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.
Adopt a Platoon Soldier Support Effort
Based on its 2022 tax return, Adopt a Platoon Soldier Support Effort used joint cost accounting for 71.0 percent of its $7.5 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… Read More
Air Force Aid Society
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Air Force Aid Society spent 71.4 percent of its $13.2 million budget on programs and 28.6 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. The net assets… Read More
AMVETS National HQ
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that AMVETS National HQ spent 100.0% percent of its $3.0 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
Army Emergency Relief
Based on its 2022 tax return, the net assets of Army Emergency Relief equal 12 times its $33.7 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 2023 tax return, we calculate that Blue Skies of Texas spent 22.9 percent of its $6.9 million budget on programs and 77.1 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. The net assets of Blue Skies of… 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 2023 tax return, we calculate that Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes spent 52.7 percent of its $4.3 million budget on programs and 47.3 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes used… Read More
Coast Guard Foundation
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that the Coast Guard Foundation spent 61 percent of its $10.8 million budget on programs and 39 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. According to the New York Attorney General,… Read More
Disabled American Veterans
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Disabled American Veterans spent 66.6 percent of its $147 million budget on programs and 33.4 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum on overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the… Read More
Disabled Veterans National Foundation
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Disabled Veterans National Foundation spent 22.6 percent of its $30 million budget on programs and 77.4 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving… Read More
Freedom Alliance
Based on its 2023 tax return, Freedom Alliance used joint cost accounting for 9.6 percent of its $10 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. The… Read More
Freedom Service Dogs of America
Based on its 2023 tax return, Freedom Service Dogs of America used joint cost accounting for 5.8 percent of its $6.9 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 2023 tax return, we calculate that Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation spent 73.2 percent of its $7.2 million budget on programs and 26.8 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Greater… Read More
Help Heal Veterans / Help Hospitalized Veterans
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Help Heal Veterans / Help Hospitalized Veterans spent 46.2 percent of its $12.2 million budget on programs and 53.8 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Read More
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation spent 66.5 percent of its $19.1 million budget on programs and 33.5 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. The net assets of Marine Corps Scholarship… Read More
Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Inc.
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Inc. spent 70.7 percent of its $2.5 million budget on programs and 29.3 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving… Read More
Navy SEAL Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, the net assets of the Navy SEAL Foundation equal 4.74 times its annual budget of $26.9 million. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of… Read More
Operation Finally Home
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Operation Finally Home spent 71.3 percent of its $7.3 million budget on programs and 28.7 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Operation Finally… Read More
Operation Homefront
Based on its 2023 tax return, Operation Homefront used joint cost accounting for 11 percent of its $43 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… Read More
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Paralyzed Veterans of America spent 55.9 percent of its $97.2 million budget on programs and 44.1 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Paralyzed Veterans of America used joint cost… Read More
Pat Tillman Foundation
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that the Pat Tillman Foundation spent 71 percent of its $5.5 million budget on programs and 29 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving… Read More
Paws for Purple Hearts
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that 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… Read More
Puppies Behind Bars
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate Puppies Behind Bars has net assets equal to 6.13 times its annual budget of $3.0 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 2023 tax return, we calculate that Purple Heart Foundation spent 6 percent of its $14.5 million budget on programs and 94 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Purple Heart… Read More
Special Operations Warrior Foundation
Based on its 2022 tax return, the net assets of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation equal 10.1 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 2023 tax return, we calculate that The Mission Continues spent 70.5 percent of its $11.5 million budget on programs. This is lower than our recommended 75 percent program spend. Read More
United Spinal Association
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that United Spinal Association spent 73.3 percent of its $9.8 million budget on programs and 26.7 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. United Spinal Association used joint cost accounting for… Read More
United States Navy Memorial Foundation
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that United States Navy Memorial Foundation spent 72 percent of its $5.8 million budget on programs and 28 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. United States Navy Memorial Foundation used… Read More
Veterans Airlift Command
Based on its 2023 tax return, Veterans Airlift Command has net assets equal to 3.44 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 64.4 percent of its $2.2 million budget on programs and 35.6 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Veterans Empowerment… Read More
Veterans Medical Research Foundation
Based on its 2023 tax return, Veterans Medical Research Foundation spent 26.9 percent of its $16.4 million budget on programs and 73.1 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Veterans Medical Research… 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 programs and 38.5 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Veterans of Foreign Wars used joint cost… Read More
Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation
Based on its 2023 tax return, the net assets of Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation equal 4.06 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 66.2 percent of its $5.9 million budget on programs and 33.8 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Read More
Veterans Outreach Center
Based on its 2022 tax return, we calculate that Veterans Outreach Center spent 67.3 percent of its $3.7 million budget on programs and 32.7 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Veterans… Read More
Veterans United Foundation
Based on its 2023 tax return, the Veterans United Foundation has net assets equal to 3.34 times its $11.4 million annual budget. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We do not recommend giving to the Veterans United Foundation. See… Read More
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund spent 66.9 percent of its $7.2 million budget on programs and 30.1 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund used joint cost… Read More
Vietnam Veterans of America
Based on its 2024 tax return, we calculate that Vietnam Veterans of America spent 61.6 percent of its $11.6 million budget on programs and 38.4 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the… Read More
Warrior Foundation Freedom Station
Based on its 2023 tax return, the net assets of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station equal 4.21 times its $2.0 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… Read More
Wounded Warrior Project
Based on its 2023 tax return, we calculate that Wounded Warrior Project spent 70.5 percent of its $369.4 million budget on programs and 29.5 percent on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent maximum overhead spending. Wounded Warrior Project used joint cost accounting for… Read More