Investing in the Best: How to Support the Nonprofits that Serve Veterans, Service Members and Their Families

This Center for A New American Security report recommends criteria that both public and private partners can use to assess whether particular nonprofit organizations that serve military or veteran communities merit investment.

More than 2.4 million men and women who have fought the most protracted wars in American history are coming home to rejoin their families and communities.

For those veterans and their families who need support, a broad range of nonprofit organizations stands ready to help. Yet, donors who wish to support the most effective organizations that help meet the needs of veterans and the military community face a staggering array of choices.

More than 40,000 nonprofit organizations in the United States have missions that specifically focus on the needs of service members, veterans and their families.

Meanwhile, thousands of organizations with broader aims also offer programs that serve this population. Given this range, it can be difficult to determine which organizations operate most effectively and would best serve veterans, given additional philanthropic support.