9/11 Charities: How To Donate And Support Sept. 11, 2001 Victims

After 13 years, there are still thousands of people being affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93. In the immediate aftermath, Americans came out in droves to support the people who responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks years ago, including the many soldiers who went to fight terrorism abroad. The IRS recognized 300 9/11 charities after the attacks, but by 2006 a third couldn’t be contacted and 38 closed, according to Charity Navigator. Here's a list of some of the remaining organizations helping those hurt by the 9/11 attacks.

The Feal Good Foundation: The Feal Good Foundation was founded by John Feal, a U.S. Army vet and demolition supervisor who lost part of his foot when an eight ton steel beam fell and crushed it during the Sept. 11, 2001 recovery effort. After being denied benefits for his injuries and seeing his colleagues denied the same benefits, Feal founded the Feal Good Foundation and began advocating for 9/11 first responders benefits.

The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation: The foundation was founded in memory of FDNY firefighter Michael Lynch by family and friends. Lynch was killed responding to the 9/11 attacks while in the World Trade Center when it collapsed after the plane crashes. The foundation is a scholarship fund that provides educational grants to the children of firefighters and other victims of the 9/11 attack. As of 2013, the foundation has granted 137 scholarships worth more than $3.5 million.

Tuesday’s Children: Tuesday’s Children provides long-term general support to families of victims of the 9/11 attacks and other terrorist attacks worldwide. It has an 88/100 rating on Charity Navigator and is one of the more successful 9/11-related charities still functioning.

Wounded Warrior Project: Perhaps the most well-known post-9/11 veterans group, the Wounded Warrior Project supports those servicemen and servicewomen who were injured after the 9/11 attacks. The charity says its mission is “to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women; to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members.” It has an 84/100 score on Charity Navigator.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: Founded in 2004, the IAVA supports veterans and their families through the tough post-deployment transition and eventual reintegration into normal life. They act as a support network, raise public awareness about the challenges troops face and advocate on behalf of veterans to the U.S. government. The IAVA has 93/100 rating on Charity Navigator.

FDNY Foundation: While not strictly a 9/11 charity, the FDNY Foundation directly supports the men and women of the Fire Department of New York. The FDNY lost 343 personnel in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. It has a score of 90/100 on Charity Navigator.

The New York City Police Foundation: Established in 1971, the New York City Police Foundation supports New York’s police officers through education, training, fundraising and family support. 23 NYPD officers and 37 Port Authority police officers were killed on 9/11. The New York City Police Foundation has a 96/100 rating on Charity Navigator.

The Newseum: The Newseum in Washington, D.C., has created a completely free online 9/11 curriculum for teachers. The curriculum covers not only the events of 9/11, but the history of terrorism and global security.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center Foundation: Despite a somewhat rocky start, the 9/11 Memorial is a crucial entity in remembering the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. The foundation runs both the museum dedicated to those lost in the attacks and the rescue efforts, as well as the outdoor memorial, a breathtaking tribute to those lost.