Who is eligible to receive help, and how will needs be identified?

All veterans of U.S. military service and their families are eligible and may apply for aid. The Veterans Family Fund of America works with the veterans’ network in the state of Washington to identify needs and recommend funding.

What percentage of donations will go directly to veterans in need?

Veterans and their families in need will receive nearly 100 percent of donated funds. Participating financial institutions and supplementary public and private grants will underwrite most administrative costs.

How much will veterans and their families receive from the CD?

Deposits totaling $300 million would mean $6 million annually for veterans family benefits, assuming prevailing rates.

What is the Veterans Family Fund of America?

The Veterans Family Fund of America is an independent nongovernmental, grassroots organization located in Vancouver, Washington, founded by citizens wanting to make a difference in the lives of veterans. In Washington, the Veterans Family Fund of America is working with the state Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) to make sure donated funds get to veterans and their families. The department has a nonprofit affiliate, the Veterans Innovations Program, that can provide a tax deduction for donated funds and pass on those funds to veterans in need.

Who is responsible for distributing money to veterans, and how can we be sure they will do good work?

The Veterans Innovations Program, a tax-exempt governmental unit under section 170 of the IRS code, authorized by the Washington state legislature in 2006, has a mission to provide flexible funds to veterans who served in recent military action. The Veterans Innovations Program serves as advisor to the Veterans Family Fund and distributes funds at no cost to investors or to the organization.

The Veterans Innovations Program has a remarkable track record of service for veterans and their families. In the program’s first year, checks averaged $475 per veteran for such needs as crisis and emergency relief, education, training and employment assistance. These needs often fall through the cracks of other veterans programs.

Are these organizations related to the federal Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C.?

No. The VA in Washington, D.C., is part of the federal government. The Department of Veterans Affairs in Olympia, Washington, is a state agency created to serve veterans within the state. The Veterans Innovations Program is part of the state network of support.

I don’t live in Washington state. If I buy a Veterans Family Fund CD, will my contribution support veterans in my state?

At this time, no. The infrastructure is in place only in Washington State, although we hope to see the program expand to every state.