The controversy surrounding the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity that provides life-saving services to disabled veterans and their families, is fueled by sloppy, simplistic reporting. Of far greater importance, this “scandal” story is driven by a widespread misunderstanding of how modern charities operate, and the resources they need to scale solutions equal to vast social problems.

The stakes are high. Since 9/11, more than 700,000 veterans have come home requiring VA care for service-related disabilities. A Harvard University study estimates the cost of their care within 40 years will total $1 trillion. Last year alone, the Wounded Warrior Project provided services to almost 100,000 wounded warriors and family members. The WWP also launched a $100 million network to provide mental health treatment to veterans who could not obtain timely service from the government.