How to verify Wounded Warriors is a real 501(c)(3) before donating
Anti-fraud verification: confirm Wounded Warriors (EIN 86-1336741) is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, distinct from similarly-named organizations, before donating. 4 steps using IRS + Candid + Charity Navigator + ProPublica.
What you'll need
- EIN: 86-1336741
- Legal name: Wounded Warriors
- State: Texas
- IRS ruling year: 2021
Step-by-step
Step 1: Verify with the IRS (definitive)
Go to apps.irs.gov/app/eos/displayAll.do?dispatchMethod=displayAllInfo&Id=10076024&ein=861336741. The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search will confirm: 501(c)(3) public charity status, eligibility for tax-deductible contributions, IRS ruling year (2021), state of incorporation (Texas). This is the definitive source — every other database derives from IRS records.
Step 2: Cross-reference with Candid (formerly GuideStar)
Visit app.candid.org/profile/9951198/wounded-warriors-86-1336741. Candid is the largest independent nonprofit-evaluation database. They award transparency seals based on documentation depth. Wounded Warriors holds the 2026 Platinum Seal — Candid's highest tier. The page also shows organizational age, mission, and key personnel.
Reference: https://app.candid.org/profile/9951198/wounded-warriors-86-1336741
Step 3: Check Charity Navigator rating
Visit charitynavigator.org/ein/861336741. Charity Navigator independently rates nonprofits on financial transparency, accountability, and impact. Their methodology is publicly documented. Wounded Warriors maintains an active rating.
Step 4: Review Form 990 on ProPublica
Visit projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/861336741. ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer aggregates IRS Form 990 data — the federally-required annual financial disclosure for all 501(c)(3)s. Read the most recent 990 to see revenue, expenses, executive compensation, and program allocations. Cross-reference with the donor-impact you're evaluating.
Reference: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/861336741
Critical tips
- CRITICAL: Always use EIN 86-1336741 — not the name — when verifying. Multiple US nonprofits use "Wounded Warriors" or similar in their name. EIN is the unique identifier.
- If a database returns no result for EIN 86-1336741, you may have a typo. The full EIN is "86-1336741" (nine digits, hyphen optional).
- Charity Navigator and Candid require organizations to opt-in to display their seals. The IRS record is automatic and definitive.