Our Story

Founded in 1990

The Kaufman Fund was founded in 1990 in memory of Ralph Kaufman by his younger brother Wayne Kaufman. Ralph was a Veteran himself, serving four years in the United States Air Force. After his service, he went on to become a successful businessman, earning many prestigious awards from The Small Business Association and other organizations. However, he never forgot about those who served our country and he always honored and respected them. In addition to Veterans, Ralph also cared about children too.

Wayne followed in his brother's footsteps, serving our country in the United States Army for three years. Wayne served in Vietnam in 1969-70 and was awarded a Bronze star, and a Bronze star with an oak leaf cluster, and attained the rank of Sergeant. His own passion to serve Veterans had its beginnings with his service in Vietnam and his commitment to help other Veterans who also served our country and were in need.

Through our many programs and grants, the following are the many ways where we help our Veterans

• Legal Referral
• Dental Referral
• Mental Health Referral
• Chiropractic Referral
• Food for Vets
• Artist First for Veterans
• Trees for Vets
• Winter Warm-Up
• Grants to other veteran-serving organizations

We Help:

• Veterans with Mental Health challenges find more access to care through our Mental Health Collaborative
• Provide Veterans and their families groceries through our Food for Vets program
• Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder receive equine and dog assisted therapy
•  Veterans at Missouri Veterans Homes-visiting, receiving gifts at Christmas, special parties and outings designed for their welfare
• Veteran's children receiving scholarships
• Veteran families receive FREE Christmas Trees and stands at the Holidays. We give away over 300 each year
• Distribute winter coats, hats and gloves to disadvantaged Veterans for the winter
• Send care packages to deployed military members serving our country
• Find employment for unemployed Veterans
• Veterans in need of Dental assistance not covered by the VA(Veterans Administration) through our Dental Program
• Military families with grief counseling after losing a loved one
• Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder receive art therapy
• Veteran and active duty military members families receive assistance when they are in the hospital
• Veterans who have legal issues that need representation by an attorney through our Legal Program
• Disabled Veterans receive therapy through sports activities