™
BECAUSE FREEDOM
DESERVES A THANK YOU.
We provide outdoor experiences that bring veterans together to reconnect, heal, and rediscover camaraderie through the outdoors.
WHY
THIS MISSION MATTERS
Many veterans return home carrying invisible burdens.
-
Isolation and loss of camaraderie
-
Loss of purpose and daily structure
-
Barriers to seeking mental health support
Connection and community are powerful protective factors. Time outdoors with others who understand their experiences can help restore purpose, rebuild friendships, and strengthen well-being.
That is why The Giving Ground Foundation exists.
Founding Sponsors
The Giving Ground Foundation stands today because early sponsors, partners, and community supporters chose to believe in this mission from the beginning. As Founding Sponsors, you have helped establish the foundation upon which lasting impact for veterans will continue to grow.
The Upland Hero Hunt honors our veterans, helps build meaningful connections, and is a mission that truly matters. We are proud to stand with The Giving Ground Foundation.
Bryan Davis
General Manager
Supporting the Upland Hero Hunt is an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. Seeing veterans reconnect, share experiences, and enjoy the outdoors reminds us why we give.
Ray Lovell
Owner
The Upland Hero Hunt is a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together to honor and support its veterans.
William Petrakis
Owner
Every gift moves us closer to
fully funding this year’s event.
FUNDRAISING PROGRESS
2026 Goal: $50,000
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$10
$50
$100
$200
Other
About The
Giving Ground
Foundation
Our Mission
The Giving Ground Foundation was created with a simple belief: the outdoors can heal. Our team, passionate about both conservation and veteran support, saw an opportunity to make a real difference. By hosting guided hunting experiences, we give veterans more than just a day in the field—we give them connection, confidence, and community. Our flagship program, the Upland Hero Hunt, unites disabled and able-bodied veterans for an unforgettable pheasant hunt each year.
The Giving Ground Foundation is committed to empowering disabled and able-bodied United States military veterans through structured, therapeutic hunting experiences designed to foster camaraderie, encourage a lasting appreciation for the outdoors, and promote improved mental health. By creating a supportive environment rooted in shared purpose and outdoor engagement, we aim to build meaningful relationships, honor the sacrifices of our nation's servicemembers, and contribute to their long-term well-being.
Core Values
Values Statement
-
Empowerment – We help veterans rediscover strength, purpose, and confidence through challenging yet rewarding outdoor experiences.
-
Camaraderie – We believe in the unbreakable bond formed through shared moments, mutual respect, and collective healing.
-
Honor – We recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifices of all veterans, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
-
Accessibility – We are committed to inclusive experiences that accommodate both disabled and able-bodied veterans equally.
-
Stewardship – We respect and protect the land we use, cultivating a lasting appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and ethical hunting practices.
-
Well-being – We prioritize the mental, emotional, and social health of those we serve, using nature as a tool for holistic support.
Our Inaugural Hunt
“The Upland Hero Hunt reminded me that I’m not alone. Being in the field with other vets gave me back a sense of brotherhood I’d been missing.”
– Gary S. U.S. Army Ret.
The Upland Hero Hunt
The Upland Hero Hunt is more than a hunting
trip—it’s an experience designed to restore hope and build camaraderie.
On November 1, 2025, we brought 40 veterans to Green Acres Sportsman’s Club in Roberts, Illinois for a fully guided pheasant hunt. With expert guides, trained bird dogs, and all equipment provided, our veterans were focused on enjoying the outdoors and connecting with one another. The day began with breakfast and conclude with a dinner and an address Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) Chairman, House Veterans' Affairs Committee.
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12)
Chairman, House Veterans' Affairs Committee
David Gomez
Professional Guide
SPONSOR A VETERAN
Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Lend a hand at one of our events or help behind the scenes. Your time and skills can make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans.
Sponsor an Event
Businesses and organizations play a critical role in our mission. From gear donations to financial support, your partnership helps create unforgettable experiences for those who served our country. Sponsorship tiers include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with recognition at events and across our media platforms.
Where We're Headed
The Giving Ground Foundation is rapidly evolving from a successful inaugural program into a growing platform for veteran engagement and outdoor-based healing. Following the success of the Upland Hero Hunt, we are expanding our programming to include deer, turkey, duck, and goose hunts, creating year-round opportunities that serve more veterans while strengthening community impact. This next phase of growth presents a unique opportunity for corporate partners to join us at a formative moment — helping shape programs that will become lasting traditions of service and stewardship. Strategic sponsorship with The Giving Ground Foundation is more than financial support; it is a partnership that aligns your organization with leadership, community investment, and meaningful veteran impact. Together, we are building scalable programs that honor service, foster connection, and demonstrate a shared commitment to those who have sacrificed for our country.