Is Vietnam Veterans of America a Legitimate Charity?
The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1978 with the mission of improving the lives of Vietnam-era veterans and their families. With over 70,000 members and a presence in all 50 states, the VVA is one of the largest and most well-known veterans’ organizations in the United States. But is the VVA a legitimate charity?
Direct Answer: Yes, the Vietnam Veterans of America is a legitimate charity.
The VVA is a 501(c)(19) non-profit organization, which means it is exempt from federal income tax and is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. The organization is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, which is a reputable charity evaluator.
History and Mission
The VVA was founded in 1978 by a group of Vietnam-era veterans who were dissatisfied with the lack of support and recognition for their service. The organization’s mission is to "honor the sacrifices of all Vietnam-era veterans and their families by providing support, advocacy, and community service." The VVA has been recognized for its work in advocating for veterans’ rights, providing support services, and promoting patriotism and community service.
Programs and Services
The VVA offers a wide range of programs and services to support Vietnam-era veterans and their families. Some of the organization’s key programs include:
- Healthcare Advocacy: The VVA provides advocacy and support to veterans seeking healthcare services, including assistance with filing claims and appeals.
- Education and Employment: The VVA offers educational and employment resources, including scholarships, job training programs, and career counseling.
- Homeless Veterans: The VVA provides support services to homeless veterans, including housing assistance, food and clothing, and mental health counseling.
- Community Service: The VVA organizes community service projects, including volunteer work, parades, and patriotic events.
Financial Information
The VVA’s financial information is publicly available and can be accessed through the organization’s website or through the IRS’s website. According to the VVA’s latest annual report, the organization’s total revenue was $14.6 million in 2020, with 83% of that revenue coming from donations and grants. The organization’s total expenses were $13.4 million, with 71% of that going towards program services.
Charity Rating
The VVA has been rated by several charity evaluators, including Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. These organizations evaluate charities based on factors such as financial health, accountability, and transparency. Here are the VVA’s ratings from these organizations:
- Charity Navigator: 4 out of 4 stars
- GuideStar: Platinum Seal of Transparency
- Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance: Accredited Charity
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Vietnam Veterans of America is a legitimate charity that has been serving Vietnam-era veterans and their families for over 40 years. The organization has a strong mission, a wide range of programs and services, and a reputation for transparency and accountability. If you are considering making a donation to the VVA or any other charity, it is important to do your research and evaluate the organization’s financial information, programs, and ratings from reputable charity evaluators.
Table: VVA’s Financial Information
| Category | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $14,600,000 |
| Donations and Grants | $12,100,000 (83%) |
| Program Services | $9,500,000 (71%) |
| Administrative Expenses | $2,300,000 (16%) |
| Fundraising Expenses | $1,500,000 (10%) |
Bullets: Key Programs and Services
• Healthcare Advocacy
• Education and Employment
• Homeless Veterans
• Community Service
Bullets: Charity Ratings
• Charity Navigator: 4 out of 4 stars
• GuideStar: Platinum Seal of Transparency
• Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance: Accredited Charity
