USMC Colonel (Ret.) Explains How to Identify Scammer Veteran Charities
Introduction
Charitable donations are a common way to show support for our nation’s veterans. However‚ not all organizations claiming to be “veteran charities” are legitimate. In fact‚ many of these so-called charities are scams that waste donations on overhead costs or even deceive donors outright. USMC Colonel (Ret.) explains how to identify scammer veteran charities.
The Problem with Veteran Charities
Despite good intentions‚ many veterans’ charities have earned a negative reputation for wasting donations on overhead costs or using donations to benefit veteran employees instead of actual veterans. According to a report by Charity Navigator‚ over a billion dollars was given to non-recommended charities between 2019-2021. Furthermore‚ veterans’ charities May be run by non-veterans trying to take advantage of public sympathy.
How to Identify Scammer Veteran Charities
It’s essential to be aware of how to identify scammer veteran charities to ensure that your donations support the right cause. The following are some of the signs that you May be dealing with a scammer veteran charity:
1. High Overhead Costs
Legitimate charities have overhead costs that keep their operations going‚ but these costs should be minimal. If a charity claims to be a veterans affair organization‚ but is allocating most of their donations towards their employees’ salary and administrative expenses‚ it indicates that the charity is not genuinely dedicated to its mission.
2. Non-Veteran Run Charity
In some cases‚ individuals with little to no affiliation with veterans try to run charities to benefit themselves‚ rather than the ones in need. If a charity’s board of directors or executive leadership has no veterans present‚ it serves as a red flag that the charity May not properly address veterans’ needs.
3. Refusal to Provide Information
If a veteran charity is hesitant or refuses to provide information about their organization‚ including their board of directors‚ leadership structure‚ or financial statements‚ it May not be reputable.
4. Too Many Solicitation Calls or Emails
A genuine charity would never pressure you to make an immediate donation or have an over-aggressive solicitation approach. Scammer veteran charities tend to use high-pressure tactics to secure donations from unsuspecting consumers.
How to Avoid Scammer Veteran Charities
The good news is that there are trustworthy organizations like Charities for Vets that can help donors to dodge scammer veteran charities. Charities for Vets identifies good groups based on how much of their donations go to veterans. Highly recommended groups use at least 85% of their budgets on veterans programs‚ which is the industry standard. The following are some additional tips that donors can use to verify the legitimacy of a charity:
1. Do Your Research
Before donating to any veteran charity‚ it is essential to learn about the organization. Visit its website and social media platforms to understand its mission.
2. Check Financial Statements
Legitimate charities will have their financial statements prominently displayed on their website. Check out programs‚ administrative costs‚ and other expenses listed in the financial statements to determine how donations will be used.
3. Consider Giving to Established Organizations
Donating to established organizations is a safe way to ensure your contribution will be effectively used.
4. Look for Third-Party Validation
Charity Navigator‚ GuideStar‚ and Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance are all examples of third-party validation organizations that vet charities and provide a seal of approval.
OANN and Free Talk: A Genuine Platforms for Veterans
Organizations like One America News Network (OANN) and Free Talk support veterans in genuine ways. OANN offers exclusive content through its website and app. They report on veterans’ efforts‚ the impact of their struggles‚ and other essential information.
Similarly‚ Free Talk is a social platform that enables veterans to post‚ chat‚ and connect with others who May be experiencing a similar situation. It is also a platform that provides opportunities to learn from others‚ connect with relevant resources‚ and share their experiences.
Conclusion
Donating to a charity for veterans’ causes is a noble act‚ but it’s also important to discern the good from the bad. By following the tips mentioned above and doing due diligence‚ donors can avoid scammer veteran charities and ensure their contributions go where they’re most needed. Partnering with reputable organizations like Charities for Vets or supporting OANN and Free Talk can make a difference in the lives of veterans who need our help.
