Gary Sinise Foundation

No doubt the GSF is a cash cow. Despite it's weak and tulmultreous poor management and antiquated BOD. It likens to kids with Daddy's pocketbook.

We are blessed to be in a position of generous giving coupled from a long line of service men and women. In looking closer and getting feedback from investment professionals the management of this organization is weak at best. When you donate your hard earned money, you want those pennies to be protected and managed with great integrity. Not management team turnover turnover turnover. Complete team start overs 3x in as many years? No experience non profit CEO, COO or CFO. No finance team. No one seemingly with a proven track record to be leading this ship.

This is a hard pass. Too sketch to invest for us.

I have been disappointed by the Gary Sinise Foundations email responses. I made a contribution to them, and yet I have sent 3 emails and made one phone call asking about their privacy policy. They have not replied back (I received one reply about making sure I am not receiving direct mailing, but they did not answer this question). I want to be sure that they do not share my contact information with any other organization, and their silence leads me to believe they have already shared it and now I’m on some unasked for list. I hope they clarify soon, but compared to 5 other charities to whom I donated (e.g., Rainforest, MAP) -all responded immediately and confirmed they did not share my data- this foundation has not been in good communication and I will not contribute to them in the future.

As a volunteer and donor, I am truly fortunate to be a part of this stellar organization since 2011. In that time, I have witnessed the tremendous growth of the Gary Sinise Foundation. An organization always striving to serve as many as possible, of our nation’s finest in need, with one of the lowest administrative costs of any nonprofit while offering an exceptionally high level of programs, and aid.

An organization created by Gary Sinise with his remarkable team led by Executive Director, Judy Otter who never tire of assisting, honoring, and serving those who have sacrificed for our country, and our freedoms. The belief that there is always more “we” can do is widely held from Mr. Sinise down through the organization.

To be a member of this remarkable team so devoted to honoring our nation’s military, veterans, first responders, and their families who have sacrificed for all of us has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am beyond grateful for the team Mr. Sinise and Ms. Otter have created, the friendships developed with individuals also devoted to this mission, and the opportunity to not only honor my own family’s service, but that of countless others who go into harm’s way with no expectation other than to selflessly serve for the greater good.

My husband was assisted by this remarkable foundation. The love and care that these people have for our veterans is unbelievable. We truly feel apart of the famly and it is a great feeling to know that such a strong backbone is there to support us.

Gary Sinise and everyone at the foundation has been wonderful to work with. These folks see people who are in need, and don't stop until they know they've made an impactful mark on their lives. I'm so grateful for this foundation. USA!!!

This November will mark six years that I have had the pleasure of working with the Gary Sinise Foundation. Having partnered with GSF personally and professionally, I can truly say I have seen for myself the generosity of the GSF team and the 100% dedication they give to every mission. The transparency in the day to day activities through the end of the year report gives me the confidence to not only continue in our support, but to be an advocate for others to donate to this exceptional organization. Many of the things done behind the scenes are proof of the driving force behind this foundation....and that is to enhance the lives of every Veteran and First Responder that they can help. This is not just for the unfortunate individuals that lose limbs or have Traumatic Brain Injuries, but for all those that have stood (regardless of how long ago) for the freedom of this country. Mr. Sinise and his team will continue to do everything possible to remember them, insure younger generations remember them and their sacrifices. Most importantly, the Gary Sinise Foundation reminds us that it is all of our responsibilities to assist & support where we can the heroes of this great nation.

Dear Gary Sinise Foundation,
I want to thank you for all the support you give to Veterans. I am a Veteran and am lucky enough to work with Veterans. I have reached out to your foundation and on several occasions you have provided assistance financially but more importantly words of encouragement to our Veterans. It makes a world of difference that they know there are people that care about them and acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices they have made. The foundation has the most incredible team of people who sincerely care about each Veteran, their needs, their goals, and their well being. Our Veterans feel recognized and heard and they have expressed their gratitude to Gary Sinise and his team, stating they have "got our six". Thank you all for all you do.

I have personally met many that are involved with the Gary Sinise Foundation. We met Mr. Sinise through a mutual friend in 2010. We have been actively involved in the Foundation since then.

In 2014 the R.I.S.E. program provided a home for my son that was adapted to his needs. Giving him a more independent life. They included a living space for me as his caregiver thaallows us to be close but not too close.

He was injured in Iraq Feb. 26th, 2007 by an IED. He recieved 85% burns, loss of both his hands, technically blind and has had over 90 surgeries.

There is life after injury with support and friendship.

We continue to support the Gary Sinise Foundation and their many programs.

I have witnessed firsthand the great work/services the Gary Sinise Foundation provides to so many of our nation's first responder's and veterans. I have attended several RISE smart home dedications that the foundations has provided and met the families who are so grateful for GSF. I have volunteered for the Invisible Spirit festival in San Diego at the naval medical hospital where the GSF team brings love, hope, encouragement, and smiles to hundreds of families who are dealing with severely wounded veterans challenges. I have attended the GSF team along with WWII veterans to the National WWII museum in New Orleans, LA and seen the tears of joy as the veterans experience a tru hero's welcome with smiles, cheers from little children up to many seniors who want them to feel loved and appreciated. Gary Sinise has committed a huge portion of his life to meet the growing needs of first responders/veterans and his team works tirelessly to help in so many effective ways to pay if forward. This foundation stands among all nonprofits and I want to see more people join them in helping to make a difference with our veterans/first responders. Truly amazing group people!! Gib Bosworth

On Monday, June 19th, 2017 I had the privilege of attending the Gary Sinise Foundation "Walls of Honor" program in San Diego, California. This recognizes the heroic contributions of our severely wounded service men and women through the RISE Program--Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment. I was so fortunate to be able to write a personal note of thanks to US Navy EOD1 Andrew Bottrell and his family on the interior wall of his Smart Home under construction. The ceremony was so impressive meeting Andrew, his wife Lindsey, and their baby daughter Jessa! This was an experience I will never forget!
I want to thank the Gary Sineses Foundation for making a dream come true.
Thank you,
Christine McGovern

I have been working with the Gary Sinise Foundation for the past two years and have met many of the severely injured veterans that have been built Smarthomes through this Foundation. I've listened to the stories of how dramatically these veteran's lives have been changed through these homes by restoring independence, dignity and purpose and the peace of mind in knowing they have a "forever" home to share with their loved ones. And this is only one program of the many available through the Gary Sinise Foundation that help to assist, motivate and thank our military and first responder's...

While researching charities that lend a helping hand to our military with the intention of donating, my brother suggested The Gary Sinise Foundation, stating that it is an excellent nonprofit organization. I read everything I could on the website and was impressed. I also wanted to see the breakdown of donated money: how much goes toward programs, administrative, etc, but was unable to find out this information so I contacted the foundation. I received the following explanation in an email: "...I would also like to share that Gary, select members on our Advisory Board and select donors have graciously designated their gifts to fund our operation costs, which allows us to use 100% of our mailed in and online donations towards supporting our mission." Now that's what I call GIVING to our military!

Gary Sinise is one of the most genuinely involved and purposeful Patriots to lend his talent and 'celebrity' to actively support US military. Gary has demonstrated via his foundation and the Lt. Dan Band that he (and a select few others within the Entertainment industry) met the old standard of using personal wealth and resources to meet the needs of America’s warriors.

The Gary Sinise Foundation is an organization I highly recommend via online formats and during face-to-face presentations to donors, friends, family and colleagues, because of their commitment to American military.