When billionaire philanthropists, celebrities, global embassies and the NFL 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 grant-making and a membership network of more than 100 veterans charities, it has become a go-to grant-maker 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…
