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Post by Jim on Jan 4, 2012 1:33:29 GMT 9
Where is your charity money going?
A guide to the best and worst military charities
The American Institute of Philanthropy recently took a look at the best and worst military charities you can donate to on behalf of veterans. The AIP "grades" each charity on an A-F scale:
Top choices
•Army Emergency Relief Fund (A+)
•Air Force Aid Society (A+)
•Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (A+)
•Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (A+)
•Fisher House Foundaton (A+)
•Armed Services YMCA of the USA (A-)
•National Military Family Association (A)
Ones to avoid
•American Ex-Prisoners of War Service Foundaton (F)
•American Veterans Relief Foundation (F)
•AMVETS National Service Foundation (F)
•Freedom Alliance (F)
•Help Hospitalized Veterans/Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (F)
•Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation (F)
•National Veterans Service Fund (F)
•NCOA National Defense Foundation (F)
•Paralyzed Veterans of America (F)
•Vietnow National Headquarters (F)
Make Your Money Count
Before donating to charities, take precautions to ensure that the money will go where it's needed.
•Don't give cash. Legitimate charities will take a check.
•Don't give credit card, bank account or personal information to telemarketers. If you want to give, initiate the call.
•Don't give to Internet appeals if the cause does not look legitimate and doesn't check out. Traditional frauds have gone electronic in recent years, giving con artists easy access to thousands of potential victims.
•Don't give in to pressure. Anyone that can't 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. Don't give to a vague appeal.
•heck out the charity with national, state and local authorities. Established charities register with the Internal Revenue Service. You can search for specific non-profit organizations on the IRS website, irs.gov
•Beware of newly formed organizations. If the charity is new, you may have to rely on your relationship with the company or sponsor of the organization to determine whether you trust the group.
•Report abuses to the nearest Better Business Bureau and the State Attorney General's office. Both are listed in local telephone directories. You can also report abuses to the National Fraud Information Center at (800) 876-7060. NFIC also has a web-based complaint form at fraud.org.
•Do give. Experts agree that needs will be great both now and in the months to come.
To find out more information about charities and how to investigate them on the web, go to either give.org or charitywatch.org
*Source: The Los Angeles Times
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Bullhunter
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 4, 2012 3:41:33 GMT 9
Very Good to know Jim.
I've donated to the Paralyzed Vets of America each year.
Wife donates to the Disabled Vets.
We both have donated to the USO. (Which does not show on either list???) :scratch_head
Going to have to re-thing the first two.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2012 4:50:19 GMT 9
I've been giving to Military Order of Purple Heart for many years, everything from bags of clothes to old vehicles, and a lot in between. What is the basis for the ratings? Cost per activity, revenue per veteran, cost attribution to veteran?
It would be interesting to know. I wont mind changing my support, but I'd like to know why??
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Post by LBer1568 on Jan 4, 2012 5:54:09 GMT 9
In our area the Viet-Nam Vets is a good choice. I donated cars to them on couple occasions.
I stopped with Red Cross in 1965 when we went from McGuire AFB to sand bag in New York City area, We only took ID cards as we were in water etc. Red Cross came by up on bank selling coffee and donuts, few minuuts later Salvation Army guys tapped us on shoulder, took our place stacking bags while we went up and got sandwich and drinks free. So you know where I donate. I hit Red Barrels outside every store this year with cash in barrel and a Merry Christmas to volunteeers.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2012 6:32:16 GMT 9
I havent ever supported Red Cross or the United Way, they are heartless and worthless and wast far too much money on admin payrolls. My uncles told me about them when they came back after the Big War and I was old enough to understand. They are a lousy organization.
Only problem I ever had with Salvation Army was their ability to pick up stuff from my house, and their collection center was too far away.
But the VN vets sounds like a good idea. I'll try to find them in the area.
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Bullhunter
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 4, 2012 9:08:19 GMT 9
I remember the red cross selling coffee to fireman when our house was on fine.
I was just a kid , but I remember that clearly.
I also remember that my Grandfather gave me two rare silver dollars from the 1800's. I had them taped to the wall near my bed. The firemen stole them. So I'm glad those firemen had to pay for coffee.
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Post by Jim on Jan 4, 2012 9:47:33 GMT 9
I've been giving to Military Order of Purple Heart for many years, everything from bags of clothes to old vehicles, and a lot in between. What is the basis for the ratings? Cost per activity, revenue per veteran, cost attribution to veteran? It would be interesting to know. I wont mind changing my support, but I'd like to know why?? Cut and paste one of these on Google: To find out more information about charities and how to investigate them on the web, go to either give.org or charitywatch.org The thing I use as a gauge is how much they pay their ceo/president. Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation= www.charitywatch.org/articles/mophsf.htmlcheck any charity www.charitywatch.org/ |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2012 10:15:49 GMT 9
Jim, the disturbing part is that the report is three years old, and there has been some remedial action.
I'm gonna pull some more info if I can before I yank my support.
Thanks for the link information.
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Post by jimpadgett on Jan 4, 2012 21:24:28 GMT 9
I had heard about Wounded Warriors and do not give to them. I have been giving to Paralyzed Veterans. but will reconsider. Also will review Blinded Veterans, DAV, VFW, Red Cross and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to see what percentage of donations goes to those needing help. Thanks for the wake up.
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