Policy Engagement

Public policy aimed at supporting veterans is most effective when it’s informed by evidence and experience. The IVMF empowers public sector leaders by translating insights from research and practice into better policymaking.

What We Do

  • Provide relevant research and expertise on key issues to policymakers and their staff through testimony, briefings and thought leadership
  • Lead the charge on important policy priorities necessary to supporting the veteran population
  • Amplify and support partner efforts advancing research-backed policy.

Why It’s Important

  • Good veteran and military family public policy can and should be beneficial for all Americans.
  • Veterans and their families are a valuable asset to our communities and the economy.
  • A thriving veteran population with equal opportunity to pursue their post-service aspirations is the surest incentive to sustaining a capable, all-volunteer force, and the security of the United States.

Improving Lives of Veterans

  • Every veteran and their family is impacted by the decisions of their federal, state, and local government.
  • As the veteran population evolves, so do their needs, and the policy aimed at supporting them.
  • Policy that most effectively supports veterans and their families is backed by research.

IVMF Policy Priorities

The IVMF believes it is critical that policymakers, employers, nonprofits and American families come together to support a comprehensive set of policies that advance the post-service aspirations of veterans and their families.

Priority 1: Integrate Health And Social Care

Priority 2: Expand Economic Opportunity For Veterans And Spouses

Priority 3: Improve Capability For Evidence-Based Policy

Featured Policy Research

Innovation in State-level Veteran Services

Improving the Delivery of Services and Care for Veterans

Implementation Assessment of U.S. Office of  Personnel Management’s Veterans Employment Initiative

A National Veterans Strategy

IVMF Policy Team In Action

4.29.25

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Outreach to Support Veterans’ Mental Health

While this committee, the VA, and community-based care organizations have taken significant steps toward addressing the complex issue of veteran suicide prevention, the most recent VA National Suicide Prevention Report shows that the rate of suicide ... Read More ▶

3.25.25

Mission Incomplete: Strengthening the TAP Program to Ensure a Smoother Transition to Civilian Life for Tomorrow’s Veterans

In light of the available evidence, our collective approach to transition requires us to consider interventions further upstream and downstream, moving beyond TAP and government alone. We must also implement more oversight to set veterans and their f... Read More ▶

2.27.25

Testimony on 2025 Veteran Service Organization Hearings

On February 26, 2025,  Deputy Executive Director of the IVMF, Ray Toenniessen, spoke to the Senate and House Committees on Veteran's Affairs.... Read More ▶

Applied Research

Through both quantitative and qualitative methods, our diverse research portfolio reflects the range of social, economic, and wellness challenges that can affect transitioning service members, veterans, and their families. Learn more about Applied Research.

evaluation and analytics icon

Evaluation & Analytics

We offer a range of internal and public data sources to help the military community, researchers, government agencies, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Programs thrive when evaluation is embedded within the fabric of their operations, that’s why at the IVMF our programs are built around a culture of continual evaluation, improvement, and excellence. Learn more about Evaluation & Analytics.

Data Insights & Tools

The data insights team at IVMF team does more than just field data requests. Our team collects and aggregates data but more importantly we provide actionable insights and change that impact the lives of veterans and their families. Learn more about Data Insights & Tools.