CNAS Launches Comprehensive Study on Philanthropy to the Military and Veteran Community

Washington, September 30, 2025—The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is embarking on a critical study to examine the current landscape of philanthropic and federal support for military- and veteran-serving organizations (MSOs and VSOs). The project, led by CNAS Director of Studies Katherine L. Kuzminski, updates CNAS’s 2015 analysis, Charting the Sea of Goodwill, incorporating shifts in the national security policy environment, including the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and changes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The research will explore how these developments have impacted funding and resource distribution, with the goal of offering actionable recommendations to better align resources with the evolving needs of veterans and military families.

This updated assessment will analyze a wide array of sources, including federal funding, tax filings, and philanthropic trends, to understand how the availability of resources for MSOs and VSOs has changed over time. By diving into these trends, CNAS intends to provide policymakers, service providers, and philanthropic funders with the insights necessary to make informed decisions on future investments. Key deliverables will include a comprehensive research report, briefing materials, and tailored engagements with stakeholders across multiple levels of the Executive Branch, Congress, philanthropy, and the VSO and MSO communities.

The 2015 study identified gaps in resources, despite a strong philanthropic presence, and flagged areas for improvement, such as the potential of social impact bonds and public-private partnerships. As the United States brought the post-9/11 wars to a close in Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans—particularly those from the post-9/11 era—continue to face challenges. The updated research will explore how MSOs and VSOs are responding to these ongoing needs and the role of resource distribution in their ability to meet the needs of veterans, service members, and their families. CNAS will further examine the role of VA resources on the veteran ecosystem.

The project will culminate in a public research report that will serve as a tool for policymakers, legislators, philanthropic leaders, and MSOs and VSOs. These efforts will ensure that the recommendations from the study reach those in a position to drive meaningful impact for veterans and military families.

This study is made possible with the generous support of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, whose partnership in this research underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in improving the lives of those who have served the nation and ensuring that the insights generated from this study lead to impactful policy solutions that better serve military families and veterans.

For more information on the study or to schedule an interview with Katherine Kuzminski, please contact Charles Horn at [email protected].