We recently sent out an important announcement, but it has come to our attention that not everyone we intended to reach received it. To ensure no one misses out, we are resending the message directly from our Regional Liaison Teams.

If your Sponsorship Group is on the $5 Back Plan or No Plan, please note that nothing is changing for your group.

If you’ve already received this email, please feel free to disregard it. Thank you for your understanding as we work to make sure everyone stays informed.

Hello friend of Wreaths Across America,

Thank you for your outstanding effort in support of the Wreaths Across America mission in your community in 2024. Because of volunteers like you, more people in every region, every state and in small towns and big cities across this country are Remembering the fallen, Honoring those that serve, and helping to Teach the next generation the value of freedom!

Since becoming a 501c3 in 2007, the group sponsorship program was established as our tool for supporting the overall program. When a sponsor contributes $17 for a veteran’s wreath through Wreaths Across America, the primary focus is always on placing a wreath. The organization’s programs are supported by the margin that remains after fulfilling this commitment.

Beginning on Feb. 1, 2025, the 3-for-2 sponsorship group plan will be replaced with the new “$5 Forward Plan.” When a group is registered on the $5 Forward Plan, $5 for every paid $17 wreath sponsorship will automatically be applied forward to the sponsorship of an additional veteran’s wreath. This new plan complements our well-known $5 Back Plan, which allows groups to fundraise and earn $5 back for each $17 wreath sponsorship.

As the yearlong mission continues to grow, so do the operational costs associated with growing new and existing programs. These free programs include the TEACH initiative and the Mobile Education Exhibit, Remembrance Tree Program, veterans outreach efforts and more, promotional platforms such as Wreaths Across America Radio, and staffing and administrative costs necessary to sustain the increased needs of volunteers and supporters nationwide.

The pay-back groups will continue to earn $5 for every wreath sponsored. Through December 31, 2024, the Wreaths Across America pay back program has given back $28 MILLION to other organizations and programs over the last 17 years! These dollars are contributing to community programs supporting veterans, military families, youth, the elderly and more, all across the country.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through this transition, and most importantly, for your continued support and sharing of the mission of Wreaths Across America in your community. Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the questions you might have. If you have additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Regional Liaison Team for assistance.

With gratitude,

Karen Worcester

Executive Director

Volunteer, Wreaths Across America

Q&A

Why is WAA changing the 3-for-2 sponsorship group plan?

As the yearlong mission continues to grow, so do the operational costs associated with growing new and existing programs. These free programs include the TEACH initiative and the Mobile Education Exhibit, Remembrance Tree Program, veterans outreach efforts and more, promotional platforms such as Wreaths Across America Radio, and staffing and administrative costs necessary to sustain the increased needs of volunteers and supporters nationwide.

When does the new group go into effect?

Effective Sat., Feb. 1, 2025, the 3-for-2 sponsorship group plan will be changed to a new program called “$5 Forward Plan.”

How will this change impact WAA’s operations?

Dollars saved from the reduction in additional wreaths being purchased and allocated through the 3-for-2 plan will be used to pay for program costs and administrative costs necessary for the organization to operate and grow.

The $5 Forward Plan complements our well-known $5 Back Plan, which allows groups to fundraise and earn $5 back for each $17 wreath sponsorship.

What happens to the other Sponsorship Groups?

Registered $ 5 Back Groups will continue to receive $5 back on each $17 wreath sponsored.

Will you be providing new promotional materials for us to use? What should we do with materials already printed?

Yes, Wreaths Across America is preparing updated materials for Location and Group volunteers to reflect these changes, including promotional items to help share the mission within your community. These new materials will be available on the Volunteer Resource Page and will be ready for use by Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

If you have existing printed materials, please dispose of or recycle them and transition to the updated versions once they are released.

Questions about something you read? Please contact your Regional Liaison for help!