Public Service Announcement from the Tyngsborough Veterans Services

Across the country there are numerous organizations that benefit the Veterans of the Armed
Forces whether disabled, struggling financially, or as outreach programs. We are all aware that when
there are non-profit organizations there are also scams that try to simulate these great organizations in
order to financially gain from the hard work and sacrifice our Veterans have made.

There are currently ongoing investigations into multiple regional organizations who claim to give
back to the Veterans but actually distribute a very small portion of their collected funds.

Here are two examples of what appear to be credible Veterans organizations:

1. The United States Armed Forces Association is actually the “Veterans’ Support Foundation”
based in Silver Springs Maryland. (Formerly “Vietnam Veterans’ Assistance Fund”)
2011- they took in $2,627,352.00
Program Services $654,533 (What the vets got)
Fundraising expenses $1,173,649.00 (automated phone calls. Etc.)

2. The “Veterans Support Organization”
The IRS filing from this group show they received $5.8 million in fiscal year 2009 -2010 nearly all from
donations.
Only $379,000 was distributed in grants and assistants for Veterans.
In contrast, the “Veterans Support Organization” paid $1.5 million in salaries and compensation including
$256,000 for the organizations CEO.
Other Major expenses included $325,000 for transportation, $241,000 for office expenses, and $72,000
for uniforms.

There are however plenty of legitimate Veterans organizations that truly care and give the money
donated back to the Veterans as intended by the generous donor. Here are some do’s and donts when
giving to Veterans charities.
Do’s
Do check with the Better Business Borough
Do pay with a check if possible
Do ask for credentials if approached at a mall or street before donating (any credible organization will

have some sort of I.D.’s)
Don’t’s
Don’t give out your credit or bank information over the phone
Don’t give cash
Don’t give money to pan handlers claiming to be Veterans wearing some kind of uniform. (They may
or may not actually be a Veteran) There are lots of regulated programs available to these Veterans it is
preferred you give to those regulated programs.
Don’t give money to an organization over the phone that uses “robo calls” or auto calls. While not all
of the organizations are unethical that use these systems. Most of these organizations will have a local
chapter like the Americal Legion or VFW. It is recommended you go directly to the local chapter and
donate. Most of your local organizations also accept toys for Christmas and food for Veteran families as
an alternative to money.
Massachusetts National Guard units, Ft. Devens and Hanscom AFB all have family readiness
groups that use the money to help families in need.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated by all of the Veterans and families and I encourage you to
continue in helping out those who sacrificed for us.

If you are thinking of donating and have questions please contact me

Christopher Dery
Tyngsborough Veterans Agent
978-649-2300 ex 131