Combat Veteran Unit Projects


Funded by Saber Six Foundation

Apply for a grant. Become a saber six expansion unit.

You and your teammates met combat challenges head-on, forging unbreakable bonds. Now it’s time to bring the troops back together to create new memories by building a non-profit organization.

Open to all branches of service and service members of any rank, Saber Six Foundation provides the funding, mentorship, and education for Combat Veteran-led non-profit projects that reunite units for positive impact.

APPLY SEE FUNDED PROJECTS

Why Become a Saber Six Expansion Unit?

Through the Expansion Unit Initiative, Saber Six equips Veteran-led non-profit organizations with proven tools, resources, mentoring, and a national network that strengthens local impact. Whether you just have an idea or you’ve already founded a non-profit, Saber Six Foundation can help you grow to the next stage. Combat Veterans thrive when they re-connect with teammates they already know and trust.

What Saber Six Expansion Units Receive

Mentoring

  • Leadership mentoring
  • Strategic planning
  • Board development
  • Resource development coaching

Education

  • Access to proven Saber Six programs
  • Professional development
  • Wellness initiatives
  • Shared best practices

Growth

  • Grant opportunities
  • Marketing collaboration
  • National visibility
  • Networking with fellow Veteran organizations

  • “Saber Six is an organization that is focused on helping Veteran non-profits succeed. Their support to our organization’s mission has been critical to our development and continued improvement.”

    John Paganini

    Ghost Squadron Foundation

  • “The guidance from the Saber Six foundation has been extremely impactful to our young organization. Highly recommended!”

    Andrew Kennedy

    The Debrief Project

The Saber Six Expansion Unit partnership Process

1

IDEA

Have an idea ready for a project that reunites your combat Vet unit

2

STRATEGY

Reach out to Saber Six Foundation to develop a strategy

3

FORMATION

Forming your 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

4

FUNDING

From starting seed money through Series C

5

MENTORSHIP

From startup until operations are self sustaining

Is your idea or non-profit a good fit for Saber Six?

  • Are you a Combat Veteran looking to reunite your team?
  • Would you like to establish a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization?
  • Are you open to having an advisory board?
  • Do you have a desire to grow your organizational and leadership skills?

Let’s strengthen the Veteran community – together.

You bring the idea and the team. We’ll provide the funding, education, and mentorship to support your growth.

SCHEDULE AN EXPLORATORY CALL

Saber Six Expansion Unit Stories

1-5 cav foundation

1-5 Cav Foundation

The 1-5 Cav Black Knight Foundation is a Veteran-focused nonprofit working toward a world free from veteran suicide. It develops programs and supports initiatives that help service members affected by combat and post-traumatic stress build resilience and recover, improving daily life for them and their loved ones. Its approach turns trauma into growth by strengthening well-being and community. It also shares veterans’ stories through the Warriors Rise docuseries. Donations fund its mission work.

LEARN MORE
ghost squadron expansion unit

Ghost Squadron

Ghost Squadron Association is a Veteran-founded nonprofit that serves as a central hub for members of the 71st Cavalry, past and future. It also preserves the unit’s legacy, shares news and events, and gives veterans a place to reconnect, swap stories, and honor service. Grounded in the Army Values, it supports veterans through community, wellness, and reintegration programs, with the mission that no one is left behind. It regularly hosts squadron reunions online and in person.

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The Debrief Project

The Debrief Project

The Debrief Project is a nonprofit that empowers Combat Veterans to share their wartime stories as a path to healing and self-discovery. The organization supports peer-to-peer storytelling and honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Its current documentary project tells the story of soldiers pinned down by insurgents in Baqubah, Iraq, in 2006. It also aims to give Combat Veterans and families recognition and educate future leaders about Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

For Combat Veteran units considering an Expansion Unit Founder’s Grant in partnership with Saber Six Foundation.

An Expansion Unit is a Veteran-led nonprofit organization that partners with Saber Six Foundation to grow an independent nonprofit that brings members of your combat unit or cohort together through programs that strengthen connection, purpose, belonging, and wellbeing.

Organizations must:

  • Be a combat unit or cohort who experienced a crucible experience together (from any military service)
  • And, be led by a Veteran Leader to serve Veterans from that same combat unit
  • Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
  • Have an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Maintain an organizational bank account
  • Have a board with at least three members
  • Propose a clearly defined project/goal with measurable results
  • Be committed to responsible growth, accountability, and collaboration

Organizations actively pursuing 501(c)(3) status may still be considered if they have an EIN, an organizational bank account, at least three board members, a Veteran Leader and a clear mission serving their combat unit’s Veterans, and a project with measurable outcomes.


An exploratory call can help determine whether your organization is ready to apply or would benefit from additional development first.

The first step is an exploratory Zoom call with members of the Saber Six team. This is an opportunity for you to learn about the Saber Six Foundation, for us to learn about your organization, discuss your goals, proposed project, explore mission alignment, and determine whether the Expansion Unit Initiative may be a good fit.

The conversation is intended to be informative and collaborative. It does not obligate your organization to apply or guarantee funding will be awarded.

Projects should directly benefit combat Veterans and align with Saber Six’s emphasis on purpose, belonging, and wellbeing. Examples may include reunions, community-building activities, wellness initiatives, professional development, service projects, documentary production, and other programs that create meaningful engagement among Veterans.

Expansion Units receive more than financial support. During the 12-month partnership, Saber Six provides access to mentoring, organizational development, educational programs, and opportunities to connect with other Veteran leaders.

Support may include:

  • Strategic planning
  • Board development
  • Fundraising and resource-development guidance
  • Leadership mentoring
  • Marketing collaboration
  • Shared organizational practices and resources
  • Professional development sessions
  • Veteran wellness and community-building opportunities
  • Connections with other Veteran-led organizations

No. Expansion Units remain independent organizations with their own leadership, board, programs, and responsibilities. Saber Six serves as a funding partner, mentor, educator, and resource to help participating organizations strengthen their capacity and increase their impact.

Use the Schedule an Exploratory Call link on this page to connect with the Saber Six team. You may also contact Steve Glavan at steve@sabersixfoundation.com.

We look forward to learning about your organization, the Veterans you serve, and the impact you hope to make.

Ready to Apply?

Schedule a 30 minute exploratory call with Steve Glavan to find out more.

schedule a call