10 Ways You Can Support Wounded Warrior Project
By Gary Corless – Chief Development Officer, Wounded Warrior Project
There’s a lot of resources that go into serving over 100,000 wounded warriors, their family members, and caregivers. Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is able to provide free programs and services and meet the needs of those we serve, because of donors like you. But for those who are unsure about how they can support WWP, there are many ways to get involved.
Combined Federal Campaign
For those employed by the federal government, there’s a special way to help WWP: the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees with the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. For those interested in naming WWP as their CFC recipient, our charity number is #11425. For more information, contact cfc@woundedwarriorproject.org.
Individual Support
Of course, the most traditional way to support WWP and its mission is to send in a donation. That’s where the bulk of our support comes from – numerous supporters have committed to our Advance Guard monthly giving or one-time donation to ensure warriors and families have access to a multitude of free programs to help them thrive. You can do this electronically or by traditional mail. Visit https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=10043&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=M05122020 for more information.
Corporate Partners
Some of our largest supporters are globally recognized brands such as USAA®, the NFL®, Harley-Davidson® and Stanley Black & Decker®, to name a few. Their support takes many forms – cause marketing campaigns, program support, event sponsorships, and more. WWP also has a Corporate Champion platform, which is specially designed for companies looking to make a once-annual donation in support of wounded warriors. Corporate Champions will have access to various WWP assets and the ability to highlight their official Corporate Champion status. To learn more, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/corporate-giving/corporate-partnerships
Student Ambassador Events
Does your school have team spirit for the U-S-A? Then the Student Ambassador program is for you! School advisers or staff members who want to raise awareness and funds for WWP through their school or athletic team can register as Student Ambassadors. Some of our young supporters have fundraised through an existing class, club, or athletic team or by hosting an event or series of events at their school. All registered Student Ambassadors will receive a supporter kit containing tools and tips to start a fundraising campaign, WWP materials, and marketing support tools. To learn more, visit https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
Donating Your Special Day
Recently some of our supporters have begun dedicating their special day’s to WWP. Whether it’s a bar-mitzvah, an anniversary, or honoring a loved one’s memory, there are numerous opportunities to give back to WWP. It’s an amazing gesture and one that would have our sincerest gratitude!
Facebook Donations
Speaking of special day’s, Facebook has given its users a chance to "donate" their birthday to their favorite charity by selecting WWP and honoring warriors on this day. You can learn more about this feature at https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/.
Employee Giving
WWP can also be designated as the beneficiary of payroll deduction contributions at your place of employment. Employee giving drives are another great way to raise awareness for WWP and engage employees. Our corporate supporters have hosted holiday drives, departmental competitions, office party benefits, and even casual Friday events to raise funds and awareness. Learn more here.
“Do It Yourself” Fundraising Events
Many of our supporters have an affinity to support our wounded veterans by hosting grassroots, DIY local community events. By registering your fundraiser, you can create a personalized fundraising page and receive access to exclusive materials, such as WWP logos and wordmarks, customizable flyer and poster templates, a letter of support, a press release template, and social media graphics.
We’ve also seen many successful community events such as athletic gatherings (like triathlons, marathons, walks, golf tournaments, or other sporting events), concerts, dinners, and galas, to name a few. Some of our more adventurous supporters have even biked, walked, hiked, or ridden motorcycles across America. To get started, click here.
Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner Gala
The Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner® is an annual gala that honors WWP’s warriors and our most passionate supporters. Awards are given out to warriors, partners, and supporters, in recognition of their service and dedication to the WWP’s mission of honoring and empowering Wounded Warriors. To see highlights from the 2017 Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner, visit: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/courage-awards.
Planned Giving
Leaving a legacy is a meaningful way to impact wounded warriors. This process can include donating to WWP through estate planning by naming WWP in your will for a specific amount or percentage share in your estate. Additionally, it can include naming WWP as the beneficiary of your estate after expenses and gifts to loved ones. Naming WWP as the beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy is another low-cost option you may wish to consider. If WWP is named as the owner and beneficiary of the insurance policy, your premium payments may even be tax-deductible. To find out the process for registering for Planned Giving to WWP, visit: https://legacy.woundedwarriorproject.org/
To see how generous donors, like you, fuel WWP’s mission and support over 100,000 registered wounded warriors, family members, and caregivers, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/.