NOT RECOMMENDED CHARITIES
Our unique approach goes beyond analyzing the annual tax returns of every veterans charity we rate. We also examine annual reports that they file with state government agencies in order to renew their fundraising licenses. In order to get our recommendation, a charity must pass four tests with flying colors. We’ve crunched the numbers, and the following charities are “Not Recommended” for donors.
AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort
Based on its 2022 tax return, AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort used joint cost accounting for 71.0 percent of its budget. While legal, this accounting method can disguise overhead costs as program spending. We recommend that no more than 5 percent of a budget be allocated to joint cost accounting. We do… Read More
Air Force Aid Society
Based on its 2022 tax return, the net assets of the Air Force Aid Society equal 16.71 times its budget of $13.2 million. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We recommend net assets exceed no more than 3 years… Read More
AMVETS National HQ
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that AMVETS National HQ spent 104.9% percent of its $3.2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the AMVETS National HQ. See our lists of Highly Recommended… Read More
AMVETS National Service Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, AMVETS National Service Foundation spent 28.7 % percent of its $18.8 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Furthermore, we calculate AMVETS National Service Foundation used joint cost accounting for 10.3 percent of its $18.8 million… Read More
Army Emergency Relief
Based on its 2021 tax return, the net assets of Army Emergency Relief equal 12 times its $34.5 million budget. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We recommend net assets exceed no more than 3 years of the group’s… Read More
Blue Skies of Texas (Air Force Villages Inc.)
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Blue Skies of Texas spent 74.4 percent of its $7.1 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, based on its 2022 tax return, the net assets of Blue Skies of Texas equal… Read More
Bob Woodruff Family Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation used joint cost accounting for 10.7 percent of its $16.7 million budget. While legal, this accounting method can disguise overhead costs as program spending. We recommend that no more than 5 percent of a budget be allocated… Read More
Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes spent 67.1 percent of its $7.7 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes used joint cost accounting for 36.7 percent of its… Read More
Coast Guard Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that the Coast Guard Foundation spent 29.8 percent of its $11.2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Coast Guard Foundation. See our lists of Highly… Read More
Disabled American Veterans
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Disabled American Veterans spent 32.8 percent of its $149.2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Disabled American Veterans. See our lists of Highly Recommended… Read More
Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust
Based on its 2022 tax return, Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust has net assets equal to 5.12 times its $10.3 million annual budget. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We recommend net assets exceed no more than 3… Read More
Disabled Veterans National Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Disabled Veterans National Foundation spent 78.3 percent of its $31.8 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Disabled Veterans National Foundation. See our lists of Highly… Read More
Freedom Alliance
Based on its 2022 tax return, Freedom Alliance used joint cost accounting for 12.3 percent of its $10.6 million budget. While legal, this accounting method can disguise overhead costs as program spending. We recommend that no more than 5 percent of a budget be allocated to joint cost accounting. Additionally,… Read More
Freedom Service Dogs of America
Based on its 2022 tax return, Freedom Service Dogs of America used joint cost accounting for 7.3 percent of its $5.7 million budget. While legal, this accounting method is often used to disguise overhead costs as program spending. We recommend that no more than 5 percent of a budget be… Read More
Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation spent 27.3 percent of its $6.5 million on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education… Read More
Help Heal Veterans / Help Hospitalized Veterans
Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Help Heal Veterans / Help Hospitalized Veterans spent 55.3 percent of its $13.4 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, Help Heal Veterans / Help Hospitalized Veterans used joint cost accounting for… Read More
HVAF of Indiana, Inc.
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that HVAF of Indiana, Inc. spent 77.9 percent of its $10.3 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to HVAF of Indiana, Inc. See our lists of Highly… Read More
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation spent 30.7 percent of its $17.2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, the net assets of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation equal 7.71 times its annual… Read More
Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Inc.
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Inc. spent 29.3 percent of its $2.5 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Inc. See our… Read More
Navy SEAL Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, the net assets of the Navy SEAL Foundation equal 4.34 times its annual budget of $26.9 million. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We recommend net assets exceed no more than 3 years… Read More
Operation Homefront
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Operation Homefront spent 29.8% percent of its $43.9 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, Operation Homefront used joint cost accounting for 10.1 percent of its budget. While legal, this accounting method… Read More
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Paralyzed Veterans of America spent 63.8 percent of its $109.2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, Paralyzed Veterans of America used joint cost accounting for 38.7 percent of its budget. While… Read More
Pat Tillman Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that the Pat Tillman Foundation spent 73.4% percent of its $5.1 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Pat Tillman Foundation. See our lists of Highly… Read More
Paws for Purple Hearts
Paws for Purple Hearts used joint cost accounting for 36.7 percent of its $9.3 million budget. While legal, this accounting method can disguise overhead costs as program spending. We recommend that no more than 5 percent of a budget be allocated to joint cost accounting. We do not recommend giving… Read More
Puppies Behind Bars
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate Puppies Behind Bars has net assets equal to 5.5 times its annual budget of $3.4 million. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We recommend net assets exceed no more than 3… Read More
Purple Heart Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Purple Heart Foundation spent 93.1 percent of its $20.9 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Purple Heart Foundation. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities… Read More
Special Operations Warrior Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, the net assets of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation equal 7.75 times its $14.8 million annual budget. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We recommend net assets exceed no more than 3 years… Read More
The Mission Continues
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that The Mission Continues spent 27.5 percent of its $11.2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Mission Continues. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities and… Read More
Troops Direct
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Troops Direct spent 93.3 percent of its $67.7 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent on overhead spending. Troops Direct filed three transactions involving interested persons. Semper Sozo Inc, whose CEO is a board member of… Read More
United Spinal Association
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that the United Spinal Association spent 45.6 percent of its $9.8 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, the United Spinal Association used joint cost accounting for 11.4 percent of its budget. While… Read More
United States Navy Memorial Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that United States Navy Memorial Foundation spent 29.7 percent of its $5.8 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to United States Navy Memorial Foundation. See our lists of… Read More
Veterans Airlift Command
Based on its 2022 tax return, Veterans Airlift Command has net assets equal to 3.30 times its $3.2 million annual budget. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We recommend net assets exceed no more than 3 years of the… Read More
Veterans Empowerment Organization
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Veterans Empowerment Organization spent 35.6 percent of its $2.2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Veterans Empowerment Organization. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities and … Read More
Veterans Medical Research Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, Veterans Medical Research Foundation spent 26.3 percent of its $16.1 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Veterans Medical Research Foundation. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities and … Read More
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Veterans of Foreign Wars spent 61.5 percent of its $95.7 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, Veterans of Foreign Wars used joint cost accounting for 38.5 percent of its budget. While… Read More
Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation
Based on its 2023 tax return, the net assets of Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation equal 3.84 times its $4.8 million budget. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We recommend net assets exceed no more than 3 years of… Read More
Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children spent 33.8 percent of its $5.9 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, based on its 2023 tax return, the Veterans of Foreign… Read More
Veterans Outreach Center
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Veterans Outreach Center spent 30.1 percent of its $3.2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Veterans Outreach Center. See our lists of Highly Recommended… Read More
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund spent 65.4 percent of its $7.3 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund used joint cost accounting for 39.2 percent of its… Read More
Vietnam Veterans of America
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Vietnam Veterans of America spent 33.6 percent of its $10.8 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Vietnam Veterans of America. See our lists of… Read More
Wounded Warrior Project
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Wounded Warrior Project spent 39.8 percent of its $334.1 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Additionally, Wounded Warrior Project used joint cost accounting for 11.5 percent of its budget. While legal, this… Read More