Bob Woodruff Foundation: Where billionaires, celebrities, and the NFL go to support vets
When billionaire philanthropists, celebrities, global embassies, and the National Football League want to lend a helping hand to American veterans, they increasingly turn to one source: the Bob Woodruff Foundation
When billionaire philanthropists, celebrities, global embassies, and the National Football League want to lend a helping hand to American veterans, they increasingly turn to one source: the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
Formed in 2006 to serve post-9/11 veterans and their families after ABC news reporter Bob Woodruff was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq, the organization has become a celebrity favorite with its annual comedy fundraiser — headlined by the likes of Jon Stewart, Tracy Chapman, and Bruce Springsteen — raising $84 million since it was founded and $14 million last year alone.
Yet the Bob Woodruff Foundation has gained a reputation beyond its star-studded appeal. Through data savvy, niche grantmaking, and a membership network of over 100 veterans charities, it has become a go-to grantmaker for those looking to support veterans and military families.
“They know the field, and they could do a far better and faster job than I ever could,” said Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist and one of the country’s most prominent philanthropists, who tapped the foundation to help dole out $100 million in grants for veterans groups last year.
Newmark isn’t alone in his enthusiasm for the organization’s approach. MacKenzie Scott donated $15 million, no strings attached, in 2022. Since 2018, the Qatar Embassy has provided over $10 million earmarked to help vets cope with the effects of Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Harvey. The NFL regularly leans on the foundation to distribute millions for its Salute to Service program,
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