For a long time, WAV didn’t have a way for people to donate directly to our work. But as our resources grew and more families discovered our mission, we kept hearing the same question: “How can I help support what you’re doing?”
That question came from caregivers, spouses, friends, and community members who saw value in our tools and wanted to help more people access them. Because of that continued interest and encouragement, we’re now opening a simple way for anyone to contribute to WAV’s mission. This new feature exists because you asked for it, and because our community made it clear that they want to help us empower more loved ones to prevent Veteran gun suicide.
How Your Support Helps Us Grow
Your contributions help us to continue to improve the site, expand our partnerships, keep critical information up to date, and reach the people who need WAV the most. Every little bit counts.
Reaching More People Who Need Us
Donations help WAV expand outreach so more families and loved ones know that they’re not alone: practical, judgment-free support is available to them right now. Increased visibility means more loved ones learning how to recognize signs of crisis, how to start difficult conversations, and how to make homes safer with their Veteran.
Developing New Content and Evolving With Your Needs
Our community frequently tells us what topics are confusing, overwhelming, or hard to navigate. Your contributions help us continue building clear, compassionate resources like our video vignettes, conversation guides, safety plan templates, and blog posts that meet Veterans’ loved ones where they are.
Improving and Tailoring the Website
You’ve shared your stories, questions, and experiences with us, and those insights directly shape how we grow. Donations allow us to continue tailoring our website so it’s easier to use, easier to understand, and more aligned with what you need.
Keeping State-by-State Gun-Transfer and Storage Laws Updated
One of the most-visited areas of our site is our state-specific resources directory. You can learn about laws that impact who you can store firearms with, where to find mental health treatment, and more, but this information can change frequently. Your support helps us keep these pages accurate, current, and accessible so you can continue to make informed, safe decisions with your Veteran no matter where you live.
Expanding our Training and Partnerships
Our work is stronger when we do it alongside others. Donations make it possible for WAV to train and collaborate with organizations like Blue Star Families, Veteran Spouse Network, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Robert Irvine Foundation, and Vets4Warriors, ensuring our message reaches the people who need it most.
Bringing Real Stories to You
One of our goals for the coming year is to add more stories from real Veterans, loved ones, and caregivers who have walked this path and can offer their expertise. Your generosity will help us collect and share these powerful narratives.
What Your Support Has Already Helped Us Achieve
Over the previous year, thanks to your feedback, engagement, and trust, we accomplished more than we could imagine:
- Completely redesigned our website to prepare for a national launch, making it easier to navigate and tailored to the real needs of our expanding audience.
- Reached over 40,000 people who came to our website looking for guidance, support, and tools to help a Veteran in their life.
- Connected with over 2,000 individuals directly through in-person and virtual talks, trainings, and community events.
- Added new audience-informed videos that speak directly to the challenges families face.
- Launched our WAV blog, giving us a new space to dive deeper into complicated topics.
- Introduced the V4W Partner Line, so loved ones who dial 844-255-2928 (844-CLL-2WAV) can speak directly with someone who can walk them through WAV’s resources based on their specific situation.
- Built our initial partnerships that help strengthen our reach and impact.
These improvements didn’t come out of nowhere. They came directly from you. Your comments, questions, and lived experiences on our site guide nearly every decision we make.
Why Your Giving Matters
Every contribution directly supports practical work: improving our tools, strengthening our partnerships, and responding to the real needs you share with us through the site and in the community. Any small amount makes a measurable difference, allowing us to expand our resources, reach more families, and help us prevent Veteran gun suicide.
