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American Warrior Initiative Inc. is a private corporation based in MADISON, WI. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2016. The principal officer is Todd Gavinski. It holds total assets of $3.4M. Annual income is reported at $827K. Total assets have grown from $1.7M in 2019 to $3.4M in 2024. The foundation is governed by 5 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2016 to 2024. The foundation primarily funds organizations in Madison, WI and National (all 50 states). According to available records, American Warrior Initiative Inc. has made 610 grants totaling $4.8M, with a median grant of $4K. Annual giving has decreased from $1.8M in 2021 to $880K in 2023. Grantmaking activity was highest in 2022 with $2.1M distributed across 314 grants. Individual grants have ranged from $103 to $340K, with an average award of $8K. The foundation has supported 431 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Wisconsin, Texas, Indiana, which account for 25% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 42 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
## Approach Strategy
The American Warrior Initiative (AWI) is a Madison, Wisconsin private foundation with a genuinely unusual model: it operates both as a grantmaker and as a direct service program, distributing $891,000-$1.8M annually to wounded warriors and veteran-serving organizations across all 50 states. AWI was founded as a partnership between the real estate industry (specifically through its "American Warrior Real Estate Professional" (AWREP) boot camp program) and veteran advocacy.
AWI's core program trains real estate professionals on veteran homebuying benefits (VA loans, etc.) and channels the resulting industry goodwill into direct financial assistance for wounded veterans — mortgage-free housing, home upgrades, service dogs, business grants, and direct financial assistance to veterans in need.
The foundation's largest single giving category is service dog funding: Custom Canines, Guardian Service Dogs, Northwest Battle Buddies, K9s for Veterans, Brigadoon Service Dogs, Tails of Valor, and dozens of similar organizations receive grants annually. Individual veterans also receive direct grants for specific needs (hotel stays for military graduations, flood recovery, service dog training travel costs).
This is a private operating foundation with grant activity — not a traditional grantmaker. For service dog organizations and veteran-focused nonprofits, AWI is potentially accessible through their program network. The founder/president Steven Jacobson is the decision-maker.
Note: The foundation's website (americanwarriorinitiative.org) is currently broken (error page).
## Funding Patterns
AWI has been one of the most active veteran-focused private foundations in the country, distributing $650K-$1.77M annually since 2016.
Historical giving: - 2024: $891,842 (134 grants) - 2023: $957,444 (125 grants) - 2022: $1,364,317 - 2021: $1,772,750 — peak year - 2020: $1,431,425 - 2019: $650,764 - 2018: $661,692
Revenue trajectory: AWI received $2.6M in contributions in 2020 and $1.8M in 2021 — clearly supported by a strong fundraising operation through its AWREP real estate professional network. Contributions have declined in 2022-2024, leading to lower total distributions while maintaining a ~$3.3M asset base.
Grant structure (FY2024): 134 grants averaging approximately $6,656 each. Grant size range: $100 (direct assistance) to $200,000+ (one large grant). Most grants ($81 of 134) are in the $500-$4,999 range — small direct assistance to individual veterans or service dog organizations.
Notable: 2 grants to "LaChance Paul" (likely an individual veteran receiving direct financial assistance) and 2 grants for "flood relief" suggest AWI responds to immediate veteran crises as well as ongoing service dog funding.
## Peer Comparison
| Foundation | Assets | Model | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Warrior Initiative (WI) | $3.4M | Private operating + grants | Wounded warriors + service dogs |
| Gary Sinise Foundation | Multi-million | Operating programs | Wounded warriors, entertainment industry |
| Travis Manion Foundation | Multi-million | Operating programs | Veteran character programs |
| DAV (Disabled American Veterans) | $100M+ | Member organization | All disabled vets |
| K9s for Warriors | Multi-million | Service dog training | PTSD service dogs |
AWI's combination of real estate industry fundraising + direct wounded warrior assistance is distinctive. The organization operates at a smaller scale than Gary Sinise Foundation or DAV but provides more direct, individualized support to specific veterans.
For service dog organizations seeking partnerships, AWI is one of the most active funders of service dog training organizations in the country, having partnered with dozens of providers.
## Recent Activity
FY2024: 134 grants totaling $891,842. Primarily financial assistance to individual veterans and grants to service dog training organizations. Geographic distribution: Virginia (14), Texas (13), Louisiana (12), North Carolina (11), Arizona (9), Washington (7), Wisconsin and Indiana (6 each), Florida (6).
Key 2024 grantees: Custom Canines Service Dog Academy; Guardian Service Dogs; Brigadoon Service Dogs; Northwest Battle Buddies (Vancouver WA — consistent across multiple foundations in our database); K9s for Veterans; Tails of Valor; Forward Assist; Mission Service Dog; Fort Kennedy; Emery Ranch; Stillwater Ranch.
Direct veteran grants: Individual veterans receiving financial assistance for service dog training travel, hotel stays for military graduations, flood recovery, and general financial assistance.
Notable 2023 grantees include: Waterville Firefighters Relief Association (unexpected — may be a veteran-firefighter connection); multiple individual veteran names receiving direct assistance.
Foundation website is currently broken (error page on americanwarriorinitiative.org). Organizations seeking AWI partnership should contact through the AWREP network or through other veteran organization networks.
## Application Tips
AWI does not have a traditional grant application process. The foundation identifies its own service dog partners and veteran assistance recipients through its AWREP network and through veteran referrals.
For service dog organizations seeking AWI funding partnership:
1. Establish credibility in the service dog ecosystem: AWI partners with 20-30 service dog organizations per year. Organizations already in this network (Custom Canines, Guardian, Northwest Battle Buddies) have been funded for multiple years. New organizations should have verifiable track records, certified trainers, and documented placement outcomes.
2. Connect through real estate: AWI's funding mechanism is its AWREP real estate professional network. Real estate professionals who are supporters of AWI serve as referral sources for veteran clients in need and as funders of AWI programs. If your organization serves veterans in real estate transitions (homebuying, VA loan assistance, housing placement), connecting through the AWREP network may be productive.
3. Direct veteran assistance: AWI funds individual veterans for specific immediate needs (flood recovery, service dog costs, family emergencies). Veterans can potentially submit direct requests through AWI's network, though the website is currently broken.
4. Contact: Steven Jacobson (President), Leonard Krupinski (Vice President), Todd Gavinski (Treasurer) — Madison, WI. AWI can potentially be reached through the AWREP network or through connected organizations like Northwest Battle Buddies.
For veteran service dog organizations in particular, AWI represents one of the most accessible major funders in the service dog space — they have funded organizations in every major region of the country.
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American warrior initiative (awi) has reached over 25,000 real estate agents around the country at the american warrior real estate professional (awrep) boot camps, bringing awareness to the challenges facing men and women who have served in the military when returning from war. In 2018, awi launched freedom tours with gold star mom karen vaughn. From her unique perspective--as a mom whose son was killed in action in afghanistan--karen shares a powerful message on our obligation as everyday citizens to honor the sacrifice of those who've given so much for our freedom.awi has spearheaded more than 100 give-back initiatives to the wounded heroes of america. These wounded heroes have been served through mortgage-free housing, business grants, home upgrades, service dogs, and more. Awi also supports nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to military veterans.
Expenses: $980K
## Funding Patterns AWI has been one of the most active veteran-focused private foundations in the country, distributing $650K-$1.77M annually since 2016.
American Warrior Initiative Inc. has distributed a total of $4.8M across 610 grants. The median grant size is $4K, with an average of $8K. Individual grants have ranged from $103 to $340K.
## Approach Strategy The American Warrior Initiative (AWI) is a Madison, Wisconsin private foundation with a genuinely unusual model: it operates both as a grantmaker and as a direct service program, distributing $891,000-$1.8M annually to wounded warriors and veteran-serving organizations across all 50 states. AWI was founded as a partnership between the real estate industry (specifically through its "American Warrior Real Estate Professional" (AWREP) boot camp program) and veteran advocacy.
American Warrior Initiative Inc. is headquartered in MADISON, WI. While based in WI, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 42 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leonard Krupinski | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Todd Gavinski | TREASURER | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Louise Thaxton | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Sean Parnell | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Steven Jacobson | PRESIDENT | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$3.4M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$3.1M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
610
Total Giving
$4.8M
Average Grant
$8K
Median Grant
$4K
Unique Recipients
431
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Canines Service Dog Academy IncSERVICE DOGS | Madison, WI | $211K | 2023 |
| Ultimate CanineSERVICE DOG | Westfield, IN | $84K | 2023 |
| Service Dogs IncSERVICE DOGS | Dripping Springs, TX | $50K | 2023 |
| Guardian Service DogsSERVICE DOGS | Colorado Springs, CO | $43K | 2023 |
| Dfw Canines For VetsSERVICE DOG, TRAINING, AND EVENT SPONSORSHIPS | Granbury, TX | $38K | 2023 |
| K9s For VeteransSERVICE DOGS/TRAINING | Plainfield, IL | $30K | 2023 |
| Integrity K-9 ServiceSERVICE DOG | Murrieta, CA | $24K | 2023 |
| Dog Tag BuddiesSERVICE DOG AND TRAINING | Shepherd, MT | $23K | 2023 |
| Stillwater RanchSUPPORT EXEMPT PURPOSE | Loveland, CO | $22K | 2023 |
| Lachance PaulFAMILY GRANT | Grand Junction, CO | $19K | 2023 |
| The Malinois FoundationSERVICE DOG TRAINING | Sandy, UT | $12K | 2023 |
| Home Front K9 Project IncSERVICE DOG | Paisley, FL | $12K | 2023 |
| Waterville Firefighters Relief AssocSUPPORT EXEMPT PURPOSE | Waterville, MN | $10K | 2023 |
| Service Dogs AlabamaSERVICE DOG | Hope Hull, AL | $10K | 2023 |
| Klingsick Inc - Dte - Kansas CitySERVICE DOG/VETERINARY BILLS | Lees Summit, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Wheatland Dog CenterSERVICE DOG | Derby, KS | $9K | 2023 |
| Victory Service Dogs IncSUPPORT EXEMPT PURPOSE | Colorado Springs, CO | $8K | 2023 |
| Gentle Hearts Dog EducationSERVICE DOG | Marana, AZ | $8K | 2023 |
| South JohnFAMILY GRANT/SERVICE DOG | Phoenix, AZ | $8K | 2023 |
| Hattaway GregoryFAMILY GRANT | Hawkinsville, GA | $8K | 2023 |
| Wawm Monogram ClubSUPPORT FOR VETERAN MEALS | Waukesha, WI | $8K | 2023 |
| Vogt JimFAMILY GRANT/FUNERAL SERVICES | Castle Rock, CO | $7K | 2023 |
| Brooks DavidHOME REPAIR GRANT | Austin, MN | $7K | 2023 |
| Fretwell GeorgeFAMILY GRANT | Elizabeth City, NC | $6K | 2023 |
| Sosa PatricioFAMILY GRANT | Harlingen, TX | $6K | 2023 |
| Herrera SusanFAMILY GRANT | Pinehurst, NC | $5K | 2023 |
| Orton ChrisFAMILY GRANT | Round Rock, TX | $5K | 2023 |
| Berger WilliamFAMILY GRANT | Virginia Beach, VA | $5K | 2023 |
| Hood BrandonFAMILY GRANT | Virginia Beach, VA | $5K | 2023 |
| Barnes AnthonyFAMILY GRANT | Leland, NC | $5K | 2023 |
| Rock JoshuaFAMILY GRANT | Westerville, OH | $5K | 2023 |
| Figueroa JimmyFAMILY GRANT | Frankfort, IL | $5K | 2023 |
| Veteran Spouse ProjectSUPPORT EXEMPT PURPOSE | Oak Ridge, TN | $5K | 2023 |
| Ledonne Jr RichardFAMILY GRANT | South Elgin, IL | $5K | 2023 |
| Forgotten Coast K9SERVICE DOG TRAINING | Madison, FL | $5K | 2023 |
| Bristol ChristiFAMILY GRANT | Denton, TX | $5K | 2023 |
| Pead StevenFAMILY GRANT | American Fork, UT | $5K | 2023 |
| Dugan KarlFAMILY GRANT | Seaside, OR | $5K | 2023 |
| Wilson JayFAMILY GRANT | Helenville, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Meyer StevenFAMILY GRANT | Garrett, IN | $5K | 2023 |
| Azzolina TimFAMILY GRANT | Indio, CA | $5K | 2023 |
| Dog Training EliteSERVICE DOG TRAINING | Afton, OK | $4K | 2023 |
| Soleau BrandonFAMILY GRANT | Statesboro, GA | $4K | 2023 |
| Johnson WilliamFAMILY GRANT | Cisco, TX | $4K | 2023 |
| Dunlap KatherineFAMILY GRANT | Fairfield, CA | $4K | 2023 |
| Foley ChristopherFAMILY GRANT | San Antonio, TX | $4K | 2023 |
| Patrick MountFAMILY GRANT | Mount Bethel, PA | $4K | 2023 |
| Mulheron RobertFAMILY GRANT | Menasha, WI | $4K | 2023 |
| The Adoptable DogSUPPORT FOR DOG TRAINING | Long Beach, MS | $4K | 2023 |
| Ruland RoseFAMILY GRANT | Sun Prairie, WI | $4K | 2023 |