NOT RECOMMENDED CHARITIES

We have created a rating system that, in our opinion, pulls out the most relevant information for each charity. Based on that data, we offer our opinion about donating.

AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that the AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort spent 68.7 percent of its $6.3 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort used joint cost accounting for 51 percent of its budget. While… Read More

Air Force Aid Society

Not Recommended

Based on its 2019 tax return, the net assets of the Air Force Aid Society equal 17.2 times its budget of $12.2 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

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that AMVETS National HQ spent 100% percent of its $3.6 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the AMVETS National HQ. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities… Read More

AMVETS National Service Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate AMVETS National Service Foundation used joint cost accounting for 7.6 percent of its $16.3 million budget. While legal, this accounting method can be used to disguise overhead costs as program spending. We recommend that no more than 5 percent of a budget… Read More

Army Emergency Relief

Not Recommended

Based on its 2019 tax return, the net assets of Army Emergency Relief equal 12 times its $28.5 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

Center for Military Recruitment Assessment and Veterans Employment / Helmets to Hardhats

Not Recommended

Based on its 2019 tax return, we calculate that the  Center for Military Recruitment Assessment and Veterans Employment / Helmets to Hardhats spent 25.7 percent of its $2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Center… Read More

Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes spent 63 percent of its $9.5 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes used joint cost accounting for 25.6 percent of its budget. Read More

Coast Guard Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that the Coast Guard Foundation spent 40.6 percent of its $6.6 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Coast Guard Foundation. See our lists of Highly Recommended… Read More

Disabled American Veterans

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Disabled American Veterans spent 50.2 percent of its $132.5 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Disabled American Veterans used joint cost accounting for 17.9 percent of its budget. While legal, this accounting… Read More

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust has net assets equal to 5.19 times its $7.6 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

Not Recommended

Based on its 2019 tax return, we calculate that Disabled Veterans National Foundation spent 93 percent of its $27.5 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Disabled Veterans National Foundation used joint cost accounting for 15.7 percent of its budget. While legal,… Read More

Freedom Alliance

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Freedom Alliance spent 29 percent of its $8.8 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Freedom Alliance used joint cost accounting for 15.2 percent of its budget. While legal, this accounting method can… Read More

Freedom Service Dogs of America

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, Freedom Service Dogs of America used joint cost accounting for 5 percent of its $4.1 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

Help Heal Veterans / Help Hospitalized Veterans

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Help Heal Veterans / Help Hospitalized Veterans spent 61.7 percent of its $13.2 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Help Heal Veterans / Help Hospitalized Veterans used joint cost accounting for 13.1… Read More

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Not Recommended

Based on its 2019 tax return, we calculate that the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America spent 27.3 percent of its $4 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. See… Read More

K9s for Warriors

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, K9s for Warriors has net assets equal to 3.25 times its $9.6 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 group’s… Read More

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation spent 33.8 percent of its $14.8 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, the net assets of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation equal 7.88 times its annual budget. Read More

Mutts with a Mission

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Mutts with a Mission spent 83.9 percent of its $3 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Mutts with a Mission also used joint cost accounting for 66.1 percent of its budget. While… Read More

Navy SEAL Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, the net assets of the Navy SEAL Foundation equal 7.33 times its 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 group’s… Read More

NEADS World Class Service Dogs

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, NEADS World Class Service Dogs has net assets equal to 3.01 times its $3.1 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

New England Center and Home for Veterans (aka Vietnam Veterans Workshop Inc)

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that the New England Center and Home for Veterans (aka Vietnam Veterans Workshop Inc) spent 28.5 percent of its $10.4 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, there is an insider transaction to be… Read More

Operation Finally Home

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Operation Finally Home spent 39.2 percent of its $6.3 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. For this reason, we do not recommend giving to Operation Finally Home. See our lists of Highly… Read More

Operation Second Chance

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, Operation Second Chance has net assets equal to 4.02 times its $1.1 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 group’s… Read More

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Paralyzed Veterans of America spent 65.7 percent of its $88.5 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Paralyzed Veterans of America used joint cost accounting for 17.5 percent of its budget. While legal,… Read More

Paws for Purple Hearts

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that the Paws for Purple Hearts spent 56.6 percent of its $6.1 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Paws for Purple Hearts used joint cost accounting for 26.6 percent of its budget. While… Read More

Puppies Behind Bars

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate Puppies Behind Bars has net assets equal to 6.13 times its annual budget of $2.8 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

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Purple Heart Foundation spent 92.7 percent of its $20.4 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Purple Heart Foundation. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities and… Read More

Save a Warrior / Warrior Meditation Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, the net assets of Save a Warrior equal 5.98 times its budget of $1 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 of the… Read More

Soldiers’ Angels

Not Recommended

According to the New York Attorney General, Soldiers’ Angels reported raising $7,017,730.50 from solicitation campaigns using professional fundraising firms in 2021. Of this, only $2,769,240.15 (39 percent) went to the charity; the rest was kept by the solicitors. Read more here. Note: Soldiers’ Angels declared in its 2020 tax… Read More

Special Operations Warrior Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, the net assets of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation equal 10.71 times its $11.1 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 Honor Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that The Honor Foundation spent 26.9% percent of its $2.4 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending We do not recommend giving to The Honor Foundation. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities and Recommended… Read More

The Mission Continues

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that The Mission Continues spent 25.2 percent of its $10.9 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Mission Continues. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities and… Read More

United American Patriots

Not Recommended

Based on its 2019 tax return, we calculate that the United American Patriots spent 59.8 percent of its $3.5 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, the United American Patriots used joint cost accounting for 24.2 percent of its budget. While legal,… Read More

United Spinal Association

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that the United Spinal Association spent 41.3 percent of its $8.6 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, the United Spinal Association used joint cost accounting for 7.4 percent of its budget. While legal,… Read More

United States Navy Memorial Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that United States Navy Memorial Foundation spent 42.9 percent of its $4.1 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, the United States Navy Memorial Foundation used joint cost accounting for 5.5 percent of its… Read More

Veterans Airlift Command

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, Veterans Airlift Command has net assets equal to 3.89 times its $2.5 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 Community Project

Not Recommended

Based on its 2019 tax return, we calculate that Veterans Community Project spent 27.1 percent of its $2.7 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, according to the tax return for 2019, Veterans Community Project loaned one of the charity officers $44,600,… Read More

Veterans Empowerment Organization

Not Recommended

Based on its 2019 tax return, we calculate that Veterans Empowerment Organization spent 29.3 percent of its $2.4 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to Veterans Empowerment Organization. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities and Recommended… Read More

Veterans Medical Research Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that the net assets of the Veterans Medical Research Foundation spent 25.6 percent of its $16.1 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Veterans Medical Research Foundation. See… Read More

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Veterans of Foreign Wars spent 57 percent of its $89 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Veterans of Foreign Wars used joint cost accounting for 16.2 percent of its budget. While legal,… Read More

Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children

Not Recommended

Based on its 2021 tax return, we calculate that the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children spent 36.1 percent of its $4 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, based on its 2021 tax return, the Veterans of Foreign Wars… Read More

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, the net assets of  Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. equal 3.93 times its $4.1 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… Read More

Veterans Outreach Center

Not Recommended

Based on its 2021 tax return, we calculate that Veterans Outreach Center spent 31.1 percent of its $3.3 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Veterans Outreach Center. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities and … Read More

Veterans Transition Center of Monterey County

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, Veterans Transition Center of Monterey County has net assets equal to 3.84 times its $2.3 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

Veterans United Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, the net assets of Veterans United Foundation equal 3.33 times its budget of $13.6 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 of the… Read More

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund spent 59.6 percent of its $6.4 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund used joint cost accounting for 26.8 percent of its annual… Read More

Vietnam Veterans of America

Not Recommended

Based on its 2021 tax return, we calculate that Vietnam Veterans of America spent 38.4 percent of its $7.3 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. We do not recommend giving to the Vietnam Veterans of America. See our lists of Highly… Read More

Volunteers for Veterans Foundation

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Volunteers for Veterans Foundation spent 92.3 percent of its $3.3 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. $3 million was spent on fundraising. We do not recommend giving to the Volunteers for Veterans Foundation. Read More

Warrior Foundation Freedom Station

Not Recommended

Based on its 2019 tax return, the net assets of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station equal 5.8 times its budget of $1.9 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 of… Read More

Wounded Warrior Project

Not Recommended

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Wounded Warrior Project spent 36.1 percent of its $276.3 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending. Additionally, Wounded Warrior Project used joint cost accounting for 7.2 percent of its budget. While legal, this accounting… Read More