The Veterans Family Fund of America (VFFA) is based in Washington State and organized with the immediate goal of helping veterans and their families in the state and with the long-range aim of extending the program across America. A grassroots community organization, the Veterans Family Fund of America is dedicated to meeting critical needs that fall through the cracks of other veterans programs.

The guiding principle of the fund is that timely, direct financial assistance to resolve an immediate crisis can make a long-term difference in quality of life for veterans and their families. For example, a grant might cover childcare while the parent is looking for work, or tuition to earn the credentials needed for a job.

The top priority for the Veterans Family Fund of America is to make sure donations reach the people who truly need them. A collaboration with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs in Olympia, Washington, provides a way to distribute the funds.

The department oversees the Veterans Innovations Program, a tax-exempt governmental unit under section 170 of the IRS code, authorized by the state legislature in 2006 to provide flexible funds to veterans who served in recent military action. The Veterans Innovations Program serves as advisor to the fund and distributes funds at no cost to investors or to VFFA. That means virtually 100 percent of donated funds go directly to those in need.

The Veterans Innovations Program has a remarkable track record of service for veterans and their families. In the program’s first year, checks averaged $475 per veteran. Funds are awarded to meet the unique needs of a veteran and his or her family, such as crisis and emergency relief, education, training and employment assistance. Veterans must apply for assistance.

There is no connection between the Veterans Family Fund of America and the federal Veterans Administration.