Gary Sinise Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Franklin, Tennessee, registered in 2010, with $85,518,656 in FY2024 revenue. CharityIndex grades it A, and it directs about 89% of spending to programs.
Revenue (FY2024)
$85.5M
▲ 5.1% vs prior year
Philanthropy median: $168K
Expenses (FY2024)
$82.7M
Net assets
$83.4M
Employees
80
Measures how much of every dollar spent actually reaches programs, plus what it costs to raise $100 of donations. The worse of the two measures sets the letter (85%+ to programs is an A; under $15 to raise $100 is an A), averaged over the three most recent filings. For Gary Sinise Foundation: 89% to programs · $5 to raise $100 earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
Measures whether the organization is built to last: how many months its reserves would cover expenses (3+ months earns an A-range score, but hoarding 5+ years of budget is capped) and whether it runs a surplus or a deficit. For Gary Sinise Foundation: 12 mo reserves · +3% margin earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
Checks how the organization is run, from its own Form 990: an independent board majority, a board of five or more, conflict-of-interest, whistleblower and document-retention policies, and independently audited financials. The share of disclosed checks that pass sets the letter. For Gary Sinise Foundation: 6 of 6 checks met earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
Counts five disclosure signals: a recent filing, a mission statement, program descriptions, a listed website, and the full expense breakdown. More disclosure, better letter. For Gary Sinise Foundation: 5 of 5 disclosure signals earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
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Honoring our nation's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need
Through our r.i.s.e (restoring independence, supporting empowerment) program, we're constructing one-of-a-kind specially adapted smart homes for our nation's most severely wounded veterans and first responders. this initiative supports our nation's wounded heroes, many who suffer from amputations, traumatic brain injuries (tbi), burns, and post traumatic stress. these 100% mortgage-free homes ease the daily challenges faced by these heroes and their families who sacrifice alongside them. during the fiscal year, the gary sinise foundation completed 4 specially adapted smart homes for wounded heroes. by the end of the year, the foundation had completed 94 homes for our injured heroes and their families since inception. (continued on schedule o)in addition, through the gsf r.i.s.e. program, the foundation assisted with 43 adapted vehicles, 37 mobility devices, and 41 home modifications for america's injured, wounded, ill/aging defenders.
Community outreach and education worked hard to bring joy & relief to so many across the country, including providing critical financial aid to those in crisis. this includes, but is not limited to, disaster relief efforts in response to wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. the program also documented oral history stories from ww ii veterans and through continued sponsorship of a historian from the world war ii museum, gsf has helped to develop an ai profile for interviews so that guests can almost ask any question they'd like to ask and get a response. 152,877 active duty, veterans and first responders were served hearty, classic american meals as part of our serving heroes program, closing in on 1,225,780 meals since gsf began this tradition. (continued on schedule o)these meals are a message from grateful americans who appreciate their service and are a reminder that their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Whether the lt. dan band is boosting morale on military bases at home and abroad or raising awareness at benefit concerts across the country, the band entertains, educates, inspires and builds communities with its explosive live show everywhere it goes. the mission of every concert remains the same: honor. gratitude. rock & roll. the lt. dan band ended the fiscal year performing 23 concerts for attendees worldwide with more than 48,350 participants.first responders outreach recognized and supports america's firefighters, police and emts nationwide. these men and women are indispensable to maintaining the safety and support of our local communities. grants assisted first responders with urgent needs from protective gear to safety equipment. in 2024, the program assisted first responder departments throughout the u.s. with over 2,367 pieces of equipment, totaling $5,530,524. fire departments were also assisted with fire conference attendance, and specialized training for vehicle extrication, rope rescue and mental health support.
Revenue grew from $9.2M (FY2013) to $85.5M (FY2024) across 12 reported years.
Financial snapshot
Operating margin
3.3%
Revenue exceeded expenses in the latest fiscal year.
Total assets
$89.0M
Total liabilities
$5.6M
Net assets
$83.4M
Salaries & benefits
$8.3M
10% of expenses
Board members
9
7 independent
| Fiscal year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Total assets | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $85,518,656▲5.1% | $82,713,579▲10.2% | $83,398,707▲3.5% | $89,011,140▲3.9% | 990 |
| 2023 | $81,363,373▲32.6% | $75,061,687▲26.9% | $80,584,033▲8.5% | $85,641,059▲2.1% | 990 |
| 2022 | $61,342,171▲5.6% | $59,160,035▲61.4% | $74,270,518▼5.6% | $83,884,656▲5.2% | 990 |
| 2021 | $58,070,139▲18.8% | $36,643,851▼6.2% | $78,692,760▲31.7% | $79,715,180▲29.8% | 990 |
| 2020 | $48,867,816▲13.9% | $39,064,882▲0.3% | $59,740,977▲23.3% | $61,399,972▲19.0% | 990 |
| 2019 | $42,908,528▲13.3% | $38,966,049▲29.9% | $48,469,773▲12.0% | $51,598,916▲10.5% | 990 |
| 2018 | $37,863,384▲31.1% | $30,004,133▲37.3% | $43,292,770▲19.1% | $46,688,519▲25.2% | 990 |
| 2017 | $28,882,778▲21.3% | $21,847,952▲32.9% | $36,335,540▲27.2% | $37,276,887▲26.9% | 990 |
| 2016 | $23,804,308▼12.6% | $16,438,483▲19.8% | $28,561,244▲30.3% | $29,363,612▲31.9% | 990 |
| 2015 | $27,226,060▲70.9% | $13,727,150▲12.0% | $21,917,540▲149% | $22,253,988▲140% | 990 |
| 2014 | $15,934,398▲73.2% | $12,258,825▲112% | $8,815,306▲71.5% | $9,284,605▲69.9% | 990 |
| 2013 | $9,198,187 | $5,772,718▲261% | $5,139,733▲2372% | $5,465,410▲1708% | 990 |
| 2011 | — | $1,600,893 | $207,935 | $302,321 | 990 |
Original Form 990 PDFs (the Form column) are served by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, as filed with the IRS. Create a free account to download the CSV report.
Highest-paid: Donna Mercier — $454,103 (0.55% of total expenses)
| Name | Title | Hours/week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donna Mercier | Executive Director | 40 | $454,103 |
| James Ravella | Executive Vice President | 40 | $259,128 |
| Barbara Titus | Senior Vp - Operations/businesss | 40 | $230,197 |
| Cristin Bartter-kampsnider | Vice President - Marcomms | 40 | $226,431 |
| Sarah Hollis | Vice President - Philanthropy | 40 | $208,768 |
| Elizabeth Dolan | Philanthropic Advisor | 40 | $196,669 |
| Gilbert Bosworth | Vice President - R.i.s.e. Program | 40 | $161,811 |
| Christina Kreisel | Sr. Director - Corp/community Relations | 40 | $157,657 |
| Hannah Luppino | Vice President - Programs | 40 | $157,391 |
| Laura Krieger | Sr. Director - Philanthropic Strategy | 40 | $155,787 |
| Robert George | Vice President - Outreach | 40 | $154,350 |
| Megan Riel | Salesforce Manager | 40 | $139,769 |
| Erin Dancer | Sr. Philanthropic Advisor (thru 9/24) | 40 | $118,666 |
| Andrea Mandell | Director | 20 | — |
| Gary Sinise | Chairman/founder | 20 | — |
| Gregory Gadson | Director | 20 | — |
| James Shubert | Treasurer | 20 | — |
| John Heubusch | Secretary | 20 | — |
| Moira Sinise | Director (thru 3/25) | 10 | — |
| Pastor Velasco | Director | 20 | — |
| Contractor | Services | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Production Management One Inc | Concert Setup/tear Down | $1,379,876 |
| Signature Homes of Jefferson City Inc | Construction Project Management | $1,259,658 |
| Mla General Contractors Inc | Construction Project Management | $1,070,753 |
| Judy Seale International | Promotions/support For Base Entertainmen | $766,128 |
| Parking Lot Productions Inc | Videotaping/audio-visual | $727,028 |
351 grants to Gary Sinise Foundation totaling $54.4M, reported by foundations on their Schedule I filings — showing the 15 most recent.
169 grants totaling $17.0M in FY2024 — showing the 15 largest. All grants made by Gary Sinise Foundation →
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder Crest Foundation | Alliance - fund struggle well/bc retreats | $4,500,000 |
| Hyperformance Foundation Inc | Sports/rec provider grant | $2,000,000 |
| Metanoia Films LLC | Mental health seminars | $1,841,750 |
| Friends of Firefighters Inc | Alliance support-fdny | $570,000 |
| Training To Perform Under Pressure LLC | Training for first responders | $427,254 |
| Travis Mills Foundation | Supporting tm mission/programs | $350,000 |
| Lighthouse Family Retreat Inc | Retreat for military/fr w/childhood cancer | $284,625 |
| Centerstone of Tennessee Inc | Alliance support - mental wellness | $250,000 |
| No Greater Sacrifice Foundation | Scholarships for children of fallen | $250,000 |
| Mes Service Company LLC | Equipment grant fulfillments | $229,920 |
| Never Alone Widows Inc | Support widows of heroes | $220,500 |
| Valor Partners Foundation | Educational scholarship grants | $200,000 |
| Warriors Heart Virginia | Addiction treatment support | $200,000 |
| Charles H Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center | Alliance support-medal of honor gala | $150,000 |
| 2serve Together Foundation | Support for women veterans | $150,000 |
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Data for Gary Sinise Foundation (EIN 80-0587086) comes from the IRS Business Master File and e-filed Form 990 returns, via CharityIndex. Figures reflect what the organization reported to the IRS for each fiscal year.