Veterans rowing together on a Southern Illinois river at sunrise

Connecting
veterans through
community
and adventure.

Southern Illinois Veterans Foundation turns connection into action — through community programs, time on the water, and purpose-driven adventures that help end veteran suicide.

Join the 2026 Oarsome Odyssey — 6,000 miles for veteran suicide prevention
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Our goals

Founded in 2025, SIVF is just getting started. These are the goals we're building toward — every event, mile, and dollar gets us closer.

See our year-one goals
Goal
1,200+

Veterans we aim to connect through SIVF programs and events.

Goal
50

Community events we plan to host across Southern Illinois.

Goal
100%

Of donations go directly to veteran programs and outreach.

Take action

Every veteran deserves connection. Here are three ways you can help us reach them today.

Become a Monthly Supporter

Recurring gifts keep our programs running year-round — from block parties to Great Loop meetups.

Give Monthly

Sponsor SIVF

Show your business's commitment to veterans. Sponsorships fund events, gear, and outreach.

Become a Sponsor

Volunteer

Show up at events, support a water adventure, or help us reach the next veteran who needs us.

Volunteer

Why we exist

"I have finally found my purpose — and that purpose is to connect with as many veterans who need help as I possibly can."

— Sean Dillard, Co-Founder, Southern Illinois Veterans Foundation
Read our mission and story

Make a difference

When you give to SIVF, 100% of your donation funds programs that connect veterans — block parties, fishing trips, paddling expeditions, and the Oarsome Odyssey. Every dollar is another mile a veteran isn't traveling alone.

SIVF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.

Choose an amount
$
Continue — Give Once

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Sign up for updates

The needs of our veteran community are always changing. Stay in the loop on events, the Oarsome Odyssey, and how you can show up.