At 5th Squad, we believe in transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, impact. We started this organization with one goal, helping Veterans when they need it most. Over time, we’ve expanded our efforts to provide not just emergency assistance, but also long-term support to help Veterans and their families build stable, fulfilling lives.

 

     Now, let’s be real for a second. If you’re giving your hard-earned money to a nonprofit, any nonprofit, you should know exactly where it’s going. Every organization has overhead, administrative costs, and salaries. That’s just the reality of running any operation. But the real question is: How much of your donation is actually being used for program services—the work that truly makes a difference?

 

     At 5th Squad, we set a standard for ourselves: no less than 85% of all donations must go directly to program services every single year. That means when you give to us, you’re directly impacting the lives of Veterans, not funding bloated salaries or excessive overhead.

 

     We’re not here to call out other organizations, we just want you to do your research. Look at the numbers. Make sure your generosity is creating real change, not just supporting a name. Veterans deserve better, and so do you.

 

     So we feel you should know where your money is going…

There are several ways to check a nonprofit’s financial and accountability records, and we encourage you to take the time to do so. A great place to start is the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website.

 

Here’s what you need to know:
“As of July 1, 2024, all nonprofit organizations in Mississippi are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State’s Office. These reports will be available to the public starting January 1, 2025, and must be submitted no later than May 15th each year. Failure to file will result in administrative dissolution. This annual report is separate from the charity registration filing, which is also required for any nonprofit soliciting contributions in Mississippi. That means organizations must now file both reports to remain compliant and transparent.”

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     But don’t stop there, dig deeper. Another great resource is Candid, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing transparency in the charitable sector. Their mission is to provide clear, accurate, and accessible information to help donors make informed decisions. 5th Squad maintains a Platinum Level with Candid—the highest level of transparency achievable—and we’re incredibly proud of that.

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     The bottom line? We don’t share this to brag. We share it because we value your trust. When you donate to 5th Squad, you’re not just supporting a mission, you’re trusting us to be good stewards of your hard-earned money. And that’s a responsibility we take seriously.