Minneapolis, MN

Veterans Defense Project

EIN 46-3292694

Justice, Rights & Public Safety Criminal Justice Reform & Reentry Veterans & military families

Mission

The Veterans Defense Project ensures military veterans receive effective legal representation when charged with criminal offenses and educates judges, attorneys, court staff, and community providers about veterans-specific needs so more cases are resolved through treatment and restorative options rather than incarceration. ([veteransdefenseproject.org](https://veteransdefenseproject.org/))

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About Veterans Defense Project

Veterans Defense Project is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on training legal professionals, advocating for veterans treatment courts and restorative justice legislation, and producing practitioner resources to improve criminal justice outcomes for veterans. ([projects.propublica.org](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/463292694))

In recent years the organization led drafting of a model "Veterans Justice Act" (2023) for states to consider, has actively supported implementation of Minnesota’s Veterans Restorative Justice Act, and has expanded donor support and public education efforts while filing public Form 990-EZ returns documenting its revenue and program activity. ([veteransdefenseproject.org](https://veteransdefenseproject.org/))

Notable achievements

Drafted model Veterans Justice Act

Led drafting and promotion of a model Veterans Justice Act in 2023 to help states adopt legislative frameworks that expand veterans treatment and restorative sentencing options. ([veteransdefenseproject.org](https://veteransdefenseproject.org/))

Policy partnership on Minnesota VRJA

Partnered with the Minnesota American Legion and others on passage and statewide implementation of the Minnesota Veterans Restorative Justice Act (passed 2021), helping standardize veterans courts and petition processes. ([veteransdefenseproject.org](https://veteransdefenseproject.org/))

Institutional support growth (2023–24)

Secured leadership philanthropic support and a named donor roster in 2023–2024 (including family foundations and institutional funders) to support VDP’s education, training, and policy work. ([veteransdefenseproject.org](https://veteransdefenseproject.org/))

At a glance

Total assets: $211K
Annual revenue: $196K
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 46-3292694
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Website: veteransdefenseproject.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 46-3292694) with public Form 990 filings available through nonprofit data services. ([projects.propublica.org](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/463292694))

Work and expertise have been featured in legal and veterans-focused media and institutional outlets; leadership have authored the practitioner treatise 'Defending Veterans in Criminal Court.' ([veteransdefenseproject.org](https://veteransdefenseproject.org/))

Endorsed and supported by a mix of donor, veteran, and legal organizations and governed by a board of legal and community leaders, reflecting established community and sector ties. ([veteransdefenseproject.org](https://veteransdefenseproject.org/))

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