We serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need by creating and supporting programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.
A defining feature of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s recent grantmaking is its repeated investment in mental wellness for veterans and first responders. The largest grant in the recent list went to Boulder Crest Foundation in Bluemont, Virginia, for mental wellness initiatives support, and Avalon Action Alliance received two separate $2 million awards in consecutive years for veterans and first responders support and mental wellness initiatives support. That pattern fits the foundation’s stated mission of serving defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and others through programs that entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities. The recent grants also show support for children of fallen service members, women veterans, sober living, education, and arts-based programming. Some awards are large, multi-hundred-thousand-dollar commitments, while others land in the mid-five-figure range, suggesting a mix of major program support and targeted assistance. The foundation’s giving is national in scope and reaches a wide range of organizations, from mental health providers and rescue-supply vendors to universities, family-support nonprofits, and veterans’ arts programs. Several grants are directed to organizations serving multiple beneficiary groups at once, especially veterans and first responders, with a recurring emphasis on wellness, equipment, and family support.
Mental wellness is a clear thread in the foundation’s recent portfolio. Boulder Crest Foundation received $6.5 million for mental wellness initiatives support, while Friends of Firefighters Inc. in Brooklyn received $400,000 for the same purpose. Avalon Action Alliance also received $2 million in 2025 for veterans and first responders support after a $2 million grant in 2024 for mental wellness initiatives support. Equipment and readiness are another major lane: Municipal Emergency Services in Sandy Hook received $499,256 for first responder equipment, and Safe Industries in Easley received $158,007 for the same purpose. The foundation also backs family-centered work, including $450,000 to Angels of America’s Fallen in Colorado Springs for support children’s of fallen service members and $150,000 to Never Alone Widows Inc. in Alpharetta for national conference support. Education appears as a separate strand through grants to the Cu Anschutz Advancement Office and The Gratitude Initiative.
$17M
$89M
$85.5M
$82.7M
Most grants fall between $13K and $54K, with a median of $25K.
25th Percentile
$13K
Median
$25K
75th Percentile
$54K
About 4% of grants go to recipients in CA.
Top 3 recipient countries by grant volume for Gary Sinise Foundation.
| Rank | Country | Grants | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United StatesDomestic | 426 | $41.5M | 99.5% |
| 2 | Canada | 1 |
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Typical grant size sits at $12,562 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $53,801 at the 75th percentile, which shows a long tail of larger program grants above the core grant size. The recent list includes repeated support for several organizations across multiple years, including Avalon Action Alliance, Municipal Emergency Services, Be Still Ministries, Angels of America’s Fallen, Friends of Firefighters, and the Richard Nixon Foundation, suggesting ongoing relationships rather than one-off awards. The foundation is a grantmaker, not an individual-giving vehicle, and it does not make program-related investments. One active program, First Responder Outreach Grants, accepts unsolicited requests; the other listed programs do not.
Grant recipients are overwhelmingly in the United States, with one grant each recorded in Canada and Belarus. Within the U.S., California is the top state by grant count, and the list includes recipients in Los Angeles, Aurora, San Juan Capistrano, Yorba Linda, and San Diego-area locations such as San Juan Capistrano. Other recurring recipient hubs include Atlanta and Alpharetta in Georgia, Brooklyn in New York, and Sandy Hook in Connecticut. Only 4% of grants go to recipients in Tennessee, the foundation’s headquarters state.
The recent grants support organizations serving veterans, first responders, children and families of fallen service members, women veterans, and service animals. The foundation also funds mental wellness, education, housing and home modifications, mobility devices, and arts and entertainment programming.
Yes. Recent awards include $499,256 to Municipal Emergency Services for first responder equipment, $158,007 to Safe Industries for the same purpose, and $144,507 to Seattle Fire Foundation for first responder equipment. The foundation also operates active first responder support programs for departments and families.
The stated grant-size distribution is $12,562 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $53,801 at the 75th percentile. Recent awards also include larger program grants in the hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars.
Yes. California is the top state by grant count, while only 4% of grants go to recipients in Tennessee. The recipient list also shows multiple awards in Georgia, New York, Connecticut, Texas, Colorado, and Washington.
One listed active program, First Responder Outreach Grants, accepts unsolicited requests. The other active first responder support programs shown here do not list unsolicited acceptance.
DONNA MERCIER
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
| $15K |
0.2% |
| 3 | Burundi | 1 | $11K | 0.2% |
Recipient country reflects the grantee's headquarters per IRS 990-PF and Schedule F filings, not the program's implementation country.
Current and upcoming funding from Gary Sinise Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: First responder departments and organizations; families of fallen first responders (for family assistance). Specific eligibility appears to prioritize U.S.-based departments and immediate families; details determined via the department grant application.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOULDER CREST FOUNDATION | BLUEMONT, VA | $4,500,000 | 2026 | ALLIANCE - FUND STRUGGLE WELL/BC RETREATS |
| HYPERFORMANCE FOUNDATION | DUCK RIVER, TN | $2,000,000 | 2026 | SPORTS/REC PROVIDER GRANT |
| METANOIA FILMS LLC | PLAYA DEL REY, CA | $1,841,750 | 2026 | MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS |
| FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS INC | BROOKLYN, NY | $570,000 | 2026 | ALLIANCE SUPPORT-FDNY |
| TRAINING TO PERFORM UNDER PRESSURE LLC | CAPE CORAL, FL | $427,254 | 2026 | TRAINING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS |
| TRAVIS MILLS FOUNDATION | MOUNT VERNON, ME | $350,000 | 2026 | SUPPORTING TM MISSION/PROGRAMS |
| LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY RETREAT INC | ALPHARETTA, GA | $284,625 | 2026 | RETREAT FOR MILITARY/FR W/CHILDHOOD CANCER |
| CENTERSTONE | NASHVILLE, TN | $250,000 | 2026 | ALLIANCE SUPPORT - MENTAL WELLNESS |
| NO GREATER SACRIFICE FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $250,000 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CHILDREN OF FALLEN |
| MES SERVICE COMPANY LLC | SANDY HOOK, CT | $229,920 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENTS |
| NEVER ALONE WIDOWS INC | ALPHARETTA, GA | $220,500 | 2026 | SUPPORT WIDOWS OF HEROES |
| VALOR PARTNERS FOUNDATION | OVERLAND PARK, KS | $200,000 | 2026 | EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS |
| WARRIORS HEART VIRGINIA | BANDERA, TX | $200,000 | 2026 | ADDICTION TREATMENT SUPPORT |
| THE GRATITUDE INITIATIVE | RED OAK, TX | $150,000 | 2026 | COLLEGE PREP COUNSELING-CHILDREN OF FALLEN |
| COOLIDGE NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR HERITAGE | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $150,000 | 2026 | ALLIANCE SUPPORT-MEDAL OF HONOR GALA |
| 2SERVE TOGETHER FOUNDATION | MAITLAND, FL | $150,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR WOMEN VETERANS |
| CASCO INDUSTRIES INC | SHREVEPORT, LA | $145,991 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| THE DOUGHBOY FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $118,500 | 2026 | WW1 WARRIOR SUPPORT |
| STRYKER SALES LLC | PORTAGE, MI | $115,073 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| L N CURTIS & SONS INC | WALNUT CREEK, CA | $110,321 | 2026 | TURNOUT GEAR EQUIPMENT GRANT |
| UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS INC | ARLINGTON, VA | $100,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR USO CONNECTION PROGRAM |
| THE INDEPENDENCE FUND | CHARLOTTE, NC | $100,000 | 2026 | GRANT SUPPORTING WOUNDED HEROES |
| SPECIAL FORCES CHARITABLE TRUST | SOUTHERN PINES, NC | $100,000 | 2026 | CAREGIVER GRANTS |
| LN CURTIS & SONS- CA | WALNUT CREEK, CA | $99,866 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC | CHICAGO, IL | $98,530 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| METRO FIRE APPARATUS SPECIALISTS INC | HOUSTON, TX | $80,995 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| TAYLORD SYSTEMS LLC | SPOKANE VALLEY, WA | $79,500 | 2026 | ON-SITE TRAINING GRANT |
| ROBERT IRVINE FOUNDATION INC | TAMPA, FL | $75,000 | 2026 | SPONSORSHIP FOR WARRIOR ATTENDANCE |
| SAN DIEGO HARBOR POLICE FOUNDATION INC | SAN MARCOS, CA | $75,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT POLICE FNDTN GALA |
| GRAND FORKS FIRE EQUIPMENT LLC | GRAND FORKS, ND | $72,757 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| ENGLEWOOD AREA FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT | ENGLEWOOD, FL | $71,099 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| FIRE TRAINING STRUCTURES LLC | PHOENIX, AZ | $70,566 | 2026 | TRAINING STRUCTURE-FIRE/RESCUE |
| SIDDONS MARTIN EMERGENCY GROUP LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $62,588 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| SPOKANE COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 10 | AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WA | $62,120 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| STRYKER SALES LLC - IL | PORTAGE, MI | $59,112 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| WESTERN EXTRICATION SPECIALISTS INC | SIMI VALLEY, CA | $57,700 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| MAC HAIK JACKSON FORD | JACKSON, MS | $56,310 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| SEAWESTERN FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT | KIRKLAND, WA | $56,197 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| SANTA MARGARITA FIRE DISTRICT | SANTA MARGARITA, CA | $54,655 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| DARIEN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE INC | DARIEN CENTER, NY | $53,815 | 2026 | MEDICAL DEVICE GRANT (2) |
| WEST PIERCE FIRE & RESCUE | UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA | $53,452 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP INC | COATESVILLE, PA | $52,116 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| MID-ATLANTIC RESCUE SYSTEMS INC | FREDERICK, MD | $50,568 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| BMB PERFORMANCE AUTOS DBA WACOBILLCOM TRAILER | TERRELL, TX | $50,400 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM | NEW YORK, NY | $50,000 | 2026 | SPONSORSHIP - ANNUAL DINNER |
| THE WASHING TRUST COMPANY | STONINGTON, CT | $50,000 | 2026 | COAST GUARD SUPPORT - HURRICANE HELENE |
| WEST POINT ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES | WEST POINT, NY | $50,000 | 2026 | CAREER SVCS PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEESBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY INC | LEESBURG, VA | $50,000 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
| PROJECT 2 HEAL | WAXHOW, NC | $50,000 | 2026 | SERVICE ANIMAL GRANT |
| CITY OF ELGIN | ELGIN, IL | $49,554 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT |
HYPERFORMANCE FOUNDATION
$2,000,000SPORTS/REC PROVIDER GRANT
METANOIA FILMS LLC
$1,841,750MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS
FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS INC
$570,000ALLIANCE SUPPORT-FDNY
TRAINING TO PERFORM UNDER PRESSURE LLC
$427,254TRAINING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
TRAVIS MILLS FOUNDATION
$350,000SUPPORTING TM MISSION/PROGRAMS
MES SERVICE COMPANY LLC
$229,920EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENTS
NEVER ALONE WIDOWS INC
$220,500SUPPORT WIDOWS OF HEROES
VALOR PARTNERS FOUNDATION
$200,000EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS
WARRIORS HEART VIRGINIA
$200,000ADDICTION TREATMENT SUPPORT
THE GRATITUDE INITIATIVE
$150,000COLLEGE PREP COUNSELING-CHILDREN OF FALLEN
COOLIDGE NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR HERITAGE
$150,000ALLIANCE SUPPORT-MEDAL OF HONOR GALA
2SERVE TOGETHER FOUNDATION
$150,000SUPPORT FOR WOMEN VETERANS
CASCO INDUSTRIES INC
$145,991EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
STRYKER SALES LLC
$115,073EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
L N CURTIS & SONS INC
$110,321TURNOUT GEAR EQUIPMENT GRANT
LN CURTIS & SONS- CA
$99,866EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC
$98,530EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
METRO FIRE APPARATUS SPECIALISTS INC
$80,995EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
TAYLORD SYSTEMS LLC
$79,500ON-SITE TRAINING GRANT
SAN DIEGO HARBOR POLICE FOUNDATION INC
$75,000SUPPORT POLICE FNDTN GALA
GRAND FORKS FIRE EQUIPMENT LLC
$72,757EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
ENGLEWOOD AREA FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT
$71,099EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
FIRE TRAINING STRUCTURES LLC
$70,566TRAINING STRUCTURE-FIRE/RESCUE
SIDDONS MARTIN EMERGENCY GROUP LLC
$62,588EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
SPOKANE COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 10
$62,120EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
STRYKER SALES LLC - IL
$59,112EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
WESTERN EXTRICATION SPECIALISTS INC
$57,700EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
MAC HAIK JACKSON FORD
$56,310EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
SEAWESTERN FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
$56,197EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
SANTA MARGARITA FIRE DISTRICT
$54,655EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
DARIEN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE INC
$53,815MEDICAL DEVICE GRANT (2)
WEST PIERCE FIRE & RESCUE
$53,452EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP INC
$52,116EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
MID-ATLANTIC RESCUE SYSTEMS INC
$50,568EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
BMB PERFORMANCE AUTOS DBA WACOBILLCOM TRAILER
$50,400EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
THE WASHING TRUST COMPANY
$50,000COAST GUARD SUPPORT - HURRICANE HELENE
LEESBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY INC
$50,000EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
PROJECT 2 HEAL
$50,000SERVICE ANIMAL GRANT
CITY OF ELGIN
$49,554EQUIPMENT GRANT FULFILLMENT
