FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Data

How often is the data updated?

The data is updated as corrections and new information are submitted. There is no fixed schedule — updates happen as they come in.

Where does this data come from?

AVSOPS collects data from publicly available sources including organization websites, state DVA directories, national headquarters databases, and community submissions. All information in this dataset is already publicly available.

Is this data accurate?

We do our best, but with 12,000+ organizations, some information may be outdated. That's why community contributions are so important. If you find an error, please report it.

Why are some fields empty?

Not all organizations have websites, social media, or verified coordinates. Empty fields mean we don't have that information yet. If you can fill in missing data, let us know.

What does the geo_tag field mean?

It's a FIPS-based geographic identifier in the format {state}_{fips_code}. For example, in_18097 means Indiana (IN), Marion County (FIPS 18097). This allows precise county-level mapping.

About the Organizations

Why is VFW listed under "Spanish-American War"?

The war_period field indicates when the organization was founded, not who it serves today. The VFW was founded in 1899 after the Spanish-American War, even though it now serves veterans of all overseas conflicts.

Why are some organizations missing?

We're continuously adding organizations. If yours isn't listed, please submit it.

Will organizations be upset that their data is public?

All data in this repository is already publicly available — post addresses, phone numbers, and websites are published by the organizations themselves. These are 501(c)(3) nonprofits with public IRS 990 filings. Making this data easier to find helps veterans locate services.

Using the Data

Can I use this data in my app or website?

Yes. The data is released under CC BY 4.0. You can use it for any purpose — just credit AVSOPS.

How do I cite this data?

Data provided by AVSOPS — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit open data initiative.

Is there an API?

GitHub serves raw CSV files at predictable URLs. See the API Usage page for details and code examples.

Can I download the whole dataset at once?

Yes. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/AVSOPS/veteran-organizations.git

Or download a ZIP from the green "Code" button on the repository page.

Contributing

Do I need a GitHub account?

To submit a form on GitHub, yes — but it's free to create one at github.com/signup. Alternatively, you can suggest corrections directly on avsops.com with an AVSOPS account, or email ed@avsops.com.

I'm not tech-savvy. Can I still help?

Absolutely. The simplest way is to email ed@avsops.com with the organization name, what's wrong, and the correct information. We'll handle the rest.

I represent a state department. Can I submit updates for all posts in my state?

Yes! Email ed@avsops.com with your state-level data and we'll work with you to update everything. Bulk updates from state departments and DVA staff are especially valuable.

About AVSOPS

What is AVSOPS?

AVSOPS (American Veterans Service Organizations & Patriotic Societies) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that collects, organizes, and publishes veteran service data so no veteran has to search 50 websites to find help.

Who runs AVSOPS?

AVSOPS was founded by Ed Arnold, Jr. Learn more at avsops.com/about.

How can I support AVSOPS?

Visit avsops.com to learn about sponsorship and partnership opportunities, or help by contributing data corrections.