Many people are familiar with the veteran’s benefits available to veterans and their families such as healthcare, education benefits, and housing assistance. Veteran’s benefits are not always enough to cover the costs associated with being a veteran or a family member to a veteran. Costs such as emergency travel expenses in case of illness or death, funeral costs, and other unanticipated bills add up quickly. They become a financial burden for veteran families. That’s where veteran donations come in to bridge the gap.
Veteran service organizations, veteran’s charities, and other non-profit organizations raise money through veteran donations to support veteran families in their time of need. This offers relief financially, emotionally, physically and mentally to veteran families who have already given so much.
What Are Some of the Best Ways to Make Veteran Donations?
There are a number of ways to donate to families of veterans. Here are some ideas:
Veteran Service Organizations
These are veteran-led and veteran-supportive organizations that provide different services and programs to veteran families. Each organization is different, so research veteran service organizations to find one whose mission and values align with your own.
Some offer financial assistance to veteran families, while others provide housing assistance or counseling services. Others offer transportation assistance to families during times of crisis, such as when a veteran is hospitalized. Once you’ve found an organization you want to support, make donations directly to them or participate in one of their fundraising events.
Veteran’s Charities
Veteran charities create impactful programs that serve veteran families in a number of ways. From offering financial assistance to providing counseling and support services, veteran charities are making a difference in the lives of those who have served the country. They use financial and non-financial resources to find solutions to emerging problems veteran families face.
When making donations for families of veterans to a charity, specify how you would like your donation to be used. You can choose to support a specific program offered by the charity such as housing assistance or make a general donation that will be used where it’s needed most.
Non-profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations focused on veteran support are making a difference in the lives of veteran families every day. These organizations provide veteran families with essential services and programs to help them thrive. The donations given to non-profit organizations are used to support a specific program or make a general donation to support the organization’s veteran-serving mission.
Online Donations
Some people prefer to make donations for families of veterans online. This is a convenient way to donate if you don’t have the time to participate in fundraising events or volunteer opportunities. Specify how you would like your donation to be used when making an online donation.
When making donations online, be sure to research the organization you are donating to. Make sure they are a legitimate organization by looking for reviews and testimonials. Also, check to see if the organization is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization. This will verify that your donation is tax-deductible.
Mail-in Donations
If you prefer to make donations to support veterans by mail, do so by sending a check or money order to the organization you want to support. Include your contact information for the organization to send you a receipt for your donation. Include a note specifying how you would like your donation to be used.
When mailing in donations, be sure to use a secure method of delivery, such as certified mail. This will confirm that your donation gets to the organization safely. Make sure that you keep a copy of your receipt for tax purposes.
Donating Goods or Services
If you have goods or services to donate, veteran organizations and charities are always in need. You can donate items such as clothes, furniture, household goods, or food. You can donate your time and skills by volunteering or providing services like transportation or home repairs. This is a great way to give back to those who have served our country.
Some organizations have specific needs, so be sure to check with the organization you want to support to see what they are looking for. Search online for veteran donation opportunities.
Give Veteran Donations to Support Those Who Have Served
From serving in combat to providing support during times of need, veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting everyone’s freedoms. When making veteran donations, you show your appreciation for their service and help support veteran families in need. Choose an organization to support and make a veteran donation today.
