M.O. Purple Heart Service Foundation

[Buffalobob]

I got a solicitation in the mail from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation. They want me to donate money or cars or whatever so I looked them up on the internet. Some interesting results came up.

They did not respond to the Better Business Bureau request for rating information
http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/n...nandale-va-660

They gave $685,000 to the Washington Redskins so they could get free seats at the games.
http://www.charitywatch.org/articles/mophsf.html

The low end use of funds is not new to some of the military linked charities.

http://www.military-money-matters.co...s-ratings.html


A lot of us give freely to the annual Boston Marathon fundraising on this forum, but an open heart should not mean an empty brain. Hopefully, MOPHSF can turn a corner and get their act together.

[PR31C]

You need only search here PS.COM

Though it is good to make the new members aware of this abuse. The fraud in military charities goes far beyond just the MOPH. Even the Wounded Warrior Project is becoming suspect. They do not rate well with Charity Navigator.

[Buffalobob]

I did run advanced search for two different variations and got nothing but sometimes I don't do everything right when running search.

Perhaps TS can delete this thread.

[PR31C]

I say keep it on top. I feel it is important to let everyone know about this. If you were not aware just think of how many others are getting taken in, not doing the research you did. When I spread the word of the abuse, it always starts the same with people/vets thinking I am nuts/an A-hole. Then when they learn the truth, they can't believe how they have been taken. A new message from you will be read by many, then they can send their hard earned, well intended funds to Green Beret Foundation

[hjcook]

I recently received the April/May 2011 Charity Rating and Watchdog Report from the American Institute of Philanthropy and the MOPH Service foundation continues to receive and "F" for failing to serve veterans. The report shows that just like in 2007 when I discovered and reported, the Service Foundation only returns 32 cents on each dollar collected to ALL veterans causes. The Military Order of the Purple Heart, receives a much smaller percentage (in 2007 it was 18 1/2 cents on the dollar) even though the Purple Heart Medal is the logo used by the Service foundation to raise funds.

They remain arrogant and non-responding to inquiries about this.

If you wish to donate to any veterans charity or organization please do so, but only at the local chapter or post level. Always ask the question, "Is this money staying here to serve our local veterans?"

Professional soldiers, please keep this thread alive and keep up with this. If you would look at the report on all veterans organizations you will be shocked at the salaries and perks. remember, just do not look at the organizations look at their foundations for fundraising and then make your own judgment.

Originally Posted by hjcook

I recently received the April/May 2011 Charity Rating and Watchdog Report from the American Institute of Philanthropy and the MOPH Service foundation continues to receive and "F" for failing to serve veterans. The report shows that just like in 2007 when I discovered and reported, the Service Foundation only returns 32 cents on each dollar collected to ALL veterans causes. The Military Order of the Purple Heart, receives a much smaller percentage (in 2007 it was 18 1/2 cents on the dollar) even though the Purple Heart Medal is the logo used by the Service foundation to raise funds.

They remain arrogant and non-responding to inquiries about this.

If you wish to donate to any veterans charity or organization please do so, but only at the local chapter or post level. Always ask the question, "Is this money staying here to serve our local veterans?"

Professional soldiers, please keep this thread alive and keep up with this. If you would look at the report on all veterans organizations you will be shocked at the salaries and perks. remember, just do not look at the organizations look at their foundations for fundraising and then make your own judgment.

Thanks Colonel - keep up the fight.

[Penn]

This organization has a table set up under the canopy at SAM's in Princeton, NJ. Raking in big bucks. www.TheVeteransSupport.org 850 Chester Pike Prospect Park Pa 19076,800-411-8761. I checked them out its appears to be a total scam.

The collectors wear BDU's, and stated they are former service members who get paid via the all cash collections. the PA branch reports to the owner of the org in Fla.

[PR31C]

Fox NY station did a piece on this group back in February. You can see it here.

[CSM-H]

As a former DAV National Service Officier, I can tell you with some authority that alot of these organizations continue to rate a D or F when it comes to money returned to do service to veterans. As it was stated earlier in the thread if you want to give your money fine, but do it at the local chapter, that money stays within the chapter and it used for "service" to veterans usually in the local area.

DAV National has a staff to die for and the top guys (used to be seven) are making well over 100K each. The two top retired individuals are drawing a retirement from DAV and then are on the staff as advisors and I have been told (source rated A1) that they are making 200K each....so much for helping soldiers.....JMHO...But I'll give my money to SFA or GBF. CSM-H

[219seminole]

I came across the Veterans Support Organization outside the Giant supermarket in Clifton, Va, about 2 weeks ago. Obvious BS. One of the cammie-clad guys I see walking around all the time in his cammie shirt covered with patches.

I know what it's like raising cash in front of Walmart because I did it with Chapter 203 of VVA when I lived in Chattanooga. We raised a lot of cash which went to the Christmas for families program they ran. I have no doubt where every penny went, no one is on the payroll, and all actions are crystal clear. The VSO guys are something else entirely.

[greenberetTFS]

I too was involved with the VFW here raising money for the Children's Christmas Fund and not one penny went to us,every cent went to the kids presents............ That's as it should be........ Those MF's that trive on the people should have their nuts cut off when there discovered...........

Big Teddy

[Gypsy]

This is why I go local when it comes to donations. Local VFW, local Veteran's shelter, etc.