Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks to Military Service Members: Charities, Donations, and Gratitude

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. The National Association of Attorneys General, in recognition of their service, is highlighting topics important to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. This final post aptly focuses on giving thanks. This time of year, gratitude is often expressed through charitable giving. Donors want to make sure that their dollars go where they will make a difference.

Supporting Active Duty Military, Veteran, and Their Families

There are numerous charities dedicated to supporting active duty military service members and their families. Donors can take several steps to ensure their contributions are effectively reaching service members. Researching charities through platforms like Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and GuideStar can provide insights into how funds are allocated. Through these sites, donors can find organizations that support service members in general, service-specific, or in their home state. Reviewing financial statements and checking for accreditation from reputable organizations are also crucial steps. Direct communication with the charity and reading reviews from beneficiaries can further assure donors of the charity’s impact. Consumers can also check with their state’s charities official.

Fraudulent Military and Veteran Charities

Unfortunately, there have been instances of fraudulent military and veteran charities in recent years. From 2019 to 2023, nearly 300,000 fraud cases involving veterans and military retirees were reported, with significant financial losses. In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission, the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO), and state charity regulators have also launched initiatives to combat veteran charity fraud, resulting in numerous legal actions against fraudulent organizations. Suspected fraud can be reported at Report.FTC.Gov, your state’s charities official, or attorney general’s office.

Charitable Giving by Service Members

Service members are also known for their generosity and community spirit, often giving to charity. The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is a well-known avenue for military personnel to donate, allowing them to contribute to numerous charities through payroll deductions. Service members also frequently volunteer their time, often supporting military-specific charities that directly benefit their peers and families.

Thanking Veterans and Service Members

Supporting our military service members and veterans through reputable charities, ensuring our donations are used effectively, and expressing our gratitude in meaningful ways are all important steps we can take to honor their service.