- Service members' morale is boosted. elderabuse. The items in each care package are donated, a former . Overall score: 95.38 Program expense ratio: 85.1%. While others on this list address homelessness and animal cruelty, this animal charity addresses the financial cost of owning an animal. Overall score: 87.25 The current President and CEO of the American Red Cross (since 2008) is Gail J. McGovern, whose total yearly compensation for 2010 was about $1,037,000 (considerably higher than the $651,957 . The Wounded Warrior Project, WWP, is a not-for-profit charity that aims to assist wounded veterans with their needs. Program expense ratio: 85.8%. The 2nd cancer research charity to make our list is the American Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization set up in 1997 with the intent of funding health education and free breast exams for women. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was initially conceived with one overriding purposeto bring long overdue honor and recognition to the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in Vietnam. Their impact and transparency ratings: Charity Navigator gives Disabled American Veterans a 4-star rating. We extend the welcoming touch of home to members of our armed forces and their families throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Accounting and transparency score: 97.00 We currently operate more than 200 USO centers at or near military installations, including in combat zones, MEPS centers, several airports, and even un-staffed USO service sites in places too dangerous for anyone but combat troops to occupy. (Less). Financial score: 85.53 Accounting and transparency score: 97.00 Program expense ratio: 75.6%. Today, Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, "If Not Me, Then Who" Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives. Thankfully, there are many philanthropic organizations whose members devote their time and effort to support veterans and military members in a way that is transparent, accountable, and genuine. Overall score: 86.02 Focus: Military Family Support Overall score: 88.71 Several of the canines that enter this program are rescued from high-kill shelters. storytelling. Programs supported by the Trust target several groups of physically and psychologically injured veterans. Mission: USA Cares exists to help bear the burdens of service by providing post-9/11 military families with financial and advocacy support in their time of need. Accounting and transparency score: 100.00 Accounting and transparency score: 96.00 Overall score: 95.32 Accounting and transparency score: 100.00 Mission: Give an Hour's mission is to develop national networks of volunteers capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society. Often at smaller charities, it falls within the responsibilities of the finance committee or the executive committee.) Accounting and transparency score: 100.00 Overall score: 89.18 Programs supported by the Trust typically include: providing food, shelter, and other necessary items to homeless or at-risk veterans; accessibility or mobility items for veterans with vision or hearing impairments; therapeutic activities; physical and psychological activities for rehabilitation; and other forms of direct service for veterans and their families. Matthew Stroup // U.S. Navy photo, Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) // Flickr, #78. The Tillman Military Scholars program aids all veterans, specifically the ever-growing population of veterans of Post-9/11 conflicts. -Our network of more than 27,000 CARE Action advocates are dedicated to change influencing U.S. foreign policy and changing lives for the better around the globe. Mission: As the founders of The Wall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund works to preserve the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to promote healing and to educate about the impact of the Vietnam War. Focus: Military Family Support Areas of focus include Outreach & Engagement, Housing, Mental Health, and Education & Vocational Training. Just by example, the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust has 96.5% of their expenses directly funding programs for Disabled American Veterans. Program expense ratio: 73.9%. Focus: Military Family Support Financial score: 95.53 As reported by charities on their IRS Form 990, this measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on overhead, administrative staff and associated costs, and organizational meetings. As one of the top charities for Veterans, the Gary Sinise Foundation helps Vets in many different ways. Signature programs and services include holiday programs like Turkeys for Troops and Project USO Elf, Transition & Resiliency programs for transitioning service members, recreational and educational programs for military kids, and caring for our wounded, ill and injured troops and their caregivers. The National Caregiving Foundation extends to them our deepest thanks and respect for the sacrifice that they have made to defend our freedom and to keep us safe. Hope for the Warriors was founded in 2006 by military wives to help alleviate the effects of war, combat, and deployment on military spouses and families. Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website. Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has these governance practices in place. Mission: Interfaith Community Services implements comprehensive programs to provide basic needs, social services counseling, and economic development to empower the disadvantaged in our community. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation . In addition, the USO often gives memories of a lifetime to veterans. - Parenting is shared. Charity Navigatorrecently shared a list of 10 outstanding wounded veterans charities that have been recognized for their efforts to assist injured troops and their families. Mission: It is the mission of the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia to enhance the quality of life and public support for armed service members and their families. Wounded Warriors Family Support was started in 2003 by Retired Colonel John Folsom of the U.S. Marine Corps. Here are just some of the services offered by this organization: This charity supports families in helping them heal emotional and psychological trauma inflicted by combat and war. Accounting and transparency score: 100.00 Financial score: 90.45 R.I.S.E. The foundation also offers a Community Outreach and Education program designed to build relationships between military and civilian communities. Learn more about our criteria and methodology. Financial score: 89.25 Overall score: 80.85 Since our founding, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than 40,000 scholarships valued at nearly $125 million. The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990). Financial score: 92.78 EOD stands for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, the disarming and disposal of bombs. Special Operations Warrior Foundation, #28. A promise to take care of those 17 children has become the noble mission of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation to educate more than 1,200 children and support families of injured servicemen and women with medical bills. Accounting and transparency score: 97.00 Accounting and transparency score: 92.00 A diversion of assets any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. Signature services also include group workshops and connecting the job seeker with veteran-friendly companies and employment opportunities through the Hire Heroes USA Job Board. Mission: Our mission is to improve the quality of life for the EOD family by providing emergency financial relief, scholarship opportunities, physical, social, and emotional support. Our team of over 100,000 volunteers assist veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways. Therefore, the dogs are offered a second, fulfilling life as service animals, working for people who need their comfort and support. Sgt. Program expense ratio: 90.3%. I have been asked to contribute to Veterans Accredited Programs - $45 for a gift basket for veterans. We work closely with the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association to do that. OCF serves active duty officers, enlisted personnel, guard and reserve members, academy and ROTC cadets/midshipmen, international military personnel, civilian employees of the military, retirees, widows, and their families. Mission: The mission of Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically. As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for National Caregiving Foundation is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Our mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Program expense ratio: 86.3%. By connecting the American donor community (individuals, foundations and corporations) to our military families through robust array of valued and life-changing programs that address the specific short-term, critical assistance, long-term stability and recurring family support needs they experience, Operation Homefront is able to help military families overcome many of the challenges inherent in military life. We bring together corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help these Heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needsa place to call home. We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board. We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization. We are dedicated to serving the families of service members from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. Accounting and transparency score: 100.00 Financial score: 88.72 Considering that many folks can make donations simply by checking off a box on their credit card rewards site, Fisher House is one of the easiest ways to make a difference in the lives of veterans . Independent research, along with our own, validates the effectiveness of a K9 companion in preventing veteran suicide. Overall score: 90.94 Accounting and transparency score: 96.00 Sign up for a free Military.com membership to get full access to all discounts. Financial score: 92.50 The release of the new document comes after a year in which the Navy saw several major clusters of suicides. program, combining counseling, education, self-development, and recreational therapy to help build well-adjusted families. Financial score: 90.28 We transport our heroes to WashingtonD.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. Each charity is assigned a financial score, an accountability, and transparency score; our list is ordered by financial score from lowest to highest, with any ties broken by the program expenses ratio, representing the percent of a charity's total expenses spent on the programs and services it delivers. Financial score: 81.95 Accounting and transparency score: 89.00 Note: The organization responded that it does not share feedback. Mission: Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation's mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Located on 629 acres in Eaton Rapids, Mich., the National Home stands today as a tribute to the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members who help support the facility and the families who call the National Home their home. The EOD Warrior Foundation is supported by an indivisible network of EOD family and friends. The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support. In particular, this charity focuses on amputees and those with traumatic brain injuries. Program expense ratio: 83.9%. According to Charity Navigator, ALSAC/St. Mission: ThanksUSA "thanks" the men and women of the United States armed forces by awarding need-based college, technical, and vocational school scholarships for their children and spouses. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Program expense ratio: 91.9%. Their disabilities include autism, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress. We also offer through our mailings our free . Overall score: 94.11 Our principal mission today is to send military troop and K9 care packages with letters from grateful Americans to the troops deployed in combat areas around the world. The USO is a family of volunteers, sustained by the charitable contributions of millions of generous Americans. Through this unique approach, veterans build new skills and networks that help them successfully reintegrate to life after the military while making long-term, sustainable transformations in communities and inspiring future generations to serve. Mission: Special Operations Warrior Foundation ensures full financial assistance for post-secondary education from an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or technical or trade school, as well as educational and family counseling, pre-school grants, and tutoring, to the surviving children of United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps special operations personnel who lose their lives in the line-of-duty and to provide immediate financial assistance to severely combat-wounded and hospitalized special operations personnel and their families. Sean K. Harp // DoD photo, #53. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. This organization provides resources and programs, including specialized survivor support for men, women, young adults, children, and more. Accounting and transparency score: 100.00 Program expense ratio: 87.5%. How do you find the best wounded veterans charities? "We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Overall score: 87.23 Accounting and transparency score: 90.00 The USO of NC provides more than 600,000 service connections annually, helping our troops and their families through education, wellness, transition assistance, resiliency andwounded warrior, military andfamily support programs across the state. Focus: Military Family Support See the metrics below for more information. Program expense ratio: 82.6%. Overall score: 96.38 If your organization is interested in becoming a Stacker We do this through countless acts of caring, comfort, connection and support. Accounting and transparency score: 100.00 Overall score: 84.59 Accounting and transparency score: 100.00 Mission: Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of 82 comfort homes where military and veterans' families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. Over 90% of our children attend college and 94% complete their degrees or vocational training. In short, Liberty USO is the bridge between the civilian population and our service members. Focus: Military Family Support And, they provide financial support to other military charities, and families and children of injured, disabled or fallen veterans. The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families by providing a "touch of home" through their facilities, a shoulder when needed, and fun family events. Accounting and transparency score: 89.00 Among the many notable entertainers who have performed for the USO are Robin Williams, Bob Hope, Bill Nye, Marilyn Monroe, Chris Rock, and more. Additionally, more than 400 PBB-trained explosive-detection canines work with law enforcement agencies around the country. Since 2006, we have awarded more than 4,500 scholarships. Overall score: 83.85 We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective. . Operation Second Chance provides support for soldiers andMarines while they are being treated for injuries at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Hope for the Warriors. David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education, Pfc. In response, CARE has provided clean water to 4.9 million people, hygiene kits to 4.8 million people, and nutritious food for 4.3 million people who face the threat of malnutrition due to lockdowns or loss of income. Financial score: 76.32 Focus: Military Family Support Program expense ratio: 83.1%. "Building strong, stable and secure military families". AdoptaPlatoon provides an on-going mail support system, creates projects that meet the need of military requests, and establishes special projects that benefit deployed Troops representing all branches of the U.S. military. Financial score: 90.80 The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission. Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near hospitals. Hope for the Warriors is a charitable veterans organization focused on post-9/11 returning service members and their families. Current CEO and Board Chair can be found in the Leadership & Adaptability report below.