Service Dogs Save Lives
Every Year over 6000 Vets loose their Battle to Suicide, our Goal is to Provide 6000 Service Dogs to our Veterans every year.
Empowering Veterans for a Brighter Future
Welcome to Golden Wolf Veterans!
Executive Overview: A Catalytic & Self-Sustaining Model
The Golden Wolf Foundation Academy (GWFA) proposes a transformative, nonprofit-led development to activate over 33,000 square feet of disinvested land at 3658–3636 W. 16th Street in Chicago’s North Lawndale community.
This $25 million catalytic project is designed as a holistic ecosystem that integrates human service, social enterprise, and community space to generate both measurable social impact and sustainable financial returns.
GWFA will establish a nationally accredited, veteran-led training campus in the high-growth canine services industry, coupled with a vertically integrated social enterprise model. Revenue-generating operations—including a premium pet food manufacturing facility, a public food court, and a shared commercial kitchen—will directly subsidize workforce development for veterans and returning citizens, creating a scalable and self-reinforcing impact model.
Environmental due diligence is complete (Phase I & II ESA), with only minimal, contained remediation required (a single 10' x 10' area for mercury removal at 3652 W. 16th St.), de-risking the development timeline.
Environmental due diligence is complete (Phase I & II ESA), with only minimal, contained remediation required (a single 10' x 10' area for mercury removal at 3652 W. 16th St.), de-risking the development timeline.
Key Proposal MetricsTotal
Project Cost$25,000,000Impact Investment
Sought$6,250,000 (Equity)
Investor Return6–8% Annual Preferred Return
Social Return Reporting
Biannual Impact Portfolio & Metrics Dashboard
Projected LaunchQ4 2025
Vision & Mission: Integrated Impact
About Golden Wolf Veterans
II. Vision & Mission: Integrated Impact
Our Vision: To create a national model for community revitalization where empowering untapped talent and meeting market demand drive economic mobility, food equity, and neighborhood vibrancy.
Our Mission: Golden Wolf Foundation Academy transforms lives and communities by providing veterans and returning citizens with accredited pathways into high-growth careers. We achieve this through a sustainable ecosystem of best-in-class canine training, ethical food production, and cooperative entrepreneurship, all anchored in the North Lawndale community.
Core Impact Theses:
1. Talent Development: Become the Midwest’s premier accredited pipeline for certified canine trainers, behaviorists, and handlers, focusing on veterans and returning citizens.
2. Economic Engine: Create a circular economy where social enterprise profits fund training, and graduate success fuels local business growth.
3. Community Hub: Activate a blighted corridor with vibrant public amenities (dog park, food court) and incubator space for local food entrepreneurs.
4. Industry Leadership: Elevate standards in both the canine services and pet food industries through veteran discipline, ethical practices, and scientific rigor.
The Investment Opportunity: Capital with Purpose
Welcome to Golden Wolf Veterans
IV. The Investment Opportunity: Capital with Purpose
We are seeking mission-aligned equity partners to provide catalytic capital for site acquisition and pre-development. This investment will unlock additional financing already identified through New Markets Tax Credits, historic tax credits, and senior debt.
Why Invest in GWFA?
- Scalable Impact Model: Direct link between revenue-generating assets and social outcomes creates a resilient, self-funding structure.
- Addressing Proven Demand: The U.S. pet industry exceeds $140B, with severe shortages of qualified canine professionals and sustained growth in premium pet food.
- Experienced Leadership: Team combines decorated military veterans, accredited master trainers, real estate developers, and nonprofit executives.
- De-risked Execution: Site control is imminent, environmental surveys are complete, and pre-development architectural schematics are underway.
- Market-Rate Financial Return paired with Transparent Social Return: Investors receive a preferred annual return and detailed reporting on jobs created, graduates placed, wages earned, and local economic activity generated.
Next Steps: We invite qualified impact investors to review our detailed financial model, pro forma, and architectural renderings, and to schedule a presentation with our leadership and development team.
Golden Wolf Foundation Academy: Building a legacy of service, skill, and community.
Honor, Support, and Serve Our Veterans
Our Services
III. The Campus: A Synergistic Ecosystem
The GWFA campus is designed for functional synergy and community integration:
- The Canine Training & Behavioral Sciences Academy:
- Accredited professional certification programs.
- Specialized tracks in service dog training, security K-9, behavioral remediation, and canine fitness.
- Modern kennels, training arenas, veterinary simulation labs, and classrooms.
- The Provisions Production Center:
- USDA-certified kitchen for producing high-margin, premium "Golden Wolf" brand pet food and treats.
- Serves as a hands-on training lab for food manufacturing, safety, and logistics careers.
- Primary revenue driver, supplying regional pet retailers and direct online sales.
- The Feedlot Food Hall & Cooperative Kitchen:
- Public-facing food court featuring local vendors, with priority given to graduate-owned businesses.
- Shared-use commercial kitchen for lease by local food entrepreneurs, creating an incubator environment.
- Provides healthy meal options in a food-insecure neighborhood and generates foot traffic.
- The Garrison Park & Community Green Space:
- A secure, professionally maintained public dog park and gathering space.
- Provides essential socialization areas for training dogs and a community asset that promotes well-being and safety.
Empowering Veterans for a Brighter Future
Step 1 / Raise MOney
Step 3 / Train Veterans
Step 1 / Raise MOney
Golden Wolf Veterans is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering veterans to achieve their full potential. We are passionate about helping veterans overcome the challenges they face and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. This year we plan on raising 22 Million Dollars to build a State of the Art Training Facility on the Westside of Chicago / North Lawndale Area. We will raise the money through Fundraising, Grants, and Private Donors. Please Donate to our Mission by making a Donation to our Go Fund Me Campaign
Step 2 / Train Dogs
Step 3 / Train Veterans
Step 1 / Raise MOney
Golden Wolf will be working with Chicago Animal Care & Control and other Rescues to locate and train potential Service Dogs. Our Goal is to Train Junior Dog Trainers who are in 8th Grade-12th to assist in the Training of Service Dogs. In addition, we will be building a Dog Park this summer where Veterans and other Dog Trainers can work together to Training Service Dogs. If you are a Rescue or Individual that wants to either Donate a Service Dog or Volunteer your time or resources, please click on the link and let's schedule time to talk.
Step 3 / Train Veterans
Step 3 / Train Veterans
Step 4 / support vet & pet
We offer a range of programs to support veterans in their transition to civilian life, including career training, education assistance, and mental health services. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of veterans and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. We are looking for Veterans that want a Dog and also are looking to become Dog Trainers. If you are interested in Joining the team, please click the button below.
Step 4 / support vet & pet
Step 4 / support vet & pet
Step 4 / support vet & pet
Our programs have helped countless veterans achieve their goals and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
We can definitely use your help with the following:
- Grant Writers
- Contractor Assistance (Concrete and Lumber)
- Landscaping
- Dog Supplies
step 5 / repeat step 1
Step 4 / support vet & pet
step 6 / expand program
We host events throughout the year to bring the community together and raise awareness about the challenges facing veterans. From fundraisers to job fairs, there are many ways to get involved and show your support.
We need help with the Following Events:
- 4th of July BBQ
- Back to School Bash
- Celebrity Boxing Match
- Holiday Ball
- Veterans Day
- Weekly Bingo Bash
step 6 / expand program
Step 4 / support vet & pet
step 6 / expand program
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our organization, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is dedicated to providing veterans with the support and resources they need to succeed. Our mission is to build a State of the Arti Facility in Chicago and in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by the end of 2026. The Ultimate Goal is have a Golden Wolf Training Facility in every City in the United States of America by 2030.