WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

Maybe you have seen advertisements on TV asking for $19/mo donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. This charity gets a 3 star rating from Charity Navigator mainly because they have excellent transparency.  This organization devotes only 55.0% of its funds to program expenses.  Its 8% going to administrative expenses is pretty good, but 36.8% (!) of their funds go to fund raising (e.g. all those TV ads).  I have wondered if there might be better supporting charities for our veterans.

In contrast, Charity Navigator gives 4 stars to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America which gives 85.2% of it funds to program expenses, 8.1% to administrative expenses, and only 6.5% to fund raising expenses.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for new veterans, with over 200,000 Member Veterans and supporters nationwide. IAVA is a 21st Century veterans' organization dedicated to standing with the 2.4 million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan from their first day home through the rest of their lives. Founded in 2004 by an Iraq veteran, our mission is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. IAVA strives to build an empowered generation of veterans who provide sustainable leadership for our country and their local communities. We work toward this vision through programs in four key impact areas: supporting new veterans in Health, Education, Employment and building a lasting Community for vets and their families (HEEC).

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund even has a somewhat higher 4 star rating and devotes 94% to program activities, only 3.9% to administrative expenses, and only 2.0% to fund raising.

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund provides financial aid and quality of life solutions to: marines and sailors as well as members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard who have served in support of Marine forces, when they become injured in post 9-11 combat or training, and their families; help defray the expenses incurred during hospitalization, rehabilitation and recovery; assist with the expenses associated with the purchase of specialized equipment, adaptive vehicles and home modifications; and educate the public about the special needs of our wounded service members and their families. Our mission, since May of 2004, has remained constant: to serve those who preserve our freedom.