Elevating Access and Creating Change: Our Focus on Upstream Living
In a world where access to critical resources and charitable opportunities can make all the difference, Veterans Collaborative is committed to pioneering solution-based approaches to elevate the lives of those who have served our Nation. At the heart of our mission lies the belief that it takes every sector working together to enact meaningful change at the local level.
We recognize the importance of getting charitable funds into the hands of Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and Nonprofit Organizations (NGOs) serving our military community. By doing so, we empower Veterans in need by helping them know where to turn for support and assistance within their own communities. Our focus on upstream living means addressing the root causes of challenges faced by Veterans and service members, rather than simply addressing the symptoms.
One of the key ways we enact this vision is through our Fiscal Sponsorship program, which allows Veterans the opportunity to serve their communities in charitable ways under our c3 umbrella. By providing this support, guidance, and service, we empower Veterans to make a positive impact in their local communities while addressing critical needs.
Central to our approach is educating our community on the risks and barriers that Veterans and service members face in accessing resources and opportunities. For instance, understanding that 75% of charitable giving will never make it to the local level or that there are risks and barriers that must be addressed at every turn for any solution to be effective in helping, educating, and serving our demographic. However, we refuse to let these challenges be the guest of honor at the dinner table. Instead, we foster dialogue and collaboration to drive solutions for meaningful change.
Here's the thing. We don't want to be merely throwing life rafts to those caught in swift waters; we want to go upstream, where we can provide boats, teach navigation, put up warning signs, and provide guidance for alternative routes. By addressing challenges at their root, we can create lasting change, and ensure that every Veteran and service member has the opportunity to thrive.
It's important to emphasize that this is not an individual endeavor. Veterans Collaborative cannot do this alone. In fact, no single organization, NGO, individual, or entity holds the sole solution to the challenges faced by our Veteran or military community. What we aim to do is bring well intended services and organizations out of their silos to create multipronged access. This isn't an ego or vanity endeavor—it's about rallying together in a collective call to action to serve people- our people. To do this, we need the support and collaboration of every stakeholder, from community members and local organizations to National NGOs and dedicated corporations, to leverage our collective strengths and resources to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
How you can help:
1) Understand what is happening in your community and elevate local resources to our Radar. Radar helps our team discover local organizations serving in numbers and raise awareness about their efforts to our Partners.
2) If you have a great service idea, reach out about our Fiscal Sponsorship. We offer the only Fiscal Sponsorship program solely dedicated to Veterans, service members, and their families.
3) If you are an NGO serving our community with an operating budget under $1M annually, reach out about our Client Services. We know securing national funding is challenging, and we want to help expand your reach and services!
4) Make and Take a Call! If you are providing a service and resource to our community, talk with other organizations and see how you can expand your impact! We are better together!
5) Lastly, we invite funders to Join Us! Veterans Collaborative offers valuable services to our Partners, enhancing their charitable impact. Through our grantmaking services, we facilitate increased effectiveness and efficiency in charitable initiatives, maximizing the positive outcomes for your charitable goals and our Veteran and military communities.
Let's unite in the mission to be solution focused and stand together to ensure that every Veteran and service member has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes and build a brighter future for all.
Written by: Natalie Worthan, Founder