A new study from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found that under 1% of charitable giving in the United States is given to organizations serving veterans, military, and their families. The inaugural Military & Veterans Community Index (MVCI) provides the most comprehensive landscape of charitable organizations serving this population.

Why does this research matter? 
“Donors and nonprofits supporting servicemembers and veterans can use this data to help decide where their resources are needed most, whether for mental health services, housing, education, or other services,” said Jon Bergdoll, interim director of Data & Research Partnerships at the school. “The data helps us understand trends and gaps in giving. It can serve as a baseline to see where giving is today and how it has changed in the past 10 years.”
 
Should we worry about giving being such a low percentage? 
Under 1% may be a shocking number, but it does add up to $3.7 billion, up from $2.6 billion in 2013 (adjusted for inflation). The percentage of giving doesn’t equal needs not being met; it just demonstrates where people are donating. The good news: There is room to grow. There are still funders and dollars to be had. 
 
How can we use this data? 
Organizations such as the American Legion Auxiliary can use this information to see if campaigns are moving the needle. Let’s use mental health as an example. Since 2013, giving for mental health grew by 178%. Why do you think that is? Research doesn’t give us an answer; however, looking at the increase in awareness of this issue — from the Be the One mission and other mental health initiatives in the sector — may be moving that needle. With this data as a benchmark, you can compare it to initiatives and programming to see if the efforts are helping to move the needle when it comes to funding.
 
Other areas of growth 
Another growth area was service animals, with an increase of 445%. This isn’t a surprise because we know there has been an increase in veterans who have a service animal, and the cost to obtain one and care for it is expensive. Knowing this data can better guide your giving by choosing to support ALA programs and ensures your donations have a direct impact on veterans’ needs, including scholarships and financial hardship. The Veteran Projects Fund and the Veterans Creative Arts Festival funds directly support veteran initiatives. 
 
However, even though funding for those two areas increased, it doesn’t mean the need no longer exists — it means that funding to assist with those needs is growing. It’s important to use this baseline with the needs we see in the community. 
 
The bottom line: Use this data as a tool in the toolbox. It’s not going to answer all of your questions, but it can help you put the bigger picture together. Knowing where funding is going and where funding is needed is important as we plan our fundraising goals and service to veterans, military, and their families.
 
You can read the full report on the MVCI database at MVCIndex.org.
 
 

Key findings of this study:

• Giving to organizations serving veterans, military, their families, and caregivers consistently accounts for under 1% of total U.S. charitable giving.
• This charitable giving reached $3.7 billion in 2023, after a $4 billion peak in 2022, up from $2.6 billion in 2013 (inflation-adjusted).
• Mental health funding more than doubled from 2013 to 2023.
• Organizations providing service animals have seen the fastest growth – up 445%.
• The top services focusing on family support included mental health, survivor care and memorializing, housing, and employment and transition.
• The total number of supporting organizations declined in 9 out of 10 years studied.