Opinion: How much of your donation goes to the Veterans?

I appreciate the great work, those who Volunteer and anyone who helps and supports our Veterans. But to be honest I have always been skeptical about Charities, and for good reason.  “How much money actually goes to Veterans?”

We think EVERY Charity needs to have transparency and publish their financials showing EXACTLY how much money or support is given to our Veterans.

We are not saying that these Charities have or are acting immorally or illegally but where is the line in their financial report, that says this is how much was donated directly or indirectly to Veterans? Are we missing something? Your comments and input are appreciated.

SOLDIER ON
Financial Report click here

MATES4MATES
Financial Report click here 

Plenty of other Charities including Wounded Heroes Australia don't display their Financials on their website, maybe they are not required to do so, but I reckon thats's a MUST do.

So what are some good charities doing good things in the community? Tell us we want to support them. Comment Below.

We aim to identify in the coming months charities that are above board, that have total oversight and transparency and who we are 100% confident that the bulk of your donation goes to those who need it most - not the CEOs, Treasurers, expensive travel or long lunches.  Once we do we will raise money for them knowing that it's going to those we care about the most - those who unselfishly served our country.

We understand there are operational expenses with running a charity and the good work that a lot of Charities do.  We are talking about transparency and oversight we just want it to be clear exactly where the money goes  

Info below is taken from Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission website click here 

You can search for Charities here, you can check their revenue and expenses - We believe you should "investigate before you donate"

Warning signs

• You've never heard of the charity before, or it is well-known but you suspect the website, email or letter may be fake. A fake website may look almost identical to a legitimate charity site, changing only the details of where to send donations.
• The person collecting donations on behalf of the charity does not have any identification. Remember, even if they do have identification, it could be forged or meaningless.
• You are put under pressure or made to feel guilty or selfish if you don’t want to donate.
• You are asked to provide a cash donation as they don't accept cheques. Or, they want the cheque to be made out to them rather than to the charity.
• You are not given a receipt. Or, they give you a receipt that does not have the charity’s details on it.

Protect yourself

• Approach charity organisations directly to make a donation or offer support.
• Check the organisation's name and look them up. Check the website address to make sure it’s the same as what you searched for.
• Legitimate charities are registered – you check an organisation’s credentials on the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) website to see if they are a genuine charity.
• Never send money or give personal information, credit card details or online account details to anyone you don’t know or trust.
• If you are approached by a street collector, ask to see their identification. If you have any doubts about who they are, do not pay.
• If you are approached in person, ask the collector for details about the charity such as its full name, address and how the proceeds will be used. If they become defensive and cannot answer your questions, close the door.
• Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency, like Bitcoin. It is rare to recover money sent this way.

Below is an Article "The Australian" Newspaper

Call to monitor veterans affairs charities
By RORY CALLINAN, MARCH 14, 2017

Thousands of charities that have sprung up to service Australia’s military veterans could face the introduction of a self-regulatory system as the sector taps into billions of dollars in government funding.

Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan has flagged the new system to monitor the 3474 registered charities meeting the increasing needs of veterans after almost two decades of continual overseas deployment.

Mr Tehan said a regulatory ­regime was needed after revelations in The Australian that a charity chief executive invited to be the guest speaker at the government’s round-table event in Canberra last year was a convicted armed robber.

[REDACTED]

A report surveying the sector last year found many of the veterans-­related charities could not be considered ex-service ­organis­ations and that support services being offered were “not clear”.

Compiled by the Aspen Foundation, the report said the charities’ incomes amounted to $19.4 billion and they employed 19,5874 staff and 213,950 volunteers.

The report, “Ex-Service ­Organisations Mapping”, recommended a self-regulatory system that required accreditation, codes of conduct and a monitored minimum level of service delivery.

Mr Tehan last week called on the sector to develop some form of self-regulation.

“If organisations want minimum standards of experience and qualifications to work with veterans, then that reform should be driven by them,’’ he said.

He said former military chief Sir Angus Houston had responded to the Aspen report last year by establishing a committee to ­“explore opportunities to streng­then collaboration, self-regul­­ation and governance’’ in the sector.

Mr Devereux said he supported regulation and that Veteran Affairs knew of his history.

“I’m not proud of what I did but I did my time and I did my parole without any incident,’’ he said.

Mr Devereux said his charity had helped more than 150 veterans out of homelessness.

Several other charities this week said they already supported self-regulation.

Homes for Heroes manager Adrian Talbot said there was “no due diligence”.

“People can apply for charitable status but they don’t have to answer for their actions,’’ he said.

“There’s a potential to do more harm than good.

“Certain people set out with the best possible intentions when they start these organisations but, as you can see, there’s more than 3000 in this space.”

Further Reading - Other Articles of Interest

Most recently (11 April 2019)  and ABC investigation has lead to Queensland police investigating allegations that a charity set up to help Afghanistan war veterans was defrauded of $1.3 million.Read the article below.

• Veterans' charity Walking Wounded under investigation over alleged $1.3 million fraud
• Jacqui Lambie fires up over veterans’ charity Soldier On
• Failed charity's $1m splurge on publicity campaign approved by government (Camp Gallipoli Foundation)
• RSL inquiry blasts 'cronyism', urges police investigation
• More than 20 charities stripped of status by national watchdog
• Fallen soldier's father calls for full police investigation of Walking Wounded founder

On the Eve of our most historic day remembering, appreciating and honouring those that have or are serving in our Armed Forces, we hope that they are getting the help they need, stay in the fight seek help and thank you for your service. If you see a digger sitting by themselves, have a chat, shout them a drink. Lest we forget.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide get help immediately. Choose life not suicide.  Call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000 if life is in danger.

What do you think? Tell us about your experiences with Charities
We appreciate your input -  your comments and opinions are appreciated. Comment Below.  If you are a Veteran let us know of any Charities that have helped you or others.