Connecticut Attorney General's Office
Press Release
Attorney General Urges Research and Caution In Selecting Veteran and Military Charities
Date, 2009
"Veteran and military-support charities are particularly welcome on Veterans Day," Blumenthal said. "Despite many well-intentioned and worthwhile charities supporting veterans, there is also a sea of exploitive, poorly managed or even fraudulent fundraisers.
"Soliciting charities seem countless and confounding, so contributors should ensure that donated dollars serve our soldiers well. Citizens should give with their heads as well as their hearts.
"Unsolicited calls from unfamiliar organizations should be rejected. Aggressive solicitations by unknowns outside supermarkets should be snubbed. Unverifiable emails deserve deletion.
"Donors should direct dollars to well-known organizations with a history of helping veterans. Ask organizations how much of their revenue actually supports veterans -- rather than paid solicitors and other administrative expenses. And finally, call my office to verify whether an organization is legitimate and legally registered as a charity.
"Bottom line: Before you hand over financial ammunition, make sure the group is on target. Ask how much of a donated dollar actually helps the cause and how."
Blumenthal said countless groups claim to support veterans and soldiers, but some may spend a significant portion of their income on paid solicitors or executive compensation, while others may be merely lobbying groups or small groups with good intentions, but poor management or organizational means.
Blumenthal said he cannot recommend a specific charity, but urges citizens to donate only to organizations with an established reputation and history of veterans work, or organizations directly associated with a military branch.