For many veterans, reintegration into civilian life from military service can present both practical and emotional challenges that shape their success in post-military life. While a successful transition looks different for each veteran, it often requires support across multiple dimensions, including health care, housing, and employment. Moreover, the unique needs of veterans and their families can persist throughout their lives, underscoring the need for sustained investment in the well-being of our veteran community.

The Veterans Community Initiative recognizes that the prosperity of the veteran community relies on the existence, access, and synergy of support. In 2024, the Tullman Family Office (TFO) and The Duchossois Family Foundation (TDFF) partnered with Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy to conduct a comprehensive review exploring the intersection of veterans’ mental health and post-service needs, with the goal of identifying philanthropic opportunities poised to make an outsized impact for veterans and their families during the transition from military to civilian life.

Next Steps

A public report scheduled for release in the summer of 2025 will provide an overview of the landscape and philanthropic opportunities for the field’s consideration. Stakeholders who share a commitment to improving veteran transition support are invited to contact the Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy team at [email protected] to learn more. 

About the Tullman Family Office

The Tullman Family Office directs the Tullman family’s philanthropy, political advocacy, business investments focused on social impact, and community engagement initiatives. TFO is committed to enabling all individuals to pursue healthier and more prosperous lives, enabling businesses to prioritize civic impact, and empowering moderate politicians to serve with reason and compassion. In the simplest of terms, the family’s giving mentality can be described as patriotic philanthropy. The family recognizes the responsibility to contribute to making America—and the world—stronger, safer, and more equitable. For more information: https://www.tullmancommunityventures.org/

About The Duchossois Family Foundation

The Duchossois Family Foundation strives to empower individuals to enhance their quality of life through wellness and economic opportunity, with a specific commitment to supporting our nation’s veteran population. TDFF’s existing and future work focuses on ensuring veterans and their families have access to job services, career opportunities, mental health, and well-being support, and efforts to diminish food and housing insecurity, social isolation, substance abuse, and suicide. TDFF is deeply committed to connecting, collaborating, and convening with others to strengthen opportunities for veterans and build awareness and support to help them succeed during their transition to civilian life. For more information: https://thedff.org/.