I know what you mean. It is hard to trust just about anything.
My family has given a lot to military causes in the last several decades, but we have just one we might donate to now:
Fisher House Foundation.
They do stellar work.
I used to give to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Fund, but I was told it was being used to support single (not the surviving spouse “single”) and minority mothers and such.
VFW Home for Orphan Children (of military parents) in Michigan.
Locals, to be utterly honest, are the only ones you can trust to see most of that money go to actually helping veterans. My local group is https://www.yubasutterveterans.org/ - they’re into everything, from food distribution to annual stand downs to veteran’s parades to putting flags and wreaths on veteran’s graves.
Agree with RLMorel that Fisher House is probably the most legit of the "Veteran" charities. Unfortunately, most big charities use only a small percentage of their take on actual charity work and spend huge amounts on generous salaries for themselves and yet more for advertising.
I had my own run-in with the "Vietnam Veterans of Virginia" a few years ago when the company that they used to fund raise thought it would be a great idea to call my home phone 2-3 times a day, sometimes very late at night to force me to give them money.
I finally had some time on my hands, so I found the leading officers of Xertex, the jerks calling me every day and the head of the VVV and called them at home several times a day to get their minds right.
They haven't bothered me since then.
Look at your local VA groups. Go to them directly for sponsorship. Make sure you have a list of groups you want to donate to. They are usually more than happy to help.
Do NOTHING online.
“Mr. K home for Wayward Girls”
Trust me ;)
Most States have Veteran’s Homes that need everything - The Indiana Vets Home in Lafayette was built after the Civil War.
We would buy stuff for the guys - most wanted white socks - shaving stuff - Kleenex- items not provided by the State. In the old days everyone wanted cigarettes!
Ask the Home what they need and but it for them instead of giving cash.
Try doing a search on which organizations spend 100% of donations on veterans. Some organizations only spend 5% on Veterans.
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I looked at your profile and didn’t see your state flag flying.
But it would suggest you donate locally.
The veteran organization im working with locally in PA is the Paralyzed Veterans of America - www.kpva.org and our national organization is www.pva.org
TUNNELS TO TOWERS FOUNDATION
I support Paws of War. They rescue dogs from animal shelters and train them to provide independence and support as service dogs and companion animals to veterans and first responders who have suffered trauma. Their motto is “Help a Vet. Save a Pet. Helping both ends of the leash.”
I was impressed that they use all types of dogs, not just the usual German Shepherds and Labs. They also do animal rescue for deployed military, housing assistance for veterans with pets, and other related issues.
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
I use the above site when looking at a new charity. Breaks down how much money goes to the actual cause, how much in salaries, fund raising, etc.