What Gary Sinise Foundation does

The Gary Sinise Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity (federal tax ID #80-0587086), founded in 2011 by actor Gary Sinise and incorporated in Delaware with headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. The organization serves U.S. veterans, first responders, severely wounded heroes, families of fallen service members, and active-duty personnel through a portfolio of roughly 14 distinct programs organized around housing, mobility, mental wellness, entertainment, family retreat, and education. Its flagship offerings include the R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) custom homebuilding program, which constructs specially adapted smart homes; the Snowball Express annual retreat at Walt Disney World for families of the fallen; the Soaring Valor program (with American Airlines and the National WWII Museum) honoring WWII veterans; home modification, mobility-device and vehicle grants; appreciation meals; Lt. Dan Band concerts and military hospital festivals; and mental wellness retreats delivered in partnership with Centerstone.

The foundation funds its operations entirely through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, merchandise sales, and ancillary programs such as Buy-A-Brick, Honor Roll, Gratitude Guard monthly giving, and Legacy Society planned giving. Cumulative reported outcomes include 1,439,622 meals served, 126,720 hospital festival attendees, 237 homes modified, 149 mobility devices provided, 11,120 veterans hosted at entertainment events, 1,989 WWII veterans celebrated, and 2,600+ family members transported via Snowball Express. Corporate in-kind support — most notably American Airlines charter flights and AAdvantage miles, Walt Disney World hosting, and Wells Fargo vehicle donations — materially extends program reach. The foundation reports that 89 cents of every dollar is applied directly to programs and serves a domestic U.S. beneficiary base with occasional overseas military outreach.

Name

Gary Sinise Foundation

Legal name

Gary Sinise Foundation

Website

https://garysinisefoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Gary Sinise Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 that supports U.S. veterans, first responders, wounded heroes, and families of the fallen through custom homebuilding, mobility grants, mental wellness programs, family retreats, and entertainment events, funded entirely by donations and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran and Military Family Support Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction Support Services (BPAGAEAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

MHPSS & Trauma-Informed Support for Displaced Populations (BPADAHAJ), Community Resilience, Preparedness Training & Exercises (HLAJAGAL)

Keywords

• Veteran support services
• Wounded hero assistance
• Military family programs
• Nonprofit humanitarian services
• Veteran housing assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The foundation operates as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity (federal tax ID #80-0587086). Revenue is generated entirely through donations from individuals, corporations, and foundation grants. 89 cents of every dollar is applied directly to support programs for heroes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Gary Sinise Foundation delivers a portfolio of free programs honoring and supporting America's veterans, first responders, wounded heroes, families of fallen service members, and those enduring invisible wounds. Core offerings include the R.I.S.E. custom homebuilding program, mobility devices and vehicles, home modifications, mental wellness retreats, appreciation meals at military hospitals, the Snowball Express family event for fallen-hero families, WWII veteran celebrations, Heroes Reunions, and entertainment-based morale programs through the Lt. Dan Band.

Product overview

The Gary Sinise Foundation is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs to honor and support America's veterans, first responders, wounded heroes, families of the fallen, and those enduring invisible wounds. The foundation operates multiple interconnected programs including Custom Homebuilding (R.I.S.E. Program) that builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded heroes; First Responder Support providing equipment and training grants; Mental Wellness retreats; and Mobility Devices & Vehicles providing adapted transportation. The foundation also runs entertainment programs including Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band concerts, Military Hospital Festivals, and Arts & Entertainment events. Family support programs include Snowball Express (Honoring Families Of Fallen Heroes), WWII Veteran Celebrations (Soaring Valor), and Heroes Reunions. Additional engagement programs include the GSF Podcast, Newsletter, Buy-A-Brick initiative, Honor Roll recognition wall, and Legacy Society planned giving. The foundation also operates a merchandise store selling Mac Sinise's Resurrection & Revival music albums and apparel, with proceeds supporting the mission. The organization reports that 89 cents of every dollar goes directly to serving heroes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GSF Podcast: A podcast sharing powerful stories from military heroes, first responders, and their families, created by Gary Sinise's late son Mac.
• R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment)
• Snowball Express
• Soaring Valor

Products and services

• R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) Custom Homebuilding Program Builds specially adapted custom homes free of charge for severely wounded U.S. military veterans, incorporating accessibility modifications and smart home automation (lighting, smart doorbells, security cameras, automated blinds, TVs) to enable independent living.
• First Responder Support Program Provides dedicated program funding and support for U.S. first responders (firefighters, police officers, paramedics, 911 dispatchers) and their families, including grants to intermediary nonprofits serving first responder communities.
• Mobility Devices and Adapted Vehicles Program Provides specially adapted mobility devices, all-terrain wheelchairs, and customized vehicles to severely wounded veterans to enable daily activities and outdoor recreation.
• Home Modifications Program Provides accessibility-focused home modifications for veterans and first responders to enable safe, independent living in their existing homes.
• Mental Wellness Retreats Program Provides mental wellness retreats for veterans and first responders coping with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other invisible wounds of service.
• Snowball Express - Honoring Families of Fallen Heroes Annual multi-day event honoring Gold Star and surviving families of fallen U.S. military service members, featuring therapeutic programming, peer support, and recreational activities in partnership with Walt Disney World Resort.
• Soaring Valor Program Sponsored flights for surviving WWII veterans to visit the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, conducted in partnership with American Airlines (14-year partnership) and the National WWII Museum (11-year collaboration). The program's final flight was on 2025-09-05.
• WWII Veteran Celebrations Program Honors surviving WWII veterans through dedicated recognition events and trips designed to celebrate their service and sacrifice.
• Military Hospital Festivals Hosts entertainment-focused festivals at military hospitals to provide morale support to wounded and recovering active-duty service members.
• Appreciation Meals Program Serves appreciation meals at military hospitals to honor and connect with recovering service members and their families.
• Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band Performances Live music performances by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band for service members, veterans, and first responder communities at military hospitals, events, and gatherings.
• Arts & Entertainment Program Broader arts and entertainment programming including Lt. Dan Band concerts and related performances supporting veteran morale and community engagement.
• Heroes Reunions Program Facilitates emotional reunion experiences between deployed or recovering service members and their loved ones, supporting family connection during and after service.
• Educating the Next Generation Program Educational outreach program designed to teach younger generations about the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans and first responders.
• Buy-A-Brick Donor Recognition Product Tangible donor recognition product offered at two price points ($100 Small Brick and $250 Large Brick) allowing supporters to symbolically contribute to the foundation's mission.
• GSF Store - Merchandise and Music Products E-commerce merchandise store selling foundation-branded apparel, accessories, and music albums (including Mac Sinise's Resurrection & Revival: Part Three Deluxe Package priced at $125) to support the foundation's fundraising.
• Mac Sinise's Resurrection & Revival: Part Three Music Album Music album project by Mac Sinise released through the GSF Store, with the Resurrection & Revival: Part Three Deluxe Package priced at $125. Continues the music work Mac began during his cancer treatment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 89 cents of every dollar serves heroes
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Veterans United Home LoanscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2026Veterans United Home Loans hosted National Welcome Home Celebration on National Mall honoring Vietnam veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, with support from Gary Sinise Foundation. Over 3,000 attendees.
• Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 March 2026Pirates pitcher pledges $100 per strikeout for third consecutive year, aiming to raise $150,000 for foundation. Recognized by MLBPA Players Trust with Most Valuable Philanthropist award, directing $10,000 grant to foundation.
• MLBPA Players TrustminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 March 2026Awarded Paul Skenes Most Valuable Philanthropist award, directing $10,000 grant to Gary Sinise Foundation in his honor.
• WhataburgercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 February 2026Whataburger partnered with Gary Sinise Foundation to provide nearly $33,000 grant for new Swiftwater rescue gear to Clarksville Fire Rescue, addressing equipment sharing issues and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
• Walt Disney WorldflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 December 2025Snowball Express annual event brings families of fallen military heroes and first responders to Walt Disney World in Orlando for five-day holiday retreat, with Disney providing venue and experiences.
• CreatiVetscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 November 2025Gary Sinise Foundation provided $1 million donation to help transform an abandoned church into a 24-hour arts center for veterans to help manage PTSD. The center will focus on art therapy through music, painting, and sculpture.
• Regal CinemasminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 November 2025On Veterans Day, Regal donated $1 from each popcorn sale to Gary Sinise Foundation and offered free movie tickets to active and former US armed service members at participating locations.
• American AirlinesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 September 2025Decade-long partnership for Soaring Valor program transporting WWII veterans to The National WWII Museum. American Airlines provided charter flights, crew members, and volunteers. Also partners on Snowball Express, donating 16 charter aircraft and millions of AAdvantage miles to transport families of fallen heroes to Walt Disney World.
• The National WWII MuseumflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 September 2025Soaring Valor program brings WWII veterans on exclusive trips to tour The National WWII Museum built in their honor. Veterans are paired with high school students to create intergenerational connections and preserve their stories at the museum.
• CenterstonecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental wellness support partnership providing mental health resources to military and first responders struggling with mental health through key partnerships.
• Wells FargominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner that gifted a car to an injured US Army veteran at America's Ball for The Mall in partnership with Gary Sinise Foundation.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bob Woodruff Foundation: Funds programs supporting post-9/11 veterans and their families, particularly around hidden injuries. Comparable celebrity-founder (ABC News anchor) model and focus on invisible wounds.
• Folds of Honor: Provides educational scholarships to military families, including spouses and children of wounded or fallen heroes. Comparable in serving families of the fallen and leveraging celebrity/athlete partnerships for fundraising.
• Fisher House Foundation: Builds comfort homes for families of hospitalized veterans and active-duty service members. Directly comparable in housing-focused military family support and corporate partnership model (hotels, airlines).
• Navy SEAL Foundation: Supports Naval Special Warfare community through family programs, warrior rehabilitation, and memorial recognition. Comparable in serving severely wounded military and families of the fallen via multi-program model.
• Wounded Warrior Project: The largest U.S. veteran-focused nonprofit, serving wounded veterans and their families through mental health, physical wellness, and economic empowerment programs. Most directly comparable by mission, donor base, and program breadth.
• Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Serves first responders, military families, and catastrophically wounded veterans through mortgage-free smart homes, similar to GSF's R.I.S.E. program. Comparable celebrity-driven (Stephen Siller) brand and homebuilding model.
• National Military Family Association: Advocates and provides programming for military families across all branches, with strong overlap on family-of-the-fallen and wounded hero support services.
• Hope For The Warriors: Provides comprehensive support for post-9/11 wounded veterans and families, including clinical health, wellness, and economic programs. Comparable multi-program nonprofit structure serving wounded heroes and families of the fallen.
• Semper Fi & America's Fund: Provides immediate financial and program support to critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and their families. Comparable in serving severely wounded heroes with adapted homes and mobility equipment.

Broad incumbents

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV): One of the largest and longest-established veterans service organizations, providing benefits assistance, transportation, and disability support. Comparable broad veteran support mission but with a more advocacy-focused model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gary Sinise Foundation