The Iron Freedom Foundation

The Iron Freedom Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans by providing a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. It aims to empower veterans with the means and personal confidence necessary for healing through outdoor activities like fly fishing.

Overview

The Iron Freedom Foundation operates under the category of Human Services—Multipurpose and Other, aligning with its mission to foster a supportive community for veterans. Donations to this organization are tax-deductible.

Mission

The foundation was founded by Will Cannon, a veteran who, after struggling with PTSD and cancer, found solace and healing through fly fishing. Inspired by his personal experience, Cannon established the organization to share this therapeutic approach with other veterans. The Iron Freedom Foundation emphasizes building communities where veterans can help each other heal through shared outdoor experiences.

Financial Information

In recent years, the organization has reported revenues primarily from contributions, totaling over $116,000 in its most recent publicly disclosed financial year. Its total assets are valued at approximately $21,319, with no reported liabilities. The foundation's financial operations are outlined in its annual Form 990 filings with the IRS.

Leadership

As of the latest available data, the board of directors includes William Cannon, Ronney Bianco, Travis Runge, and others.

Activities and Impact

The organization focuses on fly fishing as a therapeutic activity to help veterans cope with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. By creating a community of veterans engaged in outdoor activities, the foundation aims to provide a sense of belonging and healing, bridging the gap between past military life and civilian life. The foundation also emphasizes the importance of family involvement in its programs, recognizing the role spouses play in veterans' healing processes.

References

Form 990 data from the IRS, GuideStar profiles, and interviews with the founder in podcasts provide insight into the foundation's activities and mission.

[1] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/822045765 [2] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/82-2045765 [3] https://wadeoutthere.com/building-veteran-fly-fishing-communities-with-will-cannon-from-the-iron-freedom-foundation-podcast-ep-93-part-1-of-2/ [4] https://wadeoutthere.com/veterans-healing-and-community-with-will-cannon-from-the-iron-freedom-foundation-podcast-ep-94-part-2-of-2/ [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/822045765