Nonprofit veteran organizations play a crucial role in providing support and resources to those who have served our country. These organizations are often staffed by veterans and individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by those transitioning from military to civilian life.
Their programs encompass a wide range of services designed to address both immediate needs and long-term goals.
From healthcare services, including mental health support and physical rehabilitation, to job training and placement, these nonprofits strive to ensure that veterans receive the comprehensive care and assistance they need to reintegrate successfully.
Many organizations also focus on providing housing solutions and financial counseling, recognizing that stable living conditions and financial security are essential components of a successful transition.
Beyond these practical services, nonprofit veteran organizations foster a sense of community and belonging for veterans. They create networks where veterans can connect with peers who share similar experiences, providing emotional support and camaraderie that is often crucial for healing and personal growth.
These organizations also advocate for veterans’ rights and work to raise public awareness about the issues faced by the veteran community. Through their dedicated efforts, nonprofit veteran organizations not only enhance the quality of life for individual veterans but also contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society that honors the sacrifices made by those who have served.
Nonprofit Veteran Organizations
Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project, founded in 2003, aims to honor and empower wounded warriors. It provides a range of programs and services to support severely injured service members as they transition from active duty to civilian life. The organization’s comprehensive care programs offer support in physical and mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitation, benefiting thousands of veterans.
- Mission: To honor and empower wounded warriors.
- History: Founded in 2003, the Wounded Warrior Project provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life.
- Impact: They offer support in physical and mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitation. Thousands of veterans have benefited from their comprehensive care programs.
DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Founded in 1920, DAV provides a wide range of services to disabled veterans, including assistance with benefits claims, transportation to medical appointments, and advocacy for veterans’ rights.
The organization also offers employment resources and educational opportunities to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life. With a mission rooted in ensuring that veterans and their families can access the benefits they deserve, DAV plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being and independence of those who have sacrificed for their country.
- Mission: Empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.
- History: Established in 1920, DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families.
- Impact: DAV helps more than one million veterans every year access benefits, health care, and employment opportunities.
Fisher House Foundation
The Fisher House Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting America’s military families during times of medical crisis. Founded in 1990 by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, the foundation builds comfort homes near major military and VA medical centers, providing free lodging for families while their loved ones receive medical treatment.
These “homes away from home” alleviate the financial burden and stress of travel, enabling families to focus on the healing process. In addition to its network of Fisher Houses, the foundation offers scholarships for military children and spouses, and manages programs like Hero Miles and Hotels for Heroes, which provide free airline tickets and hotel rooms.
Through its comprehensive support system, the Fisher House Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring that military families have the resources they need during challenging times.
- Mission: To provide free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.
- History: Since 1990, Fisher House has built comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay while a loved one is receiving medical treatment.
- Impact: The organization has saved military and veteran families an estimated $500 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
Semper Fi Fund
The Semper Fi & America’s Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting wounded, critically ill, and injured veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Founded in 2004, they provide a variety of programs including financial assistance, adaptive housing modifications, career transition support, and family outreach.
Their mission is to ensure that injured service members and their families have the resources they need to heal and thrive, both during recovery and throughout their lives.
- Mission: To provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post-9/11 combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured service members and their families.
- History: Established in 2004 by a group of Marine Corps spouses, the Semper Fi Fund has distributed more than $210 million in assistance.
- Impact: The fund has provided support to over 25,000 service members, helping them transition back to civilian life.
Homes for Our Troops
Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a highly-rated nonprofit that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. These homes go beyond basic shelter, featuring accessibility modifications to suit the veterans’ specific needs.
HFOT focuses on veterans’ independence and well-being by ensuring the homes are built where the veteran chooses to live. Their dedication extends beyond the build, offering post-homeownership support with financial planning, budgeting education, and warranty coverage.
- Mission: To build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.
- History: Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops has built over 300 homes across the United States.
- Impact: These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our veterans sacrificed defending our country and enable them to focus on their recovery and rebuilding their lives.
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The Mission Continues
The Mission Continues is a national non-profit that empowers veterans to leverage their skills and leadership for the betterment of under-resourced communities. Recognizing veterans’ inherent desire to serve, The Mission Continues bridges the gap by deploying veteran volunteers alongside community partners.
These veterans tackle various challenges, from bolstering educational resources to increasing access to healthy food. The organization’s vision is for a powerful movement where all veterans can continue their service, fostering positive change and development within communities they collaborate with.
- Mission: To empower veterans to continue their service, and empower communities with veteran talent, skills, and preparedness to generate visible impact.
- History: Founded in 2007, The Mission Continues deploys veterans on new missions in their communities, so that their actions will inspire future generations to serve.
- Impact: The organization has engaged over 80,000 volunteers and completed more than 9,000 service projects nationwide.
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is a veteran-led disaster relief organization built on the skills and dedication of former service members. Founded in 2010, they rapidly deploy teams of veterans and first responders to disaster zones worldwide, providing crucial support during crises.
Team Rubicon tackles a variety of tasks, from clearing debris and providing medical care to helping communities rebuild. Their focus extends beyond immediate response, aiming to empower communities to prepare for future disasters. They are driven by the idea of veterans continuing their service and leveraging their unique experiences to help people in need.
- Mission: To unite the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.
- History: Since its founding in 2010, Team Rubicon has utilized the skills of veterans to respond to disasters and humanitarian crises.
- Impact: Team Rubicon has deployed teams to assist in hundreds of disaster response operations, helping communities recover from natural disasters.
Pat Tillman Foundation
The Pat Tillman Foundation honors the legacy of NFL player-turned-soldier Pat Tillman by supporting America’s bravest. Founded by Tillman’s family after his tragic death in service, the organization invests in veterans and military spouses.
Through the Tillman Scholars program, they provide scholarships and development opportunities to cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to public service. These Tillman Scholars go on to make a positive impact in areas like healthcare, education, and business, all while living out Tillman’s ideal of service beyond self.
- Mission: To unite and empower remarkable military veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self.
- History: Founded in 2004, the foundation honors the legacy of Pat Tillman, who left a successful NFL career to join the U.S. Army.
- Impact: The foundation has awarded over $20 million in scholarships to more than 600 Tillman Scholars.
Hire Heroes USA
Hire Heroes USA is a non-profit organization laser-focused on veterans’ employment success. Recognized as a leader in the field, they empower veterans and military spouses to translate their valuable skills into fulfilling civilian careers.
Hire Heroes USA provides personalized coaching and support throughout the job search, from resume writing and interview prep to navigating career fairs and connecting with potential employers.
Their impressive track record boasts over 96,000 confirmed hires, demonstrating their effectiveness in bridging the gap between military service and meaningful civilian employment.
- Mission: To empower U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce.
- History: Since 2007, Hire Heroes USA has helped veterans and their spouses find meaningful employment through personalized job search training and coaching.
- Impact: The organization has helped more than 50,000 veterans and spouses secure employment, with an average salary of over $60,000.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
Founded in 2004 by Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the leading organization for post-9/11 veterans. IAVA champions a comprehensive approach to veteran well-being, focusing on advocacy, education, and community building.
Through non-partisan lobbying efforts, they fight for legislation that improves veterans’ access to healthcare, education benefits, and employment opportunities. IAVA also conducts research to shed light on pressing issues faced by veterans and uses storytelling to bridge the gap between veterans and the civilian population.
Their online and in-person communities foster connection and support, ensuring veterans know they are not alone.
- Mission: To connect, unite, and empower post-9/11 veterans.
- History: Founded in 2004, IAVA addresses critical issues facing new veterans, including mental health, education, employment, and community support.
- Impact: IAVA has connected thousands of veterans with resources, advocacy, and support services through its extensive network.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is the nation’s oldest major veterans’ organization, dating back to 1899. Comprised of veterans of overseas conflicts, the VFW is a non-profit that advocates for veterans’ rights on multiple fronts.
They offer programs and support services to veterans and their families, lobby Congress for legislation that benefits veterans, and actively engage in veterans’ service projects within their communities. Standing as a powerful voice for those who served abroad, the VFW strives to ensure veterans are respected for their sacrifices, receive their well-deserved benefits, and are recognized as heroes who helped secure our nation’s freedom.
- Mission: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts and to serve our veterans, the military, and our communities.
- History: Founded in 1899, VFW is one of the oldest veterans service organizations in the country.
- Impact: VFW provides millions of dollars in scholarships and financial aid to veterans and their families, and advocates for veterans’ rights and benefits at the national level.
Travis Manion Foundation
Inspired by the heroism of 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who died saving his teammates in Iraq, the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to empower future generations. Guided by Manion’s motto, “If Not Me, Then Who…,” TMF fosters character development in youth through programs that connect them with veterans as mentors.
These mentors share their experiences and inspire young people to embrace selfless service and leadership within their own communities. TMF’s mission is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who embody the values of Travis Manion and all those who serve our country.
- Mission: To empower veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
- History: Since 2007, the foundation has been dedicated to strengthening America’s national character by supporting veterans and Gold Star families.
- Impact: The organization runs programs that have engaged more than 60,000 participants, fostering leadership and community service among veterans and youth.
American Legion
The American Legion, founded in 1919 by World War I veterans, is the largest wartime veterans service organization in the United States. More than just a community for veterans, the Legion is a powerful advocate for veterans’ rights, lobbying Congress and providing direct support services.
They also promote patriotism and youth programs, fostering a sense of service and responsibility in future generations. With local chapters nationwide, the American Legion plays a vital role in supporting veterans, strengthening communities, and upholding American ideals.
- Mission: To enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
- History: Chartered in 1919, the American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that advocates for patriotism and honor.
- Impact: The American Legion has a membership of over 2 million and provides a wide range of programs, including veteran assistance, youth mentorship, and community service.
Gary Sinise Foundation
The Gary Sinise Foundation, established by actor Gary Sinise, is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring America’s defenders. Their focus lies on veterans, wounded heroes, first responders, and their families.
The foundation provides a variety of programs, from building specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans to offering financial assistance and community outreach. Through these initiatives, the Gary Sinise Foundation strives to serve those who have served, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to rebuild their lives and regain independence.
- Mission: To serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.
- History: Established in 2011 by actor Gary Sinise, the foundation supports those who sacrifice for our country through various programs and initiatives.
- Impact: The foundation has built custom smart homes for severely wounded veterans, provided emergency relief, and offered a wide range of support services to veterans and first responders.
Through their diverse programs and services, they provide essential resources, foster community connections, and empower veterans to lead fulfilling lives. By supporting these organizations, we can help ensure that those who have served our country receive the assistance and recognition they deserve.
