Veterans Accredited Programs

by Michael Maricic
(Tucson, Az)

I have been asked to contribute to Veterans Accredited Programs - $45 for a gift basket for veterans.




Is this a legitimate veterans charity, and what percent of my donation actually goes to veterans?



Mike,

Thank you for your question. We were unable to find any listing for "Veterans Accredited Programs" on the list of charities that are registered and approved to solicit funds in Arizona, nor at any of the charity watchdog lists. There is also no such listing on the IRS list of approved charities.

Our recommendation is to not make a donation unless the organization provides you with a copy of their IRS approval letter.

You may also want to report the apparently unauthorized solicitation to the Arizona Attorney General's office, providing them with as much information as possible. Hopefully, this will help keep others from being taken advantage of by this group.

Thank you for your desire to help our nation's veterans, and for your diligence in checking out the charity before you give.

Comments for Veterans Accredited Programs

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Feb 23, 2016
 It's 2016 and they are still in business???
by: Jennifer @ Another Man's Treasure of Tucson

Am I reading that this VAP is not a legit place to donate? I'm glad I told him I'd have to check things out and donate by calling back.

He said his name was Tom (Houck (sp?) according to my caller ID) and his phone number (local Tucson) 520-628-2086.

How are they still able to get away with these phone calls!?!

I will give my money directly to the VA hospital as well...Sad this happens.
Dec 03, 2015
 Veterans Accredited Program
by: Bruce

I have been giving for years. For the last year I have been unable to make a donation. I was made aware of this by the individual and was asked (rudely) when I was going to make a donation. I hung up.

Calls are made about every quarter, once a donation is made I get inundated with other charities. Likely selling my name off.

I also have been unable to find information about this.

There new number is (760)746-7544, Escondido, CA
Sierra Vista Az
Nov 30, 2013
 Location of VAP in Sun City
by: Rick

We have been getting calls from that same number for several years, from a person named Tom Houck.

My wife has been giving donations, but it is always picked up at our home. We have never been given an address or website for the donations.

I found the address on-line with the same phone number. Address: 27250 MURRIETA RD, SPC 66 SUN CITY, CA 92586-3712. It appears there are several other locations of VAP that solicit funds.

It now appears that this is not a legitimate organization. The state of Washington lists a IEN of 57-3775841, and states that only 10% of donations go to their stated purpose.

The state of Oregon has filed a complaint against VAP solicitors, and there seem to be cases in other states of unauthorized solicitation by individuals representing VAP.

Nov 16, 2013
 Veteran's Accredited Programs
by: Anonymous

Their phone number is: 951-246-7166.

Are they legit? I'd sure like to know.

They are conspicuously absent from the Internet. That makes me suspicious.



Anon, the only entry we found through an online search was from the Better Business Bureau in Portland, Oregon, which posted this alert:

"According to information in the BBB files, it appears that the company is no longer in business. The phone numbers the BBB had for this company are disconnected, and directory assistance does not have a listing for this company. The BBB's mail to this company has been returned as undeliverable. If you have an unresolved dispute with this company you may wish to seek legal advice." - See more at: http://www.bbb.org/oregon/business-reviews/fund-raising-counselors-and-orgs/veterans-accredited-program-in-portland-or-76000056

There are plenty of legitimate veterans charities - I'd look for one of them rather than taking a chance on making a donation to this group.
Jan 26, 2013
 V.A.P. Tax ID #
by: Anonymous

VAP uses Victory Ensured Through Service (VETS) tax ID #68-0151889.
According to the financial information shown, this organization devoted 15% of its total expenses to program services during the year reported in 2003.

You can find out all the the info I found there by looking up the tax id #.



Anon, thanks for sharing that information.
Jun 19, 2011
 VAP
by: Anonymous

I have a local address of 515 E Grant Rd, #141-309 in Tucson and a local phone # 628-2086, but it looks like a Mail Box address.

From what I read online by searching the Fed ID# they only give back about 10-15% of money collected.

I tossed my request card out. Better to give directly to VA Hospital.
Mar 19, 2011
 does anyone have their number?
by: Anonymous

does anyone have the telephone numbers for veterans accredited programs in either arizona or in california? please just leave the phone number in the comments as a post here. thanks
Dec 23, 2010
 Veterans Accredited Programs
by: Anonymous

I am in the San Diego area. I have received calls form this organization and have donated to them in the past.

At one point, I did call our local VA Hospital to see if they did what they said they did. They told me at the hospital that Veterans Accredited Programs did in fact do a lot for the patients there, including bringing gift baskets.

So I am conflicted, but I wanted to offer my actual experience regarding this charity.



Thank you for sharing your experience, and for letting us know this apparently is a legitimate organization.

Does anyone else have any information about them?

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