mike haynie speaking at veteran edge 2024

About Us

Transforming Lives After Military Service

Since 2011, the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) has been a leading advocate for the nation's community of veterans and military families. We combine evidence-based research with hands-on programs to create real opportunities for careers, entrepreneurship, and community impact.  

The D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) advances opportunities for service members, veterans and their families through research, programs and partnerships that strengthen the systems and communities that serve them. 

  • Integrity We choose courage to do the hard thing that is right, rather than the comfortable, easy thing.  
  • Selfless Service We center the needs of transitioning service members, veterans, and military families in every decision.  
  • Excellence We set a high standard and pursue it with consistent effort, always striving to improve.  
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit We look for unserved needs in our community, and we’re unafraid to test our agility and pivot to the best idea or process.  

We provide support to transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and their families as they define and chase their dreams in the civilian world. Our programs aim to serve the individual—listen to their goals, arm them with education, experience, community, and mentorship, and then put them on a path toward success.  

We also work on the big picture. Our research, data, and evaluation teams dig into what lines of effort drive the best results for our community, and share that information with veteran service organizations, corporations, and even policymakers at multiple levels of government.  

A man standing beside a research poster points at a data point while talking to a woman and man standing in front of the poster.
A group of CII Community of Practice attendees stand together for a group photo from a rooftop patio overlookng Washington DC on a clear evening.
Meet the Team
Aged vintage photo showing 4 large groups of troops in formation facing the chancellor in a large open space surrounded by SU buildings..
Explore IVMF History
An IVMF staff member greets an attendee from behind a table covered with program books and other IVM mateirals. A USAA logo is projected on the wall.
Explore Resources
New IVMF Building

Our Home

The IVMF is proud to be a flagship institute on the Syracuse University campus to continue the mission of serving veterans and their families. A multi-use facility, The Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building, home to the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at Syracuse University, is an enduring symbol of this commitment.

Learn more about the NVRC
JP Morgan Chase and Company

Founding Partner

In support of Syracuse University’s institutional commitment to serve veterans and the military community, JPMorgan Chase & Co. partnered with Syracuse University to launch and sustain the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

Learn about our partners

Helping Veterans to Define Their Future

It’s no secret that servicemembers are struggling to transition back to civilian life when they hang up their uniform. Veteran homelessness, mental health challenges, and even suicide are all issues garnering national attention. Billions of taxpayer dollars are spent every year to try and combat the tragedy that befalls far too many of our nation’s servicemembers. And for every servicemember who suffers the worst of these fates, there’s so many more struggling.

IVMF knows how difficult it is to transition to civilian life because we’re listening to veterans tell us. In fact, many of us have worn the uniform ourselves, and know firsthand where servicemembers are falling through the cracks. 

We believe it’s important to increase access to existing resources, and help make adjusting to civilian life easier. That means helping connect veterans to meaningful careers, communities, support, and opportunities to discover their next meaningful mission, whatever they decide that might be. 

Moving the needle on difficult transition challenges requires upstream interventions and integrated approaches that reduce barriers between agencies and champion public private partnerships. 
Ray Toenniessen before Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs
Raymond Toenniessen

Make a Difference Today

Help us improve the post-service lives of veterans and military family members today. Your donation keeps IVMF on mission, serving veterans and their families building lives after the uniform. No matter if you’re giving once, setting up a recurring gift, or giving in honor of a loved one, IVMF is grateful for your support of our mission.
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