2025 ANNUAL REPORT
SPIRIT OF AMERICA
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER AND CEO
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the founder of an organization named Spirit of America, most assume I feel strongly about America. I do. I love America and what America stands for.
Our Declaration of Independence includes the greatest sentence ever written: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The idea of America has led to freedom, peace, and prosperity unprecedented in human history. That only happened because of the service and sacrifice of our citizens. Citizen service — people doing their part to defend and live up to the idea of America — has made the difference.
We live in an increasingly troubled world. We face authoritarian regimes that are threatened by the idea of America. They aim to discredit, destabilize, and ultimately destroy free societies.
Government alone cannot meet the challenges we face. We need new models. Spirit of America is a new model that works. We have pioneered a new category of national security philanthropy — one that enables Americans to directly support the missions of U.S. troops and diplomats serving on the front lines.
In 2025, our team provided private assistance that supported U.S. missions in 25 countries. We impacted more than 28 million people and helped them build safer, more free, and more hopeful futures. In the world’s toughest places, we expressed the best of what America stands for. Since our founding, we have put hundreds of millions of private philanthropy dollars to work to expand the frontiers of freedom. And we are just getting started.
People routinely underestimate the importance of small groups. King George dismissed the signers of the Declaration, but those 56 patriots started a new country that changed the course of history.
Today, Spirit of America has a team of 56, thousands of supporters, an incredible Board, an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. military, and a new model that works. Imagine what we can accomplish when we work together in the years ahead.
Thank you helping us preserve the promise of a free and better life.
Jim Hake Founder and CEO
ABOUT SPIRIT OF AMERICA
THE PROMISE OF A FREE AND BETTER LIFE
Spirit of America is a privately funded nonprofit that unites the American people with U.S. troops and diplomats in common cause: to defend freedom, strengthen security, and save and improve lives.
“When you support Spirit of America, you ensure that our troops and diplomats never face their challenges alone.”
—AMBASSADOR ROGER D. CARSTENS
We have pioneered a new category of national security philanthropy — one that has a direct, asymmetric impact on the fight to defend the free world.
We work with U.S. troops and diplomats to identify places where America’s help is needed most. We ask what they are trying to accomplish and how we can help. Then we deliver private philanthropic assistance and solutions with flexibility and speed. We support the success of their missions similar to how venture capitalists support the success of entrepreneurs. And it all happens with support from Americans like you.
ENGAGING AMERICANS AT HOME
On the home front, we help Americans understand the global challenges to freedom and democracy. We provide unique insight into the difficult missions of America’s troops and diplomats, Spirit of America’s work in support of American values, and the impact American citizens can have by supporting our troops and diplomats.
We host regular educational events — including in-person salons and virtual events — with thought leaders, diplomats, and military leaders. In 2025, we launched quarterly Stakeholders Meetings. These meetings are patterned after the transparency and accountability of the annual meetings and quarterly earnings reports of public companies. Our Stakeholders Meetings keep our supporters informed on the impact of their support, our finances, and our progress in meeting the goals of our strategic plan.
We also build awareness of our work and reach new audiences by partnering with leading analysts and think tanks — including the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Hudson Institute, American Enterprise Institute, and Hoover Institution. Last year our founder and CEO Jim Hake was featured on several podcasts, including the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s “The Strategerist.”
An unprecedented partnership with the U.S. military Spirit of America has established an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. military. Our partnership is supported by a unique agreement with the Department of War. No other nonprofit has such an agreement. Our agreement allows the military to collaborate with us, identify needs, receive and distribute our assistance, and provide logistical support. Thus, every philanthropic dollar invested in Spirit of America builds on and leverages investments made by the U.S. government and military. That leverage — combined with our entrepreneurial, venture capital approach — provides philanthropic investments in Spirit of America with asymmetric impact and return on investment.
Over 22 years of impact
Since our founding in 2003, Spirit of America has implemented over 1,600 projects in 114 countries to support America’s national security. We have worked alongside servicemembers and partners in the Middle East and Central Asia, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Together, we have made an impact on troops, diplomats, and local populations in the world’s toughest places — defending freedom, preventing conflict, and saving lives.
United we can preserve the promise of a free and better life.
“Thanks for all the good work you do, from the Philippines to Ukraine to West Africa.”
RACHEL D., FAIRFIELD, CT
2025 IMPACT
77 PROJECTS
25 COUNTRIES
203,753
TOTAL IMPACTED U.S. PERSONNEL AND PARTNER FORCES
28,629,505
TOTAL IMPACTED LOCAL CIVILIANS
MIDDLE EAST & CENTRAL ASIA
Iraq
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon
Qatar
Syria
Tajikistan
Uzbekistan
Yemen
ASIA-PACIFIC
Palau
Philippines
Taiwan
Vanuatu
AFRICA
Burkina Faso
Benin
Comoros
Côte d’Ivoire
Gabon
Libya
Tanzania
FEATURED PROJECTS
SAVING LIVES AND DEFENDING FREEDOM IN UKRAINE
Spirit of America has delivered more than $73 million in lifesaving assistance to Ukrainians protecting their country since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Working alongside U.S. military and Ukrainian forces, we have delivered assistance at scale — providing support where it can make the greatest impact, and quickly adapting to changing conditions — to help Ukraine defend itself against a brutal invasion, liberate territory, and save thousands of lives.
“I fly the Ukraine flag every day to remind my neighbors that Ukraine deserves our support. God bless Ukraine, and may they prevail!”
MARK P., WHEELING, WV
Battlefield mobility — the ability to move troops quickly, evacuate wounded soldiers, and deliver essential supplies — has been a cornerstone of our assistance. We have delivered hundreds of vehicles capable of handling the rugged terrain of the front lines. In 2025, we also provided unmanned ground vehicles to safely evacuate wounded soldiers. Russian forces target medical evacuations, making it dangerous to retrieve injured soldiers — and delays in treating injuries can lead to more serious injuries, amputations, and loss of life.
The defense of Ukraine depends on reliable and secure communication networks. Spirit of America has been at the forefront of empowering Ukraine’s forces with the tools they need to stay connected and effective. Early in the war, in response to needs identified by U.S. military personnel supporting Ukraine, Spirit of America invested $8.6 million in mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and Starlink satellite systems to help build a secure communications network that identifies threats, saves lives, and spares attacks on critical infrastructure. Our seed investment proved the effectiveness of the system, and in 2025, the U.S. government invested $103 million to expand the system to all echelons of Ukraine’s military.
Spirit of America is providing technology and funding innovation that empowers the Ukrainian Armed Forces to protect civilians amid a dramatic increase in Russian drone attacks. We have delivered hundreds of nonlethal surveillance drones to elite Ukrainian units with highly skilled drone pilots, giving them advance notice of Russian attacks that saves lives. Our drones also support U.S. Special Operations Forces training programs for Ukrainian troops.
Spirit of America’s 2025 assistance to Ukraine included:
$7.3 million in support of a high-impact program that helps the Ukrainian military safeguard billions of dollars in equipment and protect tens of thousands of troops and civilian lives
$1.1 million in high-priority needs and equipment for elite units, including 86 surveillance drones, 84 computers, and 15 unmanned ground vehicles
$1 million in support of a program that protects critical aviation assets
REBUILDING TRUST TO COUNTER EXTREMISM IN WEST AFRICA
West Africa is plagued by the world’s fastest-growing terrorist insurgencies, driven by Al-Qaeda- and Islamic State-affiliated groups. A primary barrier to stopping these armed groups is the lack of trust between civilians and host nation security forces. This lack of trust makes communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment and limits the flow of critical information needed to prevent attacks.
Spirit of America worked with U.S. Special Operations Command Africa and local partners in Benin to bring community members and security forces together to co-develop local security solutions. New civil-military committees allow participants to foster dialogue, build trust, and enable civilians to safely share information while shaping priorities that directly affect their communities.
Communities are now providing information to the Beninese army that has helped prevent attacks and disrupt terrorist networks — a significant boost to its counterterrorism efforts. At the same time, visible projects that benefit the public — like medical outreach and infrastructure repairs — have strengthened confidence in the government. By building trust and empowering civilians, Spirit of America’s support is reducing space for extremist influence and helping restore stability in vulnerable communities.
STRENGTHENING SECURITY IN THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
The Philippines stands on the front line of the government of China’s aggression. In the West Philippine Sea, China’s Coast Guard and maritime militia harass Filipino fisher folk and block access to their sovereign fishing territory. Other Chinese actors illegally fish in Philippine waters, causing billions in economic damage and lost income.
In 2025, Spirit of America worked alongside U.S. Special Operations Forces and Armed Forces of the Philippines to establish information fusion centers. We provided essential equipment that increases maritime domain awareness and improves Philippine responses to aggression. Our support strengthened the crucial alliance between the Philippines and the United States. It helped America’s Philippine partners document and expose China’s aggression, defend the Philippines sovereignty, and reinforce freedom of navigation.
SHARING THE LEGACY OF U.S. TROOPS IN WWII
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, Spirit of America partnered with U.S. Embassy Berlin to tell the story of U.S. troops liberating Europe to a new generation. Through the “Road to Freedom” campaign, two German content creators retraced the path of U.S. soldiers — from the beaches of Normandy to liberation in Leipzig, Germany — documenting the journey for their followers on social media. Alongside digital storytelling, we supported educational tools, historical research, and public exhibits to expand access to this history. Reaching millions, the campaign strengthened transatlantic understanding and reinforced the enduring importance of freedom, partnership, and the sacrifices that secured them.
SUPPORTING SECURITY IN SOUTHERN LEBANON
In response to needs identified by U.S. Special Operations Forces and the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, Spirit of America supported the Lebanese Armed Forces as they undertook a historic mission to secure strategic areas in southern Lebanon following the withdrawal of Israeli and U.N. forces. Spirit of America provided critical infrastructure — including prefabricated housing, generators, and vehicle repair kits — alongside humanitarian and medical aid in early 2025. This support strengthened the Lebanese Army’s effectiveness, built trust with local communities, and reinforced its legitimacy as a stabilizing force and a key U.S. partner.
BRINGING LIGHT TO UKRAINIAN STUDENTS
Ukrainians regularly face electricity blackouts because of Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Students are forced to try to learn in freezing classrooms and dark homes with little more than a small flashlight to see their work. To support Ukrainian students who refuse to give up on their education, Spirit of America delivered emergency lighting and power to UActive students in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv.
The UActive program, developed in partnership with the Ukrainian nonprofit savED, empowers high schoolers to improve their schools and neighborhoods through entrepreneurial projects. The rechargeable lights and charging stations we provided ensure these teens can continue learning with minimal interruptions. As a result, these young leaders can continue to restore hope and rebuild civic life — efforts that strengthen community resilience against authoritarian aggression and support a democratic Ukraine.
EMPOWERING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS IN IRAQI KURDISTAN
In Iraqi Kurdistan, many young people have the drive to turn their bold ideas into actions but lack access to funding, mentorship, and professional networks. To address this challenge, Spirit of America launched The Youth Impact Initiative for emerging leaders in partnership with the U.S. Consulate in Erbil. More than 800 submitted proposals tackling challenges such as environmental sustainability, public health, and legal empowerment. Ten finalists received entrepreneurship training and seed funding to launch their projects, positively impacting their communities and inspiring thousands through awareness campaigns and events.
By expanding opportunity and strengthening civil society, the program helps build a more resilient, prosperous Iraqi Kurdistan — and reinforces the relationship between the U.S. and a trusted partner in the Middle East.
MOBILIZING CIVIL SOCIETY IN TAIWAN
Spirit of America has invested in building a working model for whole-of-society resilience in Taiwan. This model unites civil organizations, first responders, the military, and global partners to support a secure and democratic Taiwan. Because of Spirit of America support, more than 25,000 people have been trained in emergency preparedness skills, from trauma care to drone operations, since 2022. Our partner Forward Alliance has built a network of over 600 institutions.
When Super Typhoon Ragasa struck in 2025, over 2,000 of these trained volunteers mobilized alongside government responders to clear mud, wreckage, and debris from streets, homes, and buildings in Hualien. This rapid response accelerated recovery efforts and demonstrated why Spirit of America invests in civil society resilience in Taiwan — because when a crisis strikes, these networks save lives.
GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Bob Oster
Private Investor
Independent Board Member since 2017
Michael Bigham
Managing Director, Firebrand River Capital Independent Board Member since 2014
Board of Advisors
Ambassador Rick Barton
John Bellinger
General Phil Breedlove
U.S. Air Force
Dr. James Jay Carafano
Ambassador Roger Carstens
General Richard Clarke U.S. Army
Lt. General Charles Cleveland
U.S. Army
Hon. R. Clarke Cooper
Ambassador Ryan Crocker
Ambassador Kelley Currie
David Davenport
General Joseph F. Dunford Jr. U.S. Marine Corps
Admiral James O. Ellis Jr. U.S. Navy
Hon. Joseph Felter
General Bryan Fenton
Richard Fontaine
Ambassador Jennifer Zimdahl Galt
Ambassador Dennis Hearne
Major General J. Marcus Hicks
U.S. Air Force
Hon. Michèle Flournoy
Co-founder and Managing Partner, WestExec Advisors Independent Board Member since 2026
Jim Hake
CEO, Spirit of America Board Member since 2004
Lt. General Ben Hodges
U.S. Army
Ambassador Greta C. Holtz
Hon. Jeh Johnson
General James Jones
U.S. Marine Corps
Dr. Seth G. Jones
Dr. Kimberly Kagan
Dr. Mara Karlin
Dr. David Kilcullen
Major General Jim Linder
U.S. Army
General James N. Mattis
U.S. Marine Corps
Colonel David Maxwell
U.S. Army
General Stanley McChrystal U.S. Army
Ambassador Michael McFaul
Lt. General H.R. McMaster
U.S. Army
General T. Michael Moseley
U.S. Air Force
Heather Nauert
Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann
Fred Khosravi
Chairman and CEO, Imperative Care Inc. Independent Board Member since 2017
Admiral Eric Olson
U.S. Navy, Retired Independent Board Member since 2026
Lt. General Lawrence Nicholson
U.S. Marine Corps
Eileen O’Connor
Admiral Gary Roughead
U.S. Navy
Daniel F. Runde
Dr. Nadia Schadlow
Dr. Kori Schake
Command Sergeant Major Shane Shorter
U.S. Army
Admiral Scott Swift
U.S. Navy
Ambassador William B. Taylor
Admiral Kurt Tidd
U.S. Navy
Matt Turpin
U.S. Army
Tyson Voelkel
General Joseph L. Votel
U.S. Army
Hon. Aaron S. Williams
*All military, U.S. government, and Foreign Service personnel are retired.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Spirit of America is a privately funded 501c3 nonprofit organization. We are supported entirely by private contributions from citizens, foundations, and businesses. We do not accept government funding.
For 2025, total net assets were $40,539,498. Total liabilities and net assets were $44,366,876.
2025 Revenue
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