A new mission. An honest start.
SIVF was founded in 2025. We're early — and we're not going to pretend otherwise. Here's where we are, what's ahead, and how you can help shape our impact.
Year one: building the foundation
Most nonprofits put big numbers on their impact page. We won't — yet. SIVF was established in 2025, and we believe the veterans we serve and the donors who back us deserve real numbers, not inflated ones.
As programs launch and events happen, this page will be updated with live counts of veterans served, events hosted, miles rowed, volunteer hours, and dollars raised — every quarter.
What we're building
SIVF founded
Southern Illinois Veterans Foundation is established to serve veterans across the region with connection, recreation, and community.
Foundation building
Launching our website, recruiting founding sponsors and volunteers, and shaping our first programs around Oarsome Odyssey, service dogs, and youth leadership.
Oarsome Odyssey
Our first signature fundraising event — bringing the community together on the water in support of Southern Illinois veterans.
Measurable impact
As programs roll out, this page will track veterans served, events hosted, miles rowed, and dollars put back into the community.
Be a founding supporter
The veterans served, the events hosted, the dollars raised — those numbers start with the people who show up first. Help us build them.