VFW National Home

What VFW National Home does

VFW National Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (legal name: Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children; EIN 38-1359597) founded in 1925 on 472 acres of land near Eaton Rapids, Michigan, donated by local cattleman Corey Spencer. The organization exists to fulfill the Veterans of Foreign Wars' promise to "honor the dead by helping the living," delivering residential and remote support services to military and veteran families with children during the transition to civilian life. It serves active-duty service members, honorably discharged veterans (Active, Guard, or Reserve), surviving spouses with dependent children, and VFW/Auxiliary members' families, independent of VFW membership status for service eligibility.

Its core offerings are split into two programs: an On-Campus Residence Program (the Red, White & Blue Program), a four-phase, up-to-six-year residential intervention providing no-cost housing in 43 fully furnished single-family homes, accredited on-site daycare and school-age programs, case management, education services (GED, college, vocational training via the Continuing Education Assistance program), financial literacy, mental health and PTSD referrals, and ancillary programs including RAVE (regenerative agriculture with Cleary University academic credit), Heroes to Hives (beekeeping), and Guitars for Vets; and a Nationwide Support Program delivering guidance, VA benefits navigation, referrals, and emotional support via phone, text, chat, and email across all 50 states. The supporting technology stack is a Blackbaud-hosted website with online application, donation, and volunteer forms; donor-facing financial vehicles (appreciated stock, cryptocurrency, IRA QCDs, Donor-Advised Fund grants, wills) are processed through a FreeWill partnership.

VFW National Home is funded entirely through charitable contributions, with no fees charged to beneficiaries. Revenue mechanics span one-time and recurring individual donations, $100 Life Memberships (VFW/Auxiliary and Associate tiers), $200-$3,000+ commemorative Tribute Bricks and Tribute Park placements, planned giving/bequests, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, appreciated stock and cryptocurrency gifts via FreeWill, Donor-Advised Fund grants, and an Amazon Wish List of in-kind items shipped to campus. Net Tribute Park proceeds are placed in the Amy Ross Permanently Restricted Endowment Fund, anchoring a long-duration reserve strategy. The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees of 12 elected members, one appointed member, and seven ex-officio VFW and MOC leaders; leadership comprises an Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and six functional directors (Programs, Development, Facilities, Finance, HR, Communications/Marketing). Operating economics are not publicly disclosed; annual audits (FY2023-24, FY2024-25) are referenced but not published on the website.

Name

VFW National Home

Legal name

Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children

Website

https://vfwnationalhome.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

VFW National Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1925 that provides free residential and remote support services to military and veteran families with children through a 472-acre Eaton Rapids, Michigan campus and nationwide guidance, referral, and mental-health programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Family Support Services

NAICS

Other Residential Care Facilities (623990), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Veterans Affairs & Military Family Services (BPAIAHAL)

Keywords

• Veteran family support
• Military family housing
• Nonprofit veteran services
• Transition assistance programs
• Military family residence

Headquarters

HQ city

Eaton Rapids

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals supporting military and veteran families. Donors can give online, and the organization provides transparency about how gifts are used to provide housing, educational support, and community services.
2. Life Memberships: Life Membership is available to VFW or VFW Auxiliary members ($100) and Associate Life Membership for any individual or organization ($100). Life members gain voting privileges and help guide the future of the National Home.
3. Tribute Bricks: Commemorative bricks sold to honor veterans and loved ones. 4x8 bricks cost $200 with three-line customization, and 8x8 Centennial Garden bricks are also available with six-line customization.
4. Tribute Park Tributes: Tributes placed in the Tribute Park starting at $3,000, with net donations placed in the Amy Ross Permanently Restricted Endowment Fund to support future generations of military families.
5. Planned Giving / Bequests: Donors can include the VFW National Home in their will or trust through bequests, with suggested language provided. Legal Name: VFW National Home, Tax ID (EIN): 38-1359597.
6. IRA Charitable Gifts (QCD): Qualified Charitable Distributions for donors age 70½ or older, allowing transfer of funds directly from IRA to the organization. May count toward Required Minimum Distribution and is not included in taxable income. Limit $111,000 per year.
7. Appreciated Stock Donations: Donors can give appreciated stock to potentially avoid capital gains taxes while receiving a charitable deduction for fair market value. Processed through FreeWill partnership.
8. Cryptocurrency Donations: Cryptocurrency donations accepted exclusively through FreeWill platform, potentially allowing donors to avoid capital gains tax while receiving a charitable deduction.
9. Donor-Advised Fund Grants: Donors can recommend grants from their Donor-Advised Fund to the National Home. Flexible giving that supports housing, education, childcare, and stability programs.
10. Amazon Wish List: Direct purchase of items from Amazon Wish List that are shipped directly to campus for immediate use by residents. Provides household essentials, children's items, and program supplies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

VFW National Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free, comprehensive residential and remote support services to military and veteran families with children. Its On-Campus Residence Program operates on a 472-acre campus with 43 single-family homes, accredited daycare, case management, education, and wraparound services structured across four phases for up to six years. Its Nationwide Support Program provides remote guidance, referrals, VA benefits assistance, and emotional support to veteran and military families throughout the United States.

Product overview

VFW National Home is a nonprofit charitable organization (501(c)(3)) providing a comprehensive suite of programs and services to military and veteran families. The core offerings consist of two primary programs: the On-Campus Residence Program (also called the Red, White & Blue Program) offering housing, daycare, education, case management, and wraparound support at their 472-acre Eaton Rapids, MI campus for up to six years; and the Nationwide Support Program providing remote guidance, referrals, and advocacy to veteran families across the country. The on-campus program includes housing in 43 fully furnished single-family homes, on-site accredited daycare, education services (tutoring, life skills, summer enrichment), case management, scholarship programs, financial classes, and specialized programs like RAVE (regenerative agriculture), Heroes to Hives (beekeeping), and Guitars for Vets. The organization has been serving military families since 1925 and operates as a BBB accredited charity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Red, White & Blue Program: The on-campus residence program for military and veteran families that includes housing, case management, education, and daycare services.

Products and services

• On-Campus Residence Program (Red, White & Blue Program) A comprehensive residential program providing no-cost housing, accredited daycare, education services, case management, and wraparound support to military and veteran families with children at the 472-acre Eaton Rapids, Michigan campus, structured across four phases for up to six years total (average 3-5 year length of stay).
• Nationwide Support Program Remote guidance, referrals, VA benefits assistance, and emotional support delivered to veteran and military families across the United States through veteran services via phone, text, chat, and email at no cost, with no VFW membership required.
• Housing No-cost housing provided to eligible military and veteran families in 43 fully furnished single-family homes on the Eaton Rapids campus, with support for moving costs for families relocating to campus.
• Daycare & School Age Programs On-site accredited daycare and school-age programs provided at no cost to families living at the VFW National Home campus.
• Education Services Comprehensive educational support including academic tutoring, life skills development for teens and adults, computer lab access, library services, science lab programs, and summer enrichment activities for all ages.
• Case Management Professional case management pairing each family with a dedicated case manager who helps set goals and connect with resources for stability and personal growth.
• Scholarship Programs (Continuing Education Assistance) Financial assistance for residents enrolled in college, trade school, or accredited programs through the Continuing Education Assistance (CEA) program, covering costs after financial aid and other scholarships.
• Financial Classes Financial education programs equipping residents with knowledge and practical skills to manage money, build savings, reduce debt, and prepare for independent living, delivered through partnerships with trusted providers.
• RAVE (Regenerative Agriculture) Program Hands-on regenerative agriculture training on a demonstration farm teaching soil health, crop production, irrigation, and harvest, with options to earn academic credit or pursue certificates or degrees through Cleary University.
• Heroes to Hives Program Program teaching veterans beekeeping while helping them build business skills, connect with nature, and join a supportive community of fellow veterans.
• Guitars for Vets Program Program helping veterans heal through music by building connection, camaraderie, and fellowship through guitar instruction.
• Life Membership Membership available to VFW or VFW Auxiliary members ($100) and Associate Life Membership for any individual or organization ($100), granting voting privileges and a role in guiding the future of the National Home.
• Tribute Bricks Commemorative bricks sold to honor veterans and loved ones. 4x8 bricks cost $200 with three-line customization, and 8x8 Centennial Garden bricks are available with six-line customization.
• Tribute Park Tributes Tributes placed in the Tribute Park starting at $3,000, with net donations placed in the Amy Ross Permanently Restricted Endowment Fund to support future generations of military families.

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Battle Buddy SupportminorOthersVeteran-led Peer Support Program partnered with VFW National Home for nationwide support services. Connects veterans with peer support resources as part of the comprehensive assistance provided.
• Veterans Crisis Line (988)coreOthersVFW National Home refers veterans in crisis to the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255). This partnership ensures immediate crisis support is available for veterans they serve.
• Local VA Healthcare FacilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong partnerships with local VA healthcare facilities for coordinated care, timely referrals, effective crisis response, and seamless continuity of care for veterans and military families.
• Community Mental Health OrganizationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborations with community mental health organizations to provide comprehensive mental health services, early intervention, and support for PTSD and related conditions.
• Regional Service ProvidersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of regional service providers matched with families based on specific situations including mental health providers, employment support services, and financial aid programs.
• Road Home ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Road Home Program (Center for Veterans & Their Families) is dedicated to mental health and wellness of veterans at no cost regardless of discharge status. Referrals and resources shared with VFW National Home families.
• Warrior Care NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerComprehensive no-cost mental health program for U.S. veterans and their families offering intensive treatment for PTSD, TBI, and related conditions. Listed as trusted resource for PTSD support.
• Give an HourminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free, confidential mental health services to military members, veterans, and their loved ones through a nationwide network of licensed volunteer professionals. Listed as PTSD support resource.
• FreeWillcoreTechnology or IntegrationFreeWill is a trusted platform partner that enables donors to make stock gifts, cryptocurrency donations, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, Donor-Advised Fund grants, and create wills online. Partnership makes giving fast, secure, and free for donors.
• Cleary UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRAVE program participants can earn academic credit or pursue a certificate or degree through Cleary University as part of the regenerative agriculture training program.
• National Call Center for Homeless VeteransminorOthersReferral partnership for veterans in need of immediate assistance. Veterans in crisis are directed to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (available 24/7).

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hope for the Warriors: Provides comprehensive support programs including financial readiness, transition, and housing assistance to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and military families — overlapping case management, financial literacy, and family support services.
• Homes for Our Troops: Builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans — a direct peer in the veteran-housing niche, although focused on mortgage-free homeownership rather than temporary residential programming.
• Semper Fi & America's Fund: Delivers financial assistance, housing support, and comprehensive case management to wounded, ill, and injured veterans and their families — overlapping strongly with VFW National Home's case management, financial literacy, and family support services.
• Purple Heart Homes: Provides housing solutions, home modifications, and community support to service-connected disabled veterans and their families. Shares VFW National Home's veteran-family housing focus and reliance on donations and volunteer labor.
• Building Homes for Heroes: Builds and gifts mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans and their families, and provides follow-on support including financial education and family services — a direct veteran-housing peer with overlapping family stability and financial literacy offerings.
• Fisher House Foundation: Provides free temporary housing to military and veteran families near VA medical facilities during treatment — the closest analog to VFW National Home's free housing model for veteran families, serving an overlapping population of active-duty, veteran, and surviving family members.
• Operation Homefront: Provides housing, financial assistance, and recurring support programs to military families, with a similar focus on transition-to-civilian stability. Operates transitional housing villages and family support services that directly overlap with VFW National Home's residential and case management offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Gary Sinise Foundation: Serves veterans, first responders, and their families through a broad portfolio including specially adapted smart homes, mental health, entertainment, and family services. The R.I.S.E. program builds adapted homes for severely injured veterans, making it a broader incumbent in the veteran housing space.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Major congressionally chartered veteran service organization providing benefits navigation, transition support, and advocacy. While not a housing provider, it represents a broad incumbent in the veteran support ecosystem with which VFW National Home's referrals and beneficiary pool overlap.
• Wounded Warrior Project: One of the largest and most established veteran service organizations, providing a wide portfolio of programs (mental health, career counseling, physical wellness, long-term support) to wounded veterans. Operates broadly across veteran services rather than focusing on residential family support.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vfwkids
• Facebookfacebook.com/vfwnationalhome

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles29 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 VFW National Home