Established in 1993, Veterans Research and Education Foundation of St. Louis (VREF) is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, whose main purpose is to help fund different research projects within the VA St. Louis Healthcare System. Learn more about our mission and history.
About Us
The Foundation provides a flexible funding mechanism for VA-related research and education and will foster the next generation of researchers in the St. Louis metro area.
Get to know our team and board of directors, learn about our research efforts and explore our affiliations with the VA and NAVREF below.
National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF) was founded by a group of dedicated Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) personnel that recognized the need for a membership association committed to the interests of the VA-affiliated research and education nonprofits.
Since then, NAVREF has been the preeminent organization that helps nonprofit research and education corporations (NPCs) obtain funding for the conduct of research and education at VA facilities nationwide.
The Veterans Research and Education Foundation of St. Louis is a proud member of NAVREF.
The Foundation’s goal in partnering with the VA St. Louis Healthcare System is to focus on Veteran related issues and successfully spotlight opportunities to improve their well-being.
Our Foundation works in tandem with the St. Louis VA Healthcare System (STLVAHCS). We provide the STLVAHCS with a flexible funding mechanism to administer non-VA funding from varied sponsors, private and public. This funding is used for research and education activities involving our Veterans.
The veteran population in the St. Louis metro area includes men and women who have served their country from World War II and the Korean War thru Vietnam, Iraqi Freedom, and the conflict in Afghanistan.
Veterans often present unique challenges; through the administration of grants and donations, the research and education teams target those specific needs and potential long-term benefits for improved quality of life.
Our veterans continue to serve our country by volunteering to take place in these clinical research projects. These projects can result in ground breaking findings that can help benefit veterans not just in the St. Louis area, but around the world.
Financials
All financial records are available on our Guidestar profile.
The VREF undergoes a tri-annual financial audit by an independent auditing firm who report the results of the audit and their review of the financial operations to the Board of Directors. To request copies of the most recent financial audit please contact us.