Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelia Schneider.
Hi Shelia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Wayne Kaufman served in the U.S. Army from 1968-71. While in Vietnam, he became a sergeant in the 25th Infantry Division, earning the Bronze Star and the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters. Returning to St. Louis, Wayne began his career in the home improvement business.
Wayne is very active in community service. He has been past president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of St. Louis, past president of the Ferguson Rotary Club, chairperson and board member of the 1904 Charitable Foundation Veterans Affairs, board of director for the North-West Chamber of Commerce, board member of Old Newsboys, chairperson of Vet Net Connect, and current president and founder of The Kaufman Fund Helping Veterans.
Wayne started The Kaufman Fund Helping Veterans in 1990 in memory of his brother Ralph. Ralph served four years in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a successful businessman. Even with his busy schedule, Ralph found time to volunteer with many charitable organizations and made it a point to attend to the lives of Veterans and children.
The Kaufman Fund collaborates to assist Veterans in need through its own programs and by networking with other service organizations. The Kaufman Fund currently provides referral programs to Veterans to assist with dental, legal, mental health, and chiropractic needs along with program events such as Food for Vets, Trees for Vets, tax preparation, and Artist First for Veterans.
In August 2014, the Kaufman Fund became a recognized 501(c)(3) and continues to be registered both federally and with the state of Missouri.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not always been smooth for The Kaufman Fund. When the organization was first established, it operated primarily as a pass-through effort, hosting events like golf tournaments and distributing proceeds to other nonprofits. As awareness of the organization grew, more Veterans began reaching out directly to Wayne Kaufman for help, revealing a much greater need than originally anticipated.
In response, The Kaufman Fund launched its first direct service program, Trees for Vets, in 2014. Since then, the organization has expanded to eight programs and now serves approximately 2,000 Veterans each year.
With that growth has come significant challenges, most notably, keeping up with demand. The organization relies heavily on volunteer professionals, including attorneys, dentists, chiropractors, and mental health providers, who are typically asked to assist one Veteran per year on a pro bono basis. While the Legal Referral Program has built a strong network of about 150 volunteer attorneys, the need far exceeds capacity, with more than 1,600 calls for legal assistance in 2025 alone. The demand for services across all programs continues to outpace the available supply of professionals.
Staffing has also been a challenge. The Kaufman Fund operated as a 100% volunteer organization until 2023, when its first staff member was hired. Today, the organization has only three employees and continues to rely on more than 100 volunteers to operate its eight programs.
Even the organization’s name has created an unexpected hurdle. Wayne Kaufman has noted that if he had known how much the organization would grow and evolve, he may have chosen a different name. The word “Fund” often leads people to assume that The Kaufman Fund provides direct financial assistance to Veterans. In reality, the organization focuses on connecting Veterans to critical services, such as dental care, legal assistance, and mental health support, through a network of volunteer professionals and community partnerships.
Ultimately, the greatest challenge is balancing growth with sustainability, ensuring that every Veteran who reaches out for help can be served, despite limited resources and an ever-increasing demand for services.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Kaufman Fund?
The Kaufman Fund is a St. Louis-based nonprofit dedicated to helping Veterans with life’s basic necessities through programs that provide food, clothing, medical care, and other critical services. What began as a small, volunteer-driven effort has grown into an organization serving approximately 2,000 Veterans each year across eight core programs.
The organization specializes in filling gaps where traditional systems fall short, particularly for Veterans who are not eligible for certain benefits or who face barriers accessing care. Through programs such as dental, legal, mental health, chiropractic, food assistance, and seasonal initiatives like Trees for Vets and Winter Warm-Up, The Kaufman Fund ensures that Veterans receive timely, practical support that directly improves their quality of life.
What sets The Kaufman Fund apart is its collaborative, community-based model. Rather than duplicating services, the organization partners with a strong network of volunteer professionals including attorneys, dentists, counselors, and other providers who commit to helping Veterans, often on a pro bono basis. This approach allows The Kaufman Fund to deliver high-impact services efficiently while leveraging the expertise of the local community.
The organization is best known for its ability to respond quickly and personally to each Veteran’s needs. Every Veteran’s situation is different, and The Kaufman Fund takes pride in connecting individuals to the right resources instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
From a brand perspective, The Kaufman Fund is most proud of being a trusted, grassroots organization built on relationships, integrity, and service. Despite its growth, it has remained deeply connected to the community it serves, with a small staff and more than 100 volunteers supporting its mission.
What The Kaufman Fund wants readers to know most is simple. When Veterans fall through the cracks, this organization is there to help. Through collaboration, compassion, and community support, The Kaufman Fund works to ensure that no Veteran is left without access to the care and services they deserve.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to The Kaufman Fund is ensuring that every Veteran is connected to the resources they need to live a healthy, stable life. Too often, Veterans face barriers to care or are unsure where to turn for help. The Kaufman Fund exists to bridge those gaps and make sure no Veteran is left navigating those challenges alone.
Equally important is the organization’s commitment to strengthening the broader community. The goal is to help make St. Louis one of the most Veteran-friendly communities in the country by building strong partnerships, increasing access to services, and creating a network of support that Veterans can rely on.
At its core, the mission is about connection, dignity, and making sure those who served are supported when they need it most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thekaufmanfund.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekaufmanfundstl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaufmanfund
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-kaufman-fund
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheKaufmanFund/videos
