What does it take to grow a small, underfunded nonprofit into a $4 million-per-year force for veteran support?
In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Kate McCauley, CEO of Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS), to explore how operational clarity, disciplined leadership, and heartfelt dedication can scale a mission—without losing the soul behind it.
Based in Omaha, Nebraska, WWFS was founded over two decades ago by retired Marine Colonel John Folsom. What began with passing the hat in a military unit has grown into a nationally respected organization supporting severely wounded veterans and their families. Kate shares the powerful origin story, the strategic pivots that led to explosive growth, and how they’ve maintained a 100% transparency rating while keeping overhead low and impact high.
This episode unpacks WWFS’s flagship program, Mobility is Freedom, which equips catastrophically wounded veterans with adaptive vehicles that preserve independence and prevent isolation. Kate reveals how the program combats veteran suicide and why aging veterans—many missing multiple limbs—face overwhelming financial barriers to mobility.
From food insecurity to caregiver burnout, WWFS doesn’t stop at veteran care—they provide respite programs, home assistance, and direct family support, including for children and secondary caregivers.
Key themes include:
- 🔑 How small nonprofits can scale without losing control
- 💡 The dangers of overpromising (and how to stay mission-aligned)
- 🔎 Why transparency, not branding, wins long-term donor trust
- 📈 Lessons in leadership, CRM systems, and fundraising in a noisy market
Kate also offers tactical advice for veterans looking to give back or start a nonprofit: be mission-focused, start at the bottom, and partner with others who share your values. She emphasizes that growth isn’t about ego—it’s about helping more people.
Whether you're a nonprofit leader, veteran entrepreneur, or supporter of military families, this episode will challenge you to think bigger—and do better.
📍 Learn more or donate at wwfs.org
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