The Southwest Veterans Foundation (SWVF) is a local 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization that “cares for those who have sacrificed for our freedom—and their families.” It is a non-member organization whose Board of Directors includes Veterans and Patriots who volunteer to carry out this important mission. Three programs highlight their operations:
- Veteran Suicide Prevention Program
- Veteran College Scholarship Program
- Charitable Grants to Veteran Service, Support, & Advocacy Program
Since receiving its 501(c)(3) status from the IRS on April 8, 2016, the SWVF has awarded:
- $36,200 in Veteran Suicide Prevention Grants with another $10,000 pending
- 41 Veteran college scholarships totaling $41,000 with 4 more pending
- $123,120 in charitable grants to Veteran Service and Support organizations
Tom Sheets, the Executive Director, pointed out, “it has become fashionable to “thank Veterans for their service.” The sad reality is many of our Veterans and their families need much more than just our thanks. They need our understanding and our support. We are dedicated to helping to provide the “much more.” The SWVF does not try to duplicate services currently provided by existing agencies and organizations. Instead, we provide financial support to vetted organizations so they can do more of what they already do.”
While the SWVF is proud of all it does, the Veteran Suicide Prevention Program is the real “jewel in the crown.” Pat McNeil, President of the Board of Directors added, “We know through feedback from Veterans, family members, and service providers, we are saving lives! This is the greatest reward we could ever receive for our efforts.”
The SWVF is funded mostly from local small donors who want to do more than just thank Veterans for their service. Their largest source of revenue is their annual Patriots Ball. The 2022 gala honored “Women Veterans and Their Long Journey from the Back Offices to the Front Lines.” It was attended by 372 people and raised $56,000 for their programs.
The 2023 Patriots Ball will be held Saturday September 23rd at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix. The 2023 theme is “The Military Family—They also Serve and Sacrifice.” If you would like to attend this year’s event or perhaps be a sponsor, you can register at https://swvcc.org/pb/ or call 602.677.2961. Donations for the large silent auction as well as volunteers to serve on the Patriots Ball Committee are also needed.
The SWVF cannot do what it does without you. If you would like to make a charitable, tax-deductible donation to the SWVF you can do so at https://swvcc.org/foundation/. You can designate which program you want your donation to support.
On behalf of the Veterans and their families who benefit from your generosity, we thank you.
You must be logged in to post a comment.