As happy as we are that the war in Iraq is over and that the troops will be home in time for the holidays, we also know that the going will be rough for many of them.
Adjusting to civilian life in a still struggling economy won't be easy for veterans and their families, not to mention the physical and psychic burdens many will carry.
There has been an exploding supply of nonprofit organizations that help veterans, to the point where those of us who want to help are not sure where to turn if we want to donate or volunteer.
Fortunately, the list of worthy groups that do good work, get terrific reviews from their clients and are good with their funds has been made manageable by these people and organizations:
- GreatNonprofits. GreatNonprofits, founded by social entrepreneur Perla Ni, campaigns endlessly to encourage donors, clients, and other supporters of nonprofits to review their favorite organizations (similar to Yelp or Zagat). GreatNonprofits compiles these reviews into various categories from poverty to children. The site's Top-Rated Veterans 2011 Nonprofits brings together the reviews of 19 organizations that help veterans and their families. Browse this list for ideas about where you can help.
- Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is one of the leading evaluators of charities, bestowing from one to four stars based on a charity's efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and transparency. The website currently features a Support Our Troops list of vets groups. Read the article about what to look for in an excellent charity and then choose among the four and five-star rated groups.
- CraigConnects. Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, is an influential philanthropist and promoter of the nonprofit community. Newmark works with, supports, and serves on the boards of many organizations that serve veterans, one of his most cherished issues. Newmark lists those organizations that he knows personally. Check them out to see if one or two might be right for your support.
Do you have a favorite veterans' organization? Let us know.
Related:
- Troops Home For Christmas: Iraq War Formally Over - US foreign Policy, About.com
- Vets Bring Simple Business Plan to the Task of Doing Good
- In Baghdad, Panetta Leads Uneasy Moment of Closure - New York Times
Photo: Leaving Iraq. Mario Tama/Getty Images
Comments
USVAP.com US Veteran’s Arts Program. This organization provides instruments or equipment to disabled or injured veterans to help them rehabilitate by using the ARTS. From writting or performing music, in the art world they draw, paint, sculpture and make pottery, or do photography, videos. In theater they write scripts, work with lights and sound, Direct movies and videos. They use computers to do grapic arts, write novels, write scripts,write music, Anything related to the arts USVAP gets what a injured or disabled veteran needs into his hands. From a guitar, key boards for Veterans Homes, camera or video eqipment for a photographer, pottery wheel, paints for artists, computers to do graphic arts and designs to writting novels or technical books. They also bring musical performances to the veterans and their families. I feel USVAP should be an organization on your list. They are based out of Chicago doing their work in Wisconsin, Illinosis, Minnesota, Texas, Indiana, Hew Hampshire, Carolinas, Flordia and many other ares. Respectfully Daniel J. Abel