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Developing Business in the Communities We Call Home

Developing Business in the Communities We Call Home

“To be sustainable, business development must be continuous.”

– Duncan S. Milne, Retired US Marine Corps Colonel, President,
Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (the Center), we view business development as a continuous effort. Adopting the military principle that effective camouflage must be ongoing, we maintain consistent discipline to deliver lasting results for veterans and their families.

The week of March 16 showcases our team’s dedication. We are honored to participate in the 265th New York City (NYC) St. Patrick’s Day Parade as guests of our Command Council member Bob McCann, who is leading this year’s parade as the Grand Marshal. This event amplifies our mission, allowing us to connect with new audiences and raise awareness of the Center’s work.

Beyond the parade, our team is deepening relationships in NYC with local foundations, donors, and our partners at The Fedcap Group and its companies. We are also aligning with our corporate service partners – HR, finance, IT, legal, and marketing – to ensure our strategies and operations support our mission.

Through ongoing engagement and continuous improvement, the Center remains the trusted resource for organizations, individuals, communities, and movements interested in improving the wellbeing of veterans and their families.

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen

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Work with Purpose – Strengthening Veteran Pathways into the Skilled Trades

Work with Purpose – Strengthening Veteran Pathways into the Skilled Trades

“Veterans shouldn’t have to choose between purpose and opportunity. Registered apprenticeships offer both – clear pathways into skilled careers that value the discipline, leadership, and experience veterans bring to the workforce.”

– Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs & Services, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

On Feb. 19, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (the Center) participated in the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) Union Apprenticeships Roundtable, bringing together leaders from labor organizations, federal agencies, and veteran-serving institutions. The discussion focused on improving access to registered apprenticeships for transitioning service members and veterans.

During the roundtable, the Center shared insights from our work across workforce ecosystems, highlighting where veterans often encounter barriers entering union-sponsored apprenticeship programs. Key themes included aligning military transition timelines with apprenticeship intakes, improving recognition of military training and experience, and strengthening collaboration between veteran-serving organizations and apprenticeship sponsors.

At the same time, the Center continued working with national labor partners on federal policy aimed at expanding veteran access to these pathways.

In collaboration with the AFL-CIO and other partners, the Center helped inform the development of the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026, recently introduced in both the House and Senate.

The legislation addresses a long-standing imbalance in how Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are distributed between traditional college programs and registered apprenticeships. Under current law, veterans pursuing four-year degrees can receive greater total benefits than those entering apprenticeship programs—even though apprenticeships require full-time training and lead directly to high-demand careers.

Together, these efforts marked meaningful progress toward ensuring veterans have equitable access to career pathways that provide purpose, stability, and long-term opportunity.

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen

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Honor, Anticipation & Preparation

Honor, Anticipation & Preparation

“Now more than ever, we are reaffirming our unwavering support for those touched by military service by ensuring we have the resources to fulfill our commitments.”

 – Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development 

Amid recent U.S. strikes in Iran and rising regional unrest, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (the Center) is reaffirming our unwavering support for those touched by military service. Our U.S. service members are dedicated individuals who display remarkable courage and professionalism every day, and their families shoulder the ongoing challenges of uncertainty and concern for their loved ones. Our nation’s veterans, too, are affected by these events, as news of military action often rekindles memories and emotions from their own service. We honor these experiences and sacrifices with deep respect. 

At the heart of our mission is building capacity that is empowering organizations, individuals, communities, and systems to integrate and support both veterans and their families. As the situation evolves, our team is actively monitoring developments and continuing to anticipate evolving needs for those affected by recent hostilities in the Middle East. 

Our leadership and development team are intensifying efforts to ensure we have the resources needed to fulfill our commitments. 

Our momentum continues – 2025 saw a 39% growth in revenue and a 22% increase in donors, fueling the launch of our 2026 strategic priorities. This spring, our Development Team distributed our 2025 Chair’s Report, secured 82% of 2026 revenue goals, held ten in-person meetings with potential and current donors, closed four grant renewals and submitted five new proposals to Corporations and  Foundations. 

We remain diligent, focused, and eager to identify new opportunities and strengthen our support for the military community. 

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen

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Standing in the Gap – The Andy Quattlebaum Warrior Hunt 2026

Standing in the Gap – The Andy Quattlebaum Warrior Hunt 2026

“Connection is not an event outcome — it is a system design challenge. If we want to reduce isolation, we must build the pathways that sustain belonging.”

– Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst,
Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

Recently, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (the Center) partnered and participated in support of the 2026 Andy Quattlebaum Warrior Hunt near Georgetown, S.C.

The Warrior Hunt, hosted by the Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation, created a space for connection among veterans who have served from all eras. The Center’s role was to strengthen the infrastructure that makes that connection possible and sustainable.

Over the last year, the Center worked with foundation leadership to:
 

  • Clarify desired outcomes beyond the event experience.
  • Strengthen alignment between philanthropic investment and veteran impact.
  • Develop a framework to measure connection, trust-building, and longer-term engagement.
  • Identify partnerships that could extend the impact of the hunt beyond a single weekend.
  • Position the event within a broader ecosystem of veteran-serving organizations.

 
Isolation among veterans rarely announces itself loudly. It shows up quietly — in disconnection from community, in the loss of trusted networks, and in the absence of shared identity after service. Events like the Warrior Hunt create powerful moments of reconnection. But moments alone are not systems.
 
Our work ensured that the 2026 Hunt was strengthened as more than a gathering. It was positioned as a strategic intervention point — one that can reduce isolation by linking participants to longer-term support, peer networks, and community-based capacity.

This week’s engagement reinforced something we see repeatedly in our work: addressing veteran isolation and disconnection requires more than programming. It requires structure, partnership, and intentional design.
 
On Friday, our blog will explore the deeper issue of isolation and disconnection among veterans — why it persists, where systems fall short, and what it takes to build durable connection at scale.
 
We hope you will read and continue the conversation with us.

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen

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The Power of Partnership

The Power of Partnership

How the Center and the Fedcap Group Make Greater Impact Together

At the heart of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services’ (the Center) mission is a commitment to improving the lives of veterans and their families. As a proud member of The Fedcap Group, the Center draws strength from a global network of leading nonprofit organizations, the affiliates, collaborating to create meaningful opportunities and support for those who served our nation.

Over the past few months, the Center has advanced its business development initiatives by partnering closely with key affiliates. In Boston, the Center teamed up with Community Work Services to exchange best business practices and innovative models, ensuring both organizations are equipped to meet the evolving needs of veterans. This collaboration helped strengthen operational effectiveness and broaden the reach of services offered to clients.

The Center also worked with Civic Hall in New York City, finalizing plans for the Annual Holiday Reception. This event is not only a celebration but also an important opportunity for networking, engagement, and community building among veterans, supporters, and partner organizations.

Furthermore, the Center renewed its contract with Single Stop, reinforcing its commitment to connecting veterans with vital resources and services. These partnerships exemplify the Center’s dedication to collaborative business development, ensuring organizations, communities and individuals receive comprehensive support to meet their goals enhancing the wellbeing of veterans and their families.

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen

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The Meaning Behind Our Donor Gifts

The Meaning Behind Our Donor Gifts

“Our donor gifts are a small but intentional way of saying thank you. They’re meant to reflect the gratitude we feel and for the trust our donors place in us every day.” 

– Tatum Causey, Development Specialist

Donors to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services give because they believe deeply in our mission, the work we do, and the communities we serve. While their generosity is never given with expectation, our team believes that small, thoughtful tokens of appreciation can go a long way in expressing our gratitude and honoring that trust.

In 2025, 145 donors received a branded gift, thoughtfully selected based on their level of giving. Each item is chosen with intention; something practical, meaningful, and designed to be used in everyday life, serving as a simple reminder of the cause they have chosen to stand behind. Most importantly, these gifts represent the impact their generosity makes possible: creating stronger systems of support and brighter futures for veterans and their families.

This year’s donor gifts include coasters shared through the mail and at our Annual Holiday Reception, as well as branded hoodies (gifts of $500+), grocery totes, mugs, socks (gifts $100-$499), and drawstring bags (gifts $99 and under). These items are not meant to be flashy, but functional, small expressions of thanks that fit naturally into daily routines.

When our supporters use or wear items with the Center’s logo, it often sparks conversations about our mission and the work we do together. Just as importantly, it serves as an ongoing reminder of the meaningful difference our donors have made, and continue to make, in the lives of those who have served.

 

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen

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Operation Veteran Empowerment Update

Operation Veteran Empowerment Update

“Real progress happens when organizations listen, innovate, and act together.”

– Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs & Services

Recently, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (the Center) advanced meaningful, on-the-ground progress in Operation Veteran Empowerment, a statewide initiative to strengthen the capacity of service organizations and deepen collaboration among partners supporting veterans with complex challenges across New York State.

The Center convened a collaborative working session that brought together Black Veterans for Social Justice and Fedcap Group’s Justice Initiative program. The conversation focused on the barriers, justice-involved New York veterans encounter as they reenter the workforce – ranging from credentialing and employer perceptions to access to supportive services. Together, partners surfaced practical, veteran-centered solutions and identified opportunities to better align workforce pathways, reentry supports, and employer engagement. The candid discussion resulted in shared insight that was translated into collective action.

As part of Operation Veteran Empowerment, the Center also participated in a regional planning session with Guardian Revival and other veteran-serving organizations in Westchester and Putnam Counties. The focus was on expanding volunteer engagement and services for residents of the New York State Veterans Home at Montrose. Drawing on our systems-level perspective, we helped shape strategies to ensure that veterans at Montrose remain connected to meaningful services and community engagement – particularly on weekends, when programming gaps are most pronounced. The emphasis was on fostering connection, purpose, and quality of life beyond traditional weekday and clinical settings.

Taken together, these efforts underscored the steady work and progress behind Operation Veteran Empowerment: building trust among partners, aligning resources, and strengthening local systems so veterans—no matter their circumstances—have access to coordinated, responsive support in their communities.

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen

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The Center & Fedcap Remain Aligned On Goals Related to Support, Profitability, & Growth

The Center & Fedcap Remain Aligned On Goals Related to Support, Profitability, & Growth

“Positive program outcomes have translated directly into Fedcap’s organizational resilience and long-term growth. Fedcap delivered strong fiscal 2025 results—exceeding our internal revenue projections and expanding our impact across every region we serve.”

– Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap

As a member of the Fedcap Group, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (the Center) participated in the recent release of Fedcap’s FY25 Full -Year Financial and Programmatic Results.

In FY25, Fedcap served over 333,479 individuals, a 37% increase compared to the previous year. What’s more, Fedcap achieved $404.5 million in operating revenue for FY25, representing a 6.8% increase over FY24. As of September 30, 2025, Fedcap had $49.4 million in cash and investments, total assets of $402.5 million, and long-term liabilities of $298.5 million.

“Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, we believe Fedcap is well-positioned to navigate the continued volatility in the broader economic and political landscape… These efforts will deepen our impact, and ensure that Fedcap continues delivering reliable, high-quality outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve,” said McMahon.

A global network of top-tier nonprofit agencies, Fedcap operates in four practice areas—education, workforce development, health, and economic development—across 30 nonprofit subsidiaries in more than 110 locations spanning the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen

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Strategic Priorities

Strategic Priorities

“This three-year plan provides a structured approach to achieving the Center’s strategic objectives, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and measurable impact.”

– David Sutherland, Chair

FY26–FY28 Roadmap to Impact, Growth, and Sustainability

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (the Center) began the year by finalizing our three-year business plan and priorities focusing on enhancing the wellbeing of veterans and their families through our work with organizations, donors and communities nationwide.

Supported by The Fedcap Group, the Center aims to close critical gaps in veteran support through collaboration, resource sharing, and innovation. Key priorities for FY26–FY28 include strengthening governance, securing sustainable funding, and expanding outreach through new marketing strategies.

A core element of the Center’s approach is measurable impact – tracking progress, keeping stakeholders informed, and improving programs. Our partnership with Fedcap highlights ongoing capacity building and systems change.

The Center continues to serve as a top resource for veteran and military family community integration. With strong leadership and a vision for independence, we encourage advocates, donors, and leaders to join our mission and help broaden our reach and impact.

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen

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2025 Annual Chairman’s Report

2025 Annual Chairman’s Report

“I am pleased with our 2025 outputs and accomplishments. The Center continues to make significant progress toward fulfilling our vision.”

– David Sutherland, Chair
 

Every year, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (the Center) proudly shares our Annual Report, and this year is no exception.

The 2025 Chair’s Annual Report highlights the Center’s growth and impact through partnerships, projects, and community engagement to improve veterans’ well-being. In 2025, the Center remained focused on collaboration, providing ideas, encouraging action, and facilitating advocacy rather than direct services, to achieve systemic change. Through financial growth and our stronger than ever strategic partnership with Fedcap Group, we were able to enhance program effectiveness and resource allocation. Our Chair highlights:

• Significant growth and engagement: The Center partnered with 60 organizations, a 30% increase from 2024, executed 30 operations, 87 projects, and 15 policy proposals, and hosted 30 community events, while expanding media mentions and online engagement. Staff increased by 20%, revenue rose by 39%, and donors grew by 22%.

• Mission and approach: The Center acts as a resource hub, offering ideas, motivating action, facilitating advocacy, and convening stakeholders to integrate military and veteran services into existing programs rather than creating new ones.

• Partnership and financial strategy: As part of Fedcap, 88% of spending supports programming, ensuring efficient resource use and strong governance to maximize impact on veterans and their families. The Center commits to transparency, growth, and stakeholder engagement moving forward.

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Memorial Day – Reflect and Remember

“The selected lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ honors sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the enduring respect and remembrance owed to fallen