How is the money raised used?
The money is distributed among our 11 Coalition organizations. The organizations we fund have been thoroughly interviewed – including on-site visits – to be sure they are using the funds in a most effective and efficient manner. These local charities report to us on a regular basis how they have used the funds, as a pre-requisite to receive future grants.
Most Americans have learned that we simply are not are taking care of our veterans. While some progress has been made, the newest reality is that returning veterans are experiencing near epidemic rates of PTSD, traumatic brain injury and major depression. For instance, the Rand Corporation reports that more than 300,000 veterans suffer from mental health wounds and that many of these injuries are not diagnosed or treated properly. Funds raised by the Eleven-Eleven Campaign are donated to a select roster of nonprofit organizations that are doing the hard work to help these wounded warriors and their families.
Is Beyond Tribute a nonprofit organization?
Yes. Beyond Tribute is a not-for-profit organization.
How does the money get to the local charities that help our veterans?
Our fiscal agent is Scholarship America, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are made directly into the Beyond Tribute fund through the Eleven-Eleven Campaign. Scholarship America then grants to the local charities we designate in a most efficient manner. Scholarship America handles thousands of similar donations and grants for major corporate foundations, so we benefit from their economies of scale.
How do you determine what organizations get are part of the coalition?
Beyond Tribute has set clear guidelines for organizations to join the coalition and receive funds. Those criteria include standards for efficient use of funds and guidelines for having effective programs that help veterans in need. Our fiscal agent, Scholarship America, then evaluates any nonprofit organization that applies to get grants, and that evaluation includes a site visit. Criteria for charities to get grants include:
- No more than 25% of funds raised are spent on administration which is equivalent to an “A rating” by American Institute of Philanthropy standards.
- Been providing effective services to wounded veterans for a minimum of 3 years.
How can my organization apply to become a benefiting charity and get grants?
We are currently revising our application process and will invite new applications in early 2010. Please check back for more information.
Do you help veterans from all generations, or just the current Middle East wars?
We help any service member or family in need, from any generation. Most of our grant requests have been to serve the needs of those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, but we are not restricted to helping only that generation of heroes.
Can I make a donation by check, without using my credit card on-line?
Yes, you may mail a check payable to:
Beyond Tribute Fund- Federal Identification Number # 90-0448192
Then mail to:
Scholarship Management Services®
One Scholarship Way
P.O. Box 297
St. Peter, MN 56082
How much of my donation actually goes to the charities that help veterans?
100% of the donations from registered businesses partners and the donating public are granted to the local charities that help veterans in need – we only pay the fees for credit card donation transactions and the written acknowledgment of donations that are required by law. That is possible because all the costs to run the Eleven-Eleven Campaign are underwritten by foundations and corporate sponsors.
Please help us continue to keep costs down by introducing us to more sponsors who might be interested in supporting our important work to help veterans in need.
