The Veterans Foundation of Illinois, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2003, proudly serves as the official charitable foundation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Illinois. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is America's oldest and largest organization of combat veterans, founded by those who answered our nation's call in times of war and returned home committed to ensuring no veteran is ever forgotten. Since the VFW Department of Illinois was chartered on December 20, 1920, it has stood as a beacon of hope, advocacy, and support for generations of Illinois veterans and their families.
Every day, brave men and women who once stood ready to sacrifice everything for our freedom face battles that continue long after their military service ends. They struggle with homelessness, financial hardship, physical injuries, emotional wounds, food insecurity, and the difficult transition back to civilian life. They served without hesitation when America needed them. Now, they deserve to know that America has not forgotten them.
That is the solemn promise of the Veterans Foundation of Illinois.
Our mission is to secure, manage, and distribute resources that provide life-changing programs and critical support for veterans, active-duty service members, military families, and the communities they call home throughout Illinois. Every grant awarded, every family assisted, and every veteran supported is a testament to our commitment to honor their sacrifice not just with words, but through meaningful action.
What makes the Veterans Foundation of Illinois truly unique is our unwavering commitment to those we serve. One hundred percent of every dollar donated goes directly toward supporting veterans and military families. With 0% administrative costs, every contribution becomes immediate, tangible assistance for those who have already given so much in service to our nation. Your generosity isn't reduced by overhead—it goes straight to changing lives.
Today, you have the opportunity to stand beside those who once stood for all of us.
Your donation is more than a gift—it is a promise. A promise that no veteran will fight alone. A promise that military families will find hope during their most difficult moments. A promise that the sacrifices made in defense of our freedoms will never be forgotten.
Join us in honoring service through action. Invest in hope. Restore dignity. Change lives.
Because when our veterans answered the call to serve, they didn't ask who would benefit. Today, they are counting on us to answer theirs.
WHO WE HELP:
To honor that commitment, the Foundation conducts a wide range of fundraising initiatives that directly support Illinois VFW programs and services, providing critical assistance to veterans, military personnel, and their families across the state. We also proudly partner with local VFW Posts and Districts, helping strengthen their fundraising efforts so they can continue serving those who have served us. Together, we transform the generosity of our communities into meaningful support for Illinois veterans.
HOW WE HELP VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES:
The Veterans Foundation of Illinois, Inc. proudly supports the many life-changing programs and services administered by VFW Posts and Districts throughout Illinois. Through these initiatives, we help provide critical assistance, honor the sacrifices of our nation's heroes, strengthen our communities, and ensure that veterans, active-duty service members, and their families receive the care, recognition, and support they have earned. These programs include:
HOMELESS VETERANS:
Food, clothing and support of Stand-downs which provides resources to our homeless veterans. Homeless veterans are a major portion of our "street people” and 1 in 10 homeless veterans on the street is a woman veteran, many with children.
HOSPITAL/VAS PROGRAM:
The State of Illinois has 6 VA hospitals that house veterans while they are treated and recover from sickness and 5 Veterans Homes in IL that provide living quarters to our retired veterans.All of these facilities need assistance with essential living supplies for the veterans and to support activities for the veterans.
NATIONAL HOME FOR CHILDREN:
Established in 1925 in Eaton Rapids, MI to care for the children and families of veterans. Illinois VFW Posts sponsor 2 homes at the facility to give veterans and their families a chance to rebuild their lives.
VETERANS AND MILITARY SUPPORT:
Supports the Adopt A Unit program, Military Assistance Program grants, and support for veterans that are facing financial hardship through the Unmet Needs program.
STUDENT VETERANS:
Provide peer support for veterans transitioning back to civilian life and academia.
CLAIMS AND BENEFITS ASSISTANCE:
Our VFW accredited Service officers provide assistance to veterans as they file claims or appeal their claims for VA benefits, pay, and disability.
YELLOW RIBBON:
To promote the well being of National guard and Reserve members, their families, and communities, by connecting them with resources throughout the deployment cycle.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES:
Provide scholarships to High School students through the Voice of Democracy Program and Middle School students through the Patriots Pens program. Recognize Scouts achieving the rank of Eagle Scout or Gold Award. Recognizing outstanding youth that are in JROTC/SROTC, Civil Air Patrol, or Navy Sea Cadets.
LEGISLATIVE:
Using the voice and leveraging our membership to talk to elected officials on the local, county, state, and national levels to lobby for causes that effect veterans and their families.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Support community involvement, disaster relief efforts, promoting citizenship, volunteerism, and Americanism, and recognizing outstanding members of our communities that support veterans.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
The Veterans Foundation of Illinois, Inc raises money through a variety of strategic ways, including:
DONATION METHODS:
Grants from corporations or foundations.
Matching gifts programs.
Employee giving campaigns such as CFC or United Way.
Non-cash donations of cars, RVs, boats, etc.
Individual contributions including major gifts.
In-kind gifts of product donations.
Memorial gifts.
Donations from partners based on purchases.
Clicking the "DONATE NOW" button on the bottom of the page.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
You can email us at vfwil@vfwil.org or call us at 217-529-6688
