NEW YORK, NY (December 14, 2017) — Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing post-9/11 veterans and their families, today celebrated the announcement of a $200,000 grant from the Ford Foundation. The grant  was made the for the second year in a row, and will help IAVA further its mission to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans. The grant invests in IAVA’s best-in-class programs for its 400,000 members and millions of veterans nationwide. 

“The Ford Foundation is one of the leading foundations promoting social justice around the world. We’re grateful for Ford’s leadership in showing that veterans issues are one of the most important social justice issues facing America. This grant underscores that Ford is committed to veterans’ justice and to the potential these men and women represent for our country’s future” said Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA Founder and CEO. “The Ford Foundation is again leading the way on an emerging, urgent and transformative issue. Their ongoing generosity will have a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans nationwide and we are very proud to call them a partner in our mission.”

The grant from the Ford Foundation comes at a critical time. As the future of veterans’ healthcare, education, suicide prevention, women veterans and equality remain unclear, Ford’s grant will help IAVA’s advocacy and services ensure no veteran is left behind. 

IAVA led the passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2008 and in championing upgrades in 2010 and 2014. These upgrades simplified and improved tuition benefits, expanded eligibility to the National Guard, included vocational programs, and made nationwide in-state tuition rates a possibility for new veterans beginning this year. This is just one example of how IAVA’s pivotal work has helped create and expand opportunities for veterans and their families over the last 13 years.