What is your favorite military charity?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 12:10:48 -0500

With so many organizations out there (some better than others) and with the Holiday seasons approaching, which military focused charity do you support and why? Is it Wounded Warrior (I've heard passionate arguments for and against just this past weekend), or is it Toys-for-Tots, or another one that you feel close to?

Do you plan to contribute this year?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 9:18 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 09:18:30 -0500

Does no one else donate to charity? I am surprised there have been no responses. For the Record, I donated to WWP this week.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 27 at 2013 9:21 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 09:21:05 -0500

There are many categories of charities, but The Fisher House has got to be the overall best charity because of their assistance to families of wounded service members and for stepping up when our government would not.

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Nov 27 at 2013 9:37 AM

CPT Laurie H. — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 09:37:33 -0500

I'm biased, but Military Friends Foundations, which supports families of fallen servicemembers in Massachusetts. Among other programs, they step up to support families of suicide victims where the government does not.

I contributed this year and rucking the Boston Marathon to support them next year.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 27 at 2013 3:38 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:38:05 -0500

Without getting into a "this charity is better because..." type of discussion, I think as someone who works within a lot of these charities, it is important to remind everyone of a two things when considering to contribute. Please keep in mind, I'm not an expert in this area but these are lessons learned that have been shared with me so I'm just passing them a long.

1) Research - Before filling out your CFC Contribution form, check out the organization. Visit their website, look at their mission, does their mission reflect your feelings towards a certain topic (ie jobless, homeless, mental health, etc)?

2) Pull their 990 - Very charity is required to complete a Form 990 each year. I will be the first to say its not that exciting of a read but this form will show you how much money they raised last year, how much of that money went towards their overall mission, how much those running the organization earned from working for the organization, grants received and so much more.

Again, just my two cents.

Response by PO2 Matt Oneill made Nov 27 at 2013 9:50 PM

PO2 Matt Oneill — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:50:20 -0500

I donate to Team Rubicon and WWP every month.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 9:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:53:03 -0500

Definitely WWP. Team Rubicon has recently caught my eye as well.

Response by SGT Richard Schumacher made Nov 27 at 2013 10:07 PM

SGT Richard Schumacher — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:07:52 -0500

Pat Tillman Foundation, Team Rubicon, and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 10:32 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:32:46 -0500

In our community I have done with Crohns/Colitis, Blood Drives, Shriner's Hospital, ALS and the Humane Society and as you do this work, like Capt Brian H. asserted make sure you do due diligence. Take a look at what is being done by charities and where the money may be going.

Most of all, have an idea and be prepared to show the paper trail, the intent of that event and sponsorship. Everything is out in the open and that includes the 501C3 documents. People hear about scammers and I actually accosted some individual posing as military and when he got rude I warned him that if he continued I would call a cop and that I won't take any of his crap.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 10:35 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:35:42 -0500

I love working with the 'Human Society' and their being a no-kill environment. They dispense food to hungry pets letting pet owners have some peace of mind. Additionally they spay and neuter at whatever cost you can afford. I took this mission to the local race track and we raised record levels of donations and one because I was a then homeless veteran.

Response by SFC James Baber made Nov 28 at 2013 3:16 AM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 03:16:22 -0500

I do both WWP and Fisher house, I have been the recipient of both during my career and have felt and seen both firsthand, so I support each as much as possible.

Response by SSG Anthony Hetherington made Dec 1 at 2013 2:41 PM

SSG Anthony Hetherington — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 14:41:28 -0500

Anything except Wounded Warrior Project!
They are anti-second amendment, have refused money from at least one church group, they give a pitiful amount of of the donations they receive to actual wounded warriors, have very secretive, libelous policies. To top it off a friend of mine who was seriously wound received nothing but a t-shirt from them!
My money goes elsewhere.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2013 2:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 14:44:07 -0500

I think Toys for Tots.

Response by SGT Teresa Phillips made Dec 1 at 2013 11:59 PM

SGT Teresa Phillips — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 23:59:10 -0500

I choose VetTix. They are a 1% company. Their 990 is available online. If you choose to be part of the Combined Federal Campaign, check box 44909 and donate to the Veteran Tickets Foundation.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2014 11:33 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 11:33:33 -0500

http://www.specialops.org/

Absolutely a great way to take care of our special operations forces!

Special Operations Warrior Foundation |

We ensure full financial assistance for college for every child who loses a parent serving in special operations. We make sure each child has the resources to attend the best college for which he or she qualifies. [Read more…]