THE TOP 10 BEST CHARITIES FOR VETERANS TO DONATE TIME & MONEY TO
While Veterans across various military branches continue to give to their communities, there are thankfully many citizens finding ways to give back to our nation’s heroes. All across America, there are ways for Veterans to get involved and to receive charity through wonderful causes. Not all Veteran charities are the same, but we’ve found some of the best charities for Veterans that fit the bill. Ideally, you want to find organizations that are highly rated, trustworthy, and use their money in the right way. CharityWatch is a watchdog group that assesses charities and how they spend their money. The higher the Program Percentage, the more of the money donated that goes to charitable causes versus expenses. We’ll be using this number as an important metric for transparency. Take a closer look at the 10 best charities for Veterans to invest their time and money in.
What Are the Best Charities for Veterans?
So what is the best charity for Veterans? Well, determining the best charity for a Veteran will vary by person. This is because there is a wide range of causes and ways to get involved. The best way to find the charity that is right for you is to find a cause that you can relate to or something that your skillset can help advance. Without further ado, check out this list of military charities that can help you find interesting ways to give back to Vets.
1. K9s for Warriors
One of our favorite charities for Veterans is the fine folks over at K9s for Warriors. Here, Veterans who are suffering from various mental health issues, such as PTSD, that may come from military service are partnered with dogs. Many of the canines are rescued from high-kill shelters and also gain a second chance at a fulfilling life by working as a service animal for the people who deserve it the most. CharityWatch Program Percentage: 74%Related read:Now Hiring: Join the K9s for Warriors Staff!
2. Semper Fi & America's Fund
Veterans facing injuries, as well as their families, are often put into difficult situations. On top of the physical and emotional toll such injuries can have on soldiers and their loved ones, navigating recovery is a chore in and of itself. The Semper Fi & America’s Fund is here to help provide personalized recovery options as well as guidance through medical and emotional recovery. CharityWatch Program Percentage: 91%
3. The Fisher House Foundation
When Veterans require healthcare and need to travel, housing becomes a serious issue. The cost of lodging and the logistics that come with finding housing near a healthcare facility are the last things a family of a Veteran should have to worry about. This is where the Fisher House Foundation comes in. Located near military and VA health centers all over the world, Veterans and their families are provided free comfort homes near their healthcare facilities. Meals are not provided; however, they are sometimes given through the generosity of volunteers. The foundation also helps through its Hero Miles program and Hotels for Heroes program, which provide airline miles and hotel accommodations for those traveling. CharityWatch Program Percentage: 91%
4. Homes For Our Troops (HFOT)
HFOT is one of many charities for disabled Veterans. The goal of HFOT is to provide Veterans who were injured in wars that came after 9/11 with custom homes built with their disability in mind. More than 300 custom homes have been provided to Veterans, all at no cost to them. These custom homes can be found nationwide. There are plenty of ways to donate or volunteer to help severely injured heroes rebuild their lives. CharityWatch Program Percentage: 84%
5. Wounded Warriors Family Support
Veterans facing physical and psychological ailments after serving can seek help through the Wounded Warriors Family Support initiative. This non-profit organization offers several programs that help not only Veterans but also their families. Veterans charities often focus, rightfully so, on our nation’s heroes, but injuries affect the families of Veterans in many different ways. Some of the programs WWFS provides include paying for memorable vacations to help strengthen the bond of a family, caregiver respite, training to help find Veterans careers, and offering custom vehicles designed to give back freedom and independence to wounded Veterans. CharityWatch Program Percentage: 87%
6. Hope For The Warriors
There are key differences between the life of a military member and that of a civilian. Military lifestyles can be affected in many ways, some obvious and others not-so-obvious, so when it’s time to help Veterans transition into civilian life, some may need help. Hope For The Warriors provides Veterans with help transitioning into civilian life through various programs. The volunteers can also help Veterans through health and wellness activities as well as sports and recreation. Hope For The Warriors is one of the best charities for Veterans to volunteer at who enjoy an active lifestyle. CharityWatch Program Percentage: 86%
7. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Though the service is available to anyone, Veterans who have experienced loss due to the death of someone while in the military can call TAPS for support. The phone line is available 24/7, and there are tons of resources and programs available, such as specialized support for children, men, women, young adults, and more. If you are in need of survivor support or know someone who can benefit from the service, TAPS is there to provide many different services and support you after a loss. CharityWatch Program Percentage: 83%
8. Gary Sinise Foundation
As one of the top charities for Veterans, the Gary Sinise Foundation helps Vets in many different ways. Its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program provides mortgage-free housing to heroes across the country. The Relief & Resiliency program is there to help Veterans overcome some of the hardships that can arise from serving in the military. The foundation also has a Community Outreach & Education program to help build relationships between military and civilian communities. CharityWatch Program Percentage: 87%More like this:Was Gary Sinise in the Military & What Does His Vets Foundation Do?
9. The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans (MSHV)
The MSHV serves as one of the best charities for homeless Veterans. Its mission is to provide Veterans with the tools to reestablish their self-sufficiency. The program aims to provide employment, eliminate homelessness, and address the poverty-based and mental health issues that often surround such cases. Charity Navigator confirms that this non-profit is a great organization to contribute to and volunteer for, holding a financial rating of 82.68 out of 100. Charity Navigator Rating: 83%
10. The Bob Woodruff Family Foundation
The Bob Woodruff Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization hailing from New York aimed at supporting Veterans, their family members, and caregivers. Through innovative programs, more than 12 million people have benefited from the foundation to the tune of $85 million dollars invested in helping those who deserve it the most. Such financial resources continue to help Veterans, as the foundation is one of the top Veteran charities in the nation. CharityWatch Program Percentage: 82%
A Veteran Charities List Filled With Opportunities To Give Back
Choosing the best charities for Veterans to donate to takes a lot of consideration, but the truth is that any organization devoting its time and effort to support this nation’s heroes is worth your time. These organizations have proven themselves to be transparent and accountable. Find the one that best aligns with your values and do your part to give back to the men and women who make this nation a better place. From mental health to homelessness, there are plenty of battles still being fought by Vets; it’s our duty to help them overcome these issues with our full support. Suggested read:3 Veteran Charities You Need to Know About For Jobs (2022 Edition)
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