Securing the Future
Evocati PR Clients Team RWB and TAPS Secure Over $10 Million in Grants from Lilly Endowment
Introduction
At Evocati PR, we are dedicated to empowering organizations that serve the military-connected community. Today, we are proud to highlight a monumental achievement for two of our valued clients, Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Both organizations have received significant capacity-building grants from Lilly Endowment Inc., totaling over $10.5 million combined.
These grants are part of a broader initiative by Lilly Endowment to award 18 grants to help military and veterans service organizations across the country build their capacity to provide direct support to members of the U.S. military, veterans, and their families.
READ MORE: Purpose in Action: How Evocati PR Clients Are Elevating Veterans Day
TAPS Secures $7.5 Million to Sustain Long-Term Support
A TAPS mentor teaches a mentee how to properly shave. (Credit: TAPS)
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the leading national nonprofit providing compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a military loved one, has been awarded a $7.5 million grant. This funding is designated to strengthen the organization's systems and foundations, ensuring it can deliver its mission at scale for decades to come.
For more than 30 years, TAPS has provided comfort, care, and resource navigation to over 130,000 military survivors. As the number of survivors seeking assistance grows—due to service-connected illness, toxic exposures, suicide loss, and the needs of post-9/11 and Vietnam-era families—this infrastructure investment is vital.
"This extraordinary investment from Lilly Endowment allows TAPS to make long-needed advancements that will strengthen every facet of the care we provide surviving families," said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. "This support enables TAPS to strengthen the systems that hold up our mission, to continue providing love, comfort, and hope to survivors."
Team RWB Receives $3 Million to Modernize and Scale
Members of Team RWB engage in a join workout focused on improving health and wellness. (Credit: Team RWB)
Team Red, White & Blue, America’s leading military health and wellness community, received a $3 million grant to fund a three-year comprehensive capacity-building plan. This investment will focus on modernizing the organization's technology, expanding communications, and scaling sustainable revenue channels.
Specific initiatives funded by the grant include:
Technology & Infrastructure: Upgrading the Digital Garrison app and internal data systems to enhance the member experience.
Marketing & Communications: Launching new multimedia storytelling channels to reach younger veterans and better connect with volunteers.
Sustainable Revenue: Scaling fundraising initiatives like the Sentinel Monthly Giving Program and Soaring Eagles Charity Racing Program.
"I've watched Team RWB grow and evolve since the beginning, and we're just getting started," said Col. (Ret.) Michael "Sully" Sullivan, Executive Director of Team RWB. "We aren't just looking back at 15 years; we're building a new legacy for the next 15. We're grateful the Lilly Endowment recognizes our impact and sees the potential to take it even further."
READ MORE: Elevating Veteran Wellness: Evocati PR and Team RWB Reveal Transformative Health Study Results
PR with a Purpose
The selection of both TAPS and Team RWB for these prestigious grants underscores the critical importance of their missions and the effectiveness of their leadership.
At Evocati PR, we’re honored to partner with these organizations to amplify their stories and support their growth. By strengthening their operational backbones, both clients are ensuring that every dollar donated and every hour volunteered drives maximum impact for veterans and surviving families.
This recognition by Lilly Endowment serves as a powerful validation of the work being done in the military-connected sector. We look forward to seeing our clients leverage these resources to lead happier, healthier lives for veterans and provide unwavering support for the families of America's fallen heroes.
Our Clients’ Impact…
