Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion and short on what the war related charity will be doing to assist the U.S. troops, their families, or relief needs in Iraq.
Ask for written information that describes the charity's programs and finances. Even a new charity should have some basic information available.
Although the Department of Defense does not endorse any specific war related charity, you can visit their website at http://www.army.mil/operations/oif/FAQ.html to find out various military relief societies that provide various types of assistance to U.S. Servicemembers and their families.
Recognize that some groups may change their program activities in response to changing needs (for example, from assisting the families of U.S. troops to honoring returning soldiers).
Look at the appeal carefully to see if it explains what the organization will do with any excess funds that remain after the crisis has ended.
Check out the organization with your Better Business Bureau, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org) and with your state government charity registration agency (usually a division of the state's attorney general office).
BBB Wise Giving Alliance:
A merger of the National Charities Information Bureau and the Council of Better Business Bureaus' Foundation and its Philanthropic Advisory Service
