Impactful Ways to Support Veterans Through Wounded Warrior Project
Donating to veterans is one of the most impactful ways to give back to those who have protected our nation’s freedom. Veterans face unique challenges, whether it’s recovering from physical injuries, coping with mental health struggles, or transitioning back to civilian life. Support from caring individuals can help veterans access the care they need to recover, thrive, and build fulfilling lives after service.
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is there for warriors and their families throughout their lifetime. Supporters make that possible. WWP gives veterans and their families the resources and support they need to find purpose and a better quality of life.
There are many ways to support WWP and the warriors it serves. From traditional donations to creative initiatives that reflect your passions, you can make a meaningful impact in a way that fits into your life.
Ways to Support Wounded Warrior Project
1. Support Veterans Through a Donor-Advised Fund
Giving through a donor-advised fund (DAF) is a simple way to turn your generosity into action. A DAF works like a charitable investment account: You set aside money for giving, receive potential tax benefits, and then recommend grants to nonprofits such as WWP.
Unlike a one-time donation, a DAF allows you to give strategically over time and grow your gift tax-free. And now, with DAFpay, you can donate to WWP directly from your fund in just a few clicks. Many supporters also choose to name WWP as a beneficiary of their fund, ensuring their generosity continues for years to come.
Learn more about giving through your DAF here.
One set of keys can help turn a vehicle into vital support for veterans.
2. Turn Your Car into Veteran Care
That extra vehicle in your driveway could do more than take up space — it could change a life. By donating your car, motorcycle, boat, or golf cart, you’ll help fuel programs that empower veterans and their families to live with strength and independence. Plus, the process is fast, easy, and tax-deductible.
Learn more about donating your vehicle here.
3. Give Back to Veterans Where You Work
Your workplace can be a powerful partner in supporting veterans. Many employers offer payroll deductions, matching gifts, fundraising competitions, or opportunities to participate in state and federal campaigns.
For example, EcoShield Pest Solutions held a Memorial Day fundraiser across 50-plus branches, donating 50 cents for every pushup and $1 for each sale. They also collected individual contributions from employees nationwide, raising more than $31,000 for WWP.
Creative campaigns like this can engage your team while providing transformative care for injured veterans.
Learn more about workplace giving here.
Wayne Beck (center) smiling between legendary football coach Bobby Bowden (left) and “The King” of golf, Arnold Palmer.
4. Leave a Legacy of Veteran Support
Legacy giving, also called planned giving, lets you support causes you care about through your will, trust, or estate plan.
Wayne Beck, a former PGA Tour caddie, included WWP in his estate plans, ensuring his support for veterans would carry on long after his passing.
Wayne’s legacy now helps post-9/11 wounded veterans access programs that support mental and physical health, financial wellness, independence, and connection.
Learn more about legacy giving and how you can make a difference here.
5. Host A Fundraiser for Veterans
Community fundraising is a great way to turn your passions into support for veterans. From hosting a golf tournament to launching an online campaign, every dollar raised provides services that help warriors heal and rebuild their lives.
Billy raising funds for Wounded Warrior Project at his lemonade stand.
Take Billy, for example, a 12-year-old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who wanted to make a difference for veterans in his community. In 2024, he hosted his fourth annual fresh-squeezed lemonade stand. Billy and
his lemonade crew raised over $2,000. This year, they kicked off their stand by squeezing 36 pounds of lemons to make 12 gallons of lemonade. They raised nearly $800 in just one day.
Community fundraisers like Billy’s demonstrate that creative ideas, regardless of age or experience, can inspire others, engage your network, and leave an impact.
Learn more about how to create a fundraiser to support veterans.
Honoring Heroes, Building a Brighter Future
Every act of generosity helps veterans rebuild their lives — just ask warriors like Matthew and Maria.
Army veteran Matthew Templeton sustained serious spinal injuries and a traumatic brain injury during a 13-month deployment to Iraq. Returning home, he battled post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and years of misdiagnosis that left him without benefits or direction. With WWP, Matthew finally found the mental health care, community, and purpose he’d been missing.
Army veteran Matthew Templeton (center) connects with fellow veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project.
“Wounded Warrior Project has kept its promise to me by ensuring that my community and I have the resources, training, and education available to help me grow as a man, a father, a son, a brother, and a member of our society,” Matthew said.
Navy veteran Maria Edwards faced one of her toughest battles when she was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 breast cancer. Doctors linked the cancer to toxic exposure during her service. The diagnosis triggered PTSD symptoms and left her struggling physically and emotionally. Through WWP’s adaptive sports and mental health programs, Maria found renewed strength and hope in recovery.
Navy veteran Maria Edwards finds renewed strength and purpose through WWP’s adaptive sports and mental health programs.
“Wounded Warrior Project kept its promises to me by ensuring they were there to support me and my family both mentally and physically,” said Maria. “They helped me in my lowest times during chemotherapy and continue to help me today through adaptive sports and other support.”
Stories like Matthew’s and Maria’s show how every gift — no matter the size — helps veterans find connection, healing, and a path forward. By giving to programs that empower veterans and their families, you can create lasting change in the lives of the men and women who courageously defended our nation.
Ready to explore your giving options? Learn more here.
Contact: — Gracie Scribner, Public Relations, gscribner@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.489.5295
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.
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