Veterans Charity
As a veterans charity, the mission of the Gary Sinise Foundation is to serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. Through the leadership of our founder and chairman, Gary Sinise, the mission of the Foundation is achieved by following a clear directive, "while we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation's defenders and their loved ones, we can always do a little more."
“What Is a Veteran?”
A veteran is an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces. Generations of service members, veterans, and their families have sacrificed in defense of the United States and the freedoms enjoyed by American’s across the country.
According to the 2018 U.S. Census, there are more than 18 million veterans living in the United States. In fulfilling their duty, many leave behind their loved ones, missing out on milestones and memories as a result of their call to serve. Others return home severely wounded and no longer able to live the life they were previously accustomed to. Some make the ultimate sacrifice.
“Challenges Faced”
When service members return home from deployment, they are each presented with a unique set of obstacles, including physical and mental challenges. According to the Marcus Institute for Brain Health, an estimated 20% of service members suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post-traumatic stress (PTS), depression, anxiety, and addiction.
In recent years, suicide has become an epidemic within the armed forces and veterans community. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Suicide Data Report issued in 2018, between 2008 and 2016, more than 6,000 veterans committed suicide, which has led to suicide prevention becoming the VA’s top clinical priority.
Through the Relief and Resiliency program (link to page), the Gary Sinise Foundation has taken steps to address the mental health needs of our nation’s service members, first responders and veterans through innovative and empowering treatment methods.
In partnerships with the Marcus Institute for Brain Health at the University of Colorado, Brothers at War documentary and peer-to-peer workshops, Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, and Boulder Crest Retreat, the Foundation can proactively combat the range of Mental Health needs (link to page) of our nation's service members, first responders, veterans, and their families.
As a top-rated charity recognized by Charity Navigator and leader as a veteran nonprofit, we understand that trust and transparency are critically important factors when choosing the right organization to donate to. We’re proud to be supported by more than 88,000 donors across the nation who entrust us with their generosity to execute our mission year-round.
In fiscal year 2018, 89.86% of every dollar contributed to the Gary Sinise Foundation was applied directly to support and honor our nation's service members, veterans, first responders, and their loved ones. We are committed to fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and low overhead in all we do.