FAQ

We are a nonprofit organization of veterans helping veterans. Our founder and executive director, the son of a WWII Navy vet, served in the Army during the Vietnam Era. The majority of our Board of Directors are veterans, those with close family ties to vets, and one whose husband currently serves our country. We are committed to helping our less fortunate heroes restore their dignity and reclaim their lives.

We collaborate with caring music artists to raise public awareness and dollars to help end veteran homelessness. Your tax deductable donation will fund nonprofit, community service organizations and programs providing direct support for vets in need and those at-risk of becoming homeless in all 50 states.

We believe fervently in helping those who’ve done so much to protect our freedoms and preserve our quality of life. Things most of us often take for granted. America’s military has been all-volunteer for decades. All those who fought in places like Iraq, Afghanistan — and many in Vietnam — chose to serve our country knowing it might put them in harm’s way. We cannot sit by while our brothers and sisters struggle to attain a basic human right and the same quality of life we enjoy.

All profits are distributed among a variety of community service organizations across America. These nonprofit agencies work day-to-day with homeless vets on the street and in shelters to secure transitional housing, health care, treatment for substance abuse, psychological and emotional counseling, job and career training, educational assistance and other programs critical to solving the complex issues at the root of homelessness.

The organizations we help fund must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities in good standing, and ones that we, or the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans have identifed as having the most impact on ending veteran homelessness. In addition, artists may ask that proceeds from their own fundraisers be sent to their favorite veterans charity. Our goal is to support those doing the most good with limited resources.

In some cases community service organizations do get federal and/or state funding, but as you may be aware, Congress continues to cut this funding. We try to help those most in need of financial support. They have to meet our standards before receiving any of your dollars. And we are obligated by the IRS to monitor how all funding we give is used by these organizations, and required to make public our activities in a year-end report.

Absolutely. We evaluate many such requests to assure your favorite veterans charity is among those who meet our requirements. If they do – and you donate a minimum of $250 – we are most happy to follow your wishes!

Great question! While any donation to a cause certainly helps, giving to VUV helps you maximize your gift’s impact. Unlike those we fund our overhead is very low. This lets us spread donations around to many worthy agencies. Most importantly, donating to VUV helps fuel our web radio and TV shows and live events, elevating the profiles of terrific programs far and wide. The promotional clout they get is an organic magnet attracting even more dollars to sustain their great work!

The end result is more homeless vets in more places can get what they need to reclaim their lives more quickly than if you gave to a single organization.

Several ways. Tell your fans about us. Ask them to support our work with a donation. Let us help set up special “Mats For Pats” nights to maximize your fundraising. We’ll promote the heck out of it and create a special landing page with your brand and logo fans will recognize. We even compensate you for your efforts! That’s how much your concern for vets means to us.

Alternatively, consider donating a percentage of your gig and merch earnings to the cause. It’s tax deductable. Better yet, give a smaller amount and make your gift recurring. Ask us how easy that is!

Yes! We value and want to collaborate with artists who believe in our cause and want their music to make a difference. Indie artists should never be expected to work for free – and raising money for any charity is hard work. We always want you to know how much your efforts are appreciated. Please contact us to arrange a phone chat about how you can get involved.

You bet! We commission artists who contribute uniquely written, patriotic songs to our MatsForPats channel. (Music Artists Taking a Stand for Patriots). We ask that your song be previously unreleased, and not available anywhere but on the channel. Naturally we want you to perform it live – video would be great! – and tell fans where they can get it. They will receive an mp3 download of the song (plus goodies) upon making a donation.

Interested in knowing more? Please email Ken Main to arrange a phone chat and full details of our Artist Commission program.

Not yet, but that’s coming! Part of our business model will feature “teams” of artists and bands on “mini” tours spanning 3-5 cities by geographic region. Our charity would pay you, and take care of most expenses. Wait until you hear about our promotional strategy! We’re hoping to be able to compensate you in other ways, too. Stay tuned!

Email us to set up a time to chat by phone about how you and your music can put a stop to veteran homelessness.