What Growing Veterans does

Growing Veterans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2012 in Lynden, Washington, by USMC combat veteran Christopher Brown and former mental health counselor Christina Wolf. It operates organic farms at two locations — the original Lynden site and an outpost at Greenbank Farm on Whidbey Island — and runs programming under a three-pillar framework of growing food (organic produce donated primarily to Bellingham Food Bank and North Whidbey Help House), growing community (bridging veterans and civilians through volunteer days, internships, and corporate engagement), and growing each other (Peer Support Training accredited by WMHCA for 20.5 CEUs and Dirt Therapy on-farm programming). It is governed by a 6-member board and operates with 1-10 staff including Executive Director Cody Call (USAF veteran) and Farm Manager Thomas Masi (US Army veteran).

The organization delivers five core programs: Dirt Therapy (organic farm-based therapeutic engagement), Peer Support Training (research-backed, WMHCA-accredited, offered free without CEUs or $150 with 20.5 CEUs in Washington State), the Circles virtual peer support group (weekly via the Circles app), Seed Share (national seed-kit distribution launched in 2023 that went viral on TikTok with 1,000+ orders shipped to all 50 states), and three internship pathways (VA Work-Study, Veterans Conservation Corps, and Custom Internships). Technology stack is intentionally low-tech: a Squarespace website, Bonfire merchandise storefront, Every.org donation processing, Zoom for virtual training, and the Circles app for peer support sessions.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of individual donations (suggested tiers of $10-$400 plus monthly recurring), gift/memorial donations ($25-$5,000), business sponsorships (Texas Roadhouse Dine to Donate, Superfeet, RE/MAX Lilac Listings, Haggen, Woods Coffee), wholesale produce and value-added brewery partnerships (Terramar Brewstillery, Aslan Brewing), merchandise sales, Peer Support Training fees ($150 for CEU certification), and grant-funded intern capacity via AmeriCorps VISTA, VA Work-Study, and WDVA Veteran Conservation Corps. No AI/ML capabilities are employed; no proprietary software product is developed.

Name

Growing Veterans

Legal name

Growing Veterans

Website

https://growingveterans.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Growing Veterans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating two organic farms in Washington State that deliver Dirt Therapy, accredited Peer Support Training, and community programs to military veterans and civilians to combat isolation. It funds operations through donations, sponsorships, merchandise, training fees, and grant-supported internships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Support Services

NAICS

Other Vegetable (except Potato) and Melon Farming (111219), Food Crops Grown Under Cover (11141), Farm Labor Contractors and Crew Leaders (115115)

SIC

Agricultural Production-Crops (100)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (Fair Trade, Food Access, Regenerative) (BPAGALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Organic Vegetable & Melon Farming (Open-Field) (AFAGAKAC), Sustainable/Regenerative Agriculture & Conservation Practices (EDAOAOAO), Organic Row Crop Farming (Grains, Oilseeds, Pulses) (AFAGAKAA)

Keywords

• Veteran support services
• Peer support training
• Agricultural therapy programs
• Community farming initiatives
• Veteran reintegration services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lynden

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations: Primary revenue stream from individual donations, monthly recurring donations, business sponsorships, and estate/legacy giving. 100% of donations support mission.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including gear, accessories, and clothes through the organization's shop.
3. Peer Support Training Fees: Training certification with CEUs offered at $150 flat rate; certification without CEUs offered free with optional donation.
4. Wholesale Produce: Sell organic produce, hops, and honey to businesses; also create value-added product partnerships with local breweries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Growing Veterans operates two organic farms in Lynden, WA and Greenbank Whidbey Island, WA that deliver Dirt Therapy, a hands-on agricultural program for veterans and civilians. The organization also provides an accredited Peer Support Training program (20.5 CEUs via WMHCA), weekly virtual peer support groups via the Circles app, the national Seed Share initiative, and structured internship pathways. The majority of organic produce grown is donated to local food banks, while the remaining produce, hops, and honey are sold wholesale or used in fundraiser beer partnerships.

Product overview

Growing Veterans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates agricultural-based programs for veterans and civilians. Its core program is Dirt Therapy, a hands-on organic farming initiative conducted at two farm locations (Lynden, WA and Greenbank Whidbey Island, WA). This is complemented by Peer Support Training (PST), an evidence-based, accredited certification program (20.5 CEUs via WMHCA) offered free without CEUs or at $150 with CEUs. The Circles Peer Support Group runs weekly virtual sessions via the Circles app. Additional offerings include the Seed Share initiative (national seed kit distribution) and three structured Internship Programs (VA Work Study, Veterans Conservation Corps, and Custom Internships). All programs serve the mission of ending isolation that can lead to suicide through growing food, community, and each other.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dirt Therapy Dirt Therapy is Growing Veterans' primary program, using organic farming and time in nature to improve mental well-being among veterans and civilians. Participants engage in hands-on agricultural activities at two farm locations (Lynden, WA and Greenbank Whidbey Island, WA), with weekly drop-in volunteer days and group volunteer sessions designed to combat isolation and build community bonds.
• Peer Support Training Peer Support Training (PST) is a research-backed, accredited training program developed by veterans and mental health professionals. Delivered both virtually and in-person, the training equips participants with peer support skills (Presence, Empathy, and Curiosity) to facilitate healthy conversations and reduce isolation. Accredited for 20.5 CEUs through WMHCA for mental health professionals in Washington State; offered free without CEUs.
• Circles Peer Support Group A free and anonymous virtual peer support group hosted via the Circles app, held every Thursday at 10am PST. Open to veterans and veteran allies, the group is led by Growing Veterans staff and offers a supportive space to develop peer support skills, ask questions, and build community.
• Seed Share A seed distribution initiative that sends organic seed kits to veterans and community members nationwide, enabling them to grow their own food at home. The program shipped over 100 seed kits to 21 states and was developed as a response to food insecurity and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Internship Programs Three internship pathways: VA Work Study (paid positions for enrolled students), Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC, for veterans in conservation and agricultural work), and Custom Internships (open to veterans and non-veterans). Interns gain hands-on farming experience, peer support training, and professional skills.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 6,200 lbs of organic produce donated to food banks in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Seattle Seahawks Task Force 12coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Growing Veterans is 1 of 12 nonprofits hand-picked by the Seattle Seahawks to make up Task Force 12, created to support military service members, veterans, and their families in the Puget Sound region with six major military installations within 60 miles of Lumen Field.
• Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWMHCA reviews and approves Growing Veterans' peer support training curriculum annually, ensuring it meets highest standards. WMHCA Provider #1804 approves the training for 20.5 CE credits.
• Superfeet WorldwideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSuperfeet is a dedicated community partner committed to supporting veterans through meaningful contributions, active community engagement, and commitment to veterans' wellness.
• Texas RoadhouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMonthly 'Dine to Donate' events raise critical funds. Texas Roadhouse also provides catered meals for Friday Coffee Check-In, creating welcoming space for veterans to gather and connect.
• Woods CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides high-quality coffee each week on Fridays for coffee check-ins, enhancing community gatherings and fostering connection among veterans.
• Terramar BrewstilleryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on 'No Hop Left Behind' Fresh Hop Oat Pale Ale, brewed with Growing Veterans organic hops. Fundraiser generated over $1,100.
• Aslan Brewing CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered brewing of Charlie Foxtrot IPA and Fresh Hop Kolsch using hops harvested from the farm during annual Hop Harvest events.
• AmeriCorps VISTAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnti-poverty program providing resources to nonprofit organizations to increase capacity. GV receives new VISTA intern each year to help increase organizational capacity and infuse new ideas.
• Veteran Conservation Corps (VCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides opportunities for veterans to do meaningful work in conserving and restoring natural ecosystems through environmental conservation and agricultural partnerships. GV hosts VCC interns.
• Whatcom Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental Science department students perform soil composition and health tests for the Lynden farm, providing research data on soil quality.
• Viking BagsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity sponsor that made generous donation of high-quality motorcycle bag to support a veteran in the community.
• Lilac Listings at RE/MAX Whatcom CountyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates portion of each sale to Growing Veterans, empowering buyers to choose from four charitable organizations.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Wounded Warrior Project: Largest U.S. nonprofit serving post-9/11 wounded veterans with physical and mental health programs, including peer support and employment services. A broad incumbent in the same donor and veteran-services market where Growing Veterans competes for attention, funding, and partnerships.
• The Mission Continues: National veteran-service nonprofit deploying veterans as volunteer leaders in community service and providing transition support. Comparable mission area around veteran reintegration and post-service purpose; relevant as both peer and channel through which co-founder Christopher Brown previously participated.

Direct peers

• Farmer Veteran Coalition: National nonprofit that mobilizes veterans to feed America through agriculture. Highly comparable: it pairs farmer-veterans with training, fellowships, and a Homegrown By Heroes label, overlapping Growing Veterans' organic-farming-plus-veteran-support mission at a national scale.
• Heroes' Garden / Veterans Healing Farm: North Carolina-based nonprofit farm offering free garden plots, agriculture therapy, and peer support to veterans and their families. A near-clone of Growing Veterans' Dirt Therapy model and produce-donation structure, at a similar small-staff scale.
• Veterans to Farmers: Provides agricultural training, business development, and career pathways to U.S. veterans in controlled-environment agriculture and traditional farming. Directly comparable in combining structured training, internships, and post-military career reintegration.
• BattleGround to Breaking Ground: Texas A&M-affiliated program that trains veterans and beginning farmers in agriculture and agribusiness, with online coursework and on-farm apprenticeships. Comparable in structured training plus hands-on farm internship pathways for transitioning veterans.
• Veteran Compost: Maryland-based veteran-owned compost and food scrap collection company that employs veterans. Comparable in combining regenerative organic agriculture operations with explicit veteran employment and mission-driven identity.
• Archie's Acres: California-based veteran-founded organic farm and training program offering internships, the Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training program, and produce to local communities. Comparable in organic production, paid internship model, and veteran transition focus.

Regional players

• Whatcom Community Foundation: Regional grantmaker serving Whatcom County, WA — the same geography as Growing Veterans' Lynden farm and primary food-bank partners. Relevant as a potential funder and as a regional incumbent in the local nonprofit funding ecosystem.
• Food Lifeline (WA): Washington-state food bank aggregator that distributes food to Whatcom County partners including Bellingham Food Bank, a primary recipient of Growing Veterans' produce. Relevant as both a downstream distribution partner and a regional peer in hunger-relief fundraising.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@growingveterans
• Instagraminstagram.com/growingveterans
• Xx.com/growingveterans

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 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 Growing Veterans