The mission of DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust is dedicated to one, single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.
To carry out this responsibility, the DAV Charitable Service Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs; enhances research and mobility for veterans with amputations and spinal cord injuries; benefits aging veterans; aids and shelters homeless veterans; and evaluates and addresses the needs of veterans wounded in recent wars and conflicts. For those of every era, the Trust also supports programs that benefit the caregivers and families of ill and injured veterans.
Since establishment, the DAV Charitable Service Trust has led a grant program for not-for-profit organizations that fulfill a need or array of needs for sick, wounded, and homeless or at-risk veterans throughout the nation. Though the Trust recognizes that the needs of veterans are often unique to a particular military family or veteran of a specific era, many of the services provided with grants funds reflect the rehabilitation for physical and/or psychological wounds from combat.
Frequently, the Trust awards grants to promote food, shelter, and other necessary items to homeless or at-risk veterans; mobility items for veterans that have experienced vision loss, hearing loss, or amputations; therapeutic or recreational activities for those with physical and/or psychological limitations; and education or training for veterans seeking career-readiness and skill development. Funds have also been awarded to support the families and caregivers of veterans in acknowledgement of the extended barriers faced by countless loved ones. The Trust does not generally provide funding to support goodwill advertising; initiatives that are affiliated with any given political or religious concept or campaign; endowment funds; pilot or newly established projects; or capital items including funds to support the acquisition or maintenance/rehabilitation of property.