The GARY SINISE FOUNDATION was established under the philanthropic direction of actor Gary Sinise, an advocate of our nation's defenders for nearly forty years. The mission of the foundation is to serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.
The foundation does this through a number of national and local programs, designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities, serve America's heroes and their loved ones 365 days a year.
R.I.S.E
Through R.I.S.E, The Gary Sinise Foundation helps drastically improve life for our nation's defenders and their families by building specially adapted smart homes for our most severely wounded heroes, and providing home modifications, mogility devices and adapted vehicles for our inured, wounded, ill and aging veterans and first responders.
SPECIALLY ADAPTED SMART HOMES
The foundation constructs one-of-a-kind specially adapted smart homes for our nation's most severely wounded heroes. This program predominantly supports our Post 9/11 defenders, that were injured in combat operations or during training while performing their duties. These 100% mortgage-free homes ease the daily challenges faced by these heroes and their families who sacrifice alongside them.
The simple tasks of everyday life are easy to take for granted. But living in total reliance on caregivers for even the most mundane and sometimes very personal tasks is a reality for many severely wounded heroes. This is especially true at home.
Home is where we take comfort from the world. For our severely wounded heroes, however, life at home can be a constant battle. Without features designed for their unique needs, small chores can become insurmountable challenges.
These specially adapted smart homes provide a safe haven for these heroes to reclaim their independence. Built from the ground up with their individual needs in mind, these homes alleviate stress on the entire family.
HOME MODIFICATIONS, MOBILITY DEVICES & ADAPTED VEHICLES
Many wounded heroes lack the means to update their homes and customize their transportation to suit their individual needs. This program provides our injured, wounded, ill and aging heroes with the resources they need to regain their mobility and independence.
Existing homes can be retrofitted to accommodate the needs of a wounded hero. Adding ramps or refurbishing a bathroom can drastically improve life for the entire family.
The foundation provides everything from wheelchairs to track chairs, ally chairs, and hand cycles. Reclaiming personal mobility is key to restoring a healthy mindset of autonomy.
Ensuring our heroes have the resources they need outside the home is an important aspect of R.I.S.E. Modified trucks and vans alleviate reliance on caregivers and help our defenders become more self-sufficient.
RELIEF & RESILIENCY
The Relief & Resiliency programs are keeping our defenders and their families strong by offering financial and moral support through times of trauma and loss.
SNOWBALL EXPRESS
The Snowball Express serves the children of our fallen military heroes. With healing activities and celebratory events hosted year-round, this program helps these children and families learn, grow, and make lasting memories with new friends.
INVINCIBLE SPIRIT FESTIVALS
The Invincible Spirit Festivals, held at military medical centers across the U.S., provide a respite for wounded heroes and their loved ones to celebrate with hope and positivity along the road to recovery.
GARY SINISE & THE LT. DAN BAND
Honor. Gratitude. Rock & Roll. Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band perform concerts worldwide for our nation's defenders and their families, boosting morale and offering gratitude for the sacrifices made by our heroes.
MENTAL HEALTH
The Mentorship Retreats pair wounded heroes at the beginning of their recovery with veterans who have overcome similar struggles. Over a seven-day retreat, the workshops and activities focus on helping these heroes build a healthy mindset and successful future.
H.O.P.E.
H.O.P.E. provides support to those who have experienced trauma, illness, injury, or loss during their times of urgent need. This assistance ranges from help paying bills or groceries, new eyeglasses, and more.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION
The Community Outreach & Education programs bridge the gap between our defender and civilian communities. They honor America's heroes both past and present while inspiring the next generation.
SOARING VALOR
Soring Valor is sending WWII veterans to New Orleans to tour the museum built in their honor while recording their oral histories for future generations. Students accompany our veterans to learn history first-hand.
SERVING HEROES
Serving Heroes is showing America's gratitude with hearty meals served at military venues nationwide. To date, this program had the honor of serving over 138,000 meals to our heroes.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OUTREACH
Arts and Entertainment Outreach welcomes local veterans to the Steppenwolf Theatre for dinner and a free rehearsal performance. The program is now expanding to new locations across the country.
AMBASSADORS COUNCIL
The Gary Sinise Foundation's Ambassadors Council inspires, educates, and encourages communities to recognize their local veterans through speaking engagements, public appearances, and leadership opportunities.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH CENTER
The Center for Education and Outreach program brings civilians and defenders together. Through speaking series, workshops, and summits, the hosted events focus on character building and educating communities about the importance of service over self.
FIRST RESPONDERS OUTREACH
First Responders Outreach program honors the heroes right down the block – our firefighters, police, and EMTs – who sacrifice every day to ensure our safety. By providing funds for essential equipment and training, the Gary Sinise Foundation is ensuring these heroes perform to the best of their ability.
TIRELESS EFFORTS
When crises occur, our Firefighters, Police, and EMTs put their own lives at risk to save others. They answer the call, rush toward danger, and lead the way.
STRENGTHEN OUR DEFENDERS
Through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s First Responders Outreach, they provide help to critical funding for emergency relief, training, and essential equipment to ensure these heroes perform to the best of their abilities.
HEROES NEXT DOOR
They also help those that are severely wounded in the line of duty by building 100% mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes, as well as home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to restore their mobility and independence.
Through the month of November, we will be donating 1% of all sales to the Gary Sinise Foundation.
There are a number of ways you can support the efforts to help our nation's defenders and their loved ones:
- Donate online
- Mail-in donation
- Give through your company or employer match program
- Host an event
- Provide donations in-kind
- Donate through CFC, your will/living trust, or stock
- Donate your car, truck, motorcycle, RV or other vehicle
For more information, visit Gary Sinise Foundation.
