The Patriots Connection is an effective way to donate wisely and leverage your resources to have the most impact in addressing the needs of our local military and veteran families. The San Diego Directory serves as a resource of the best, most sustainable organizations in this sector.
As a program of Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, The Patriots Connection has significant expertise in philanthropy and in partnering with organizations that best serve the military community. Our database of pre-vetted nonprofit charitable organizations makes it easy for you to put your vision for addressing these needs into action that changes lives.
Would you like to donate to our pre-vetted non-profit charitable organizations? Explore the San Diego Directory and learn about our donation options.
Dudes For Dads Fundraiser
A group of men who have either lost their dad or never had a father figure present in their lives came together to create Dudes For Dads. Their organization aims to help younger boys navigate the process of losing a father figure. Donations to their fundraiser will go to Big Brother Big Sister of the National Capital Area which serves at-risk youth through mentorship in the VA, DC, and MD areas. Since creating their GoFundMe, theyve raised over $10,000.
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Organizations Doing Good For Veterans And Their Families
There are more than 45,000 military and veteran non-profits in the United States. It’s hard to know which ones are legitimate, and worth giving your time and hard-earned money. You need to know whether your donations are funding services for those in need, especially with so many recently exposed scams.
With respect and recognition at the core of our mission, we would like to recognize the following trusted organizations, many of which we have been privileged to work with and donate to over the years. We commend them for the quality of services they deliver to our nation’s veterans:
Environmental Walk Dawn To Dusk
Ella is organizing a fundraising walk to raise money for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy nonprofit that raises money to protect ecosystems internationally and in the US.
Ella, her friends, and interested community members plan to walk sunrise to sunset around her home of Westchester County, a suburb of New York City. On her last fundraising walk, the group trekked an impressive 27 miles. Ella has almost reached her $1000 fundraising goal, and any funds raised will go directly to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
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Best Government Accountability Charity To Donate To: Government Accountability Project
The Government Accountability Project is a non-partisan group that protects and advocates for whistleblowers, or people who expose wrongdoing at private firms and in government. In partnership with other justice nonprofits, in October 2020 the GAP launched the Democracy Protection Initiative to represent whistleblowers who speak up to protect our democracy.
Veterans Inc: Homes Healthcare And Employment For Homeless Veterans
Veterans Inc was founded in 1990 by a group of Vietnam War Veterans in Massachusetts to help fellow veterans who were homeless. Today, they continue to offer services to end veteran homelessness.
Their impact and transparency ratings:Charity Navigator gives Veterans Inc a score of 99 out of 100 points for finance and accountability. GuideStar gives them a platinum seal of approval.
When it comes to helping veterans, we dont just work to address their immediate needs we give them the tools to rebuild their lives, helping them to regain self-sufficiency and reconnect with their family, friends, and community.
Veterans Inc
What they do: Veterans Inc is best known for their housing services. They provide emergency, transitional, and long-term housing for homeless veterans. They also provide wellness programs and employment support, training, and placement to help end the cycle of homelessness.
What theyve achieved: Since their founding,Veterans Inc have helped over 85,000 homeless veterans find housing and employment. They also boast a rate of 85% for transitioning veterans out of homelessness one of the highest in the country.
Ways to contribute: You can donate to Veterans Inc on their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering your time.
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Highly Rated Wounded Veteran Charities
Charity Navigator Rating: Four stars
“Serving honor and need”
The Gary Sinise Foundation was established under the philanthropic direction of Gary Sinise, an actor and forty-year advocate for the nation’s military and defenders. The Foundation’s outreach supported those who sacrifice to defend the United States: active duty, veterans, first responders, and their families.
The Foundation achieves its mission through a number of programs designed to show gratitude for these American heroes through entertainment, family support, and acts of appreciation. The Foundation builds specially adapted homes of severely wounded veterans, hosting daylong morale-boosting celebrations at military medical centers across the country, and providing meals to veterans and their families across the country. The Foundation is committed to ensuring veterans’ sacrifices are never forgotten.
Charity Navigator Rating: Four stars plus Impact
“Serving those who preserve our freedom”
The Semper Fi Fund was founded by a dedicated group of military spouses at Camp Pendleton in 2003. The Fund provides direct financial assistance and vital programming for combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured service members and their families during hospitalization and recovery.
Charity Navigator Rating: Four stars plus Impact
“Providing support and assistance to the U.S. military’s special operations community”
Charity Navigator Rating: Four stars plus Impact
“Helping military families”