High Impact Philanthropy: Francesca DiPaolo Of Homes for Veterans On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful & Effective Nonprofit Organization
An Interview with Karen Mangia
Know Your Stuff. Truly understanding the problem you are trying to solve is essential. Keep learning, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who bring expertise you don’t yet have. You can’t create solutions, advocate for support, or inspire donors if you don’t know the challenges inside and out. Knowledge is power, but applied knowledge changes lives.
For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders and leaders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non-Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Francesca DiPaolo.
Francesca DiPaolo is the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board at Homes for Veterans, a national nonprofit that provides barrier-free and accessible home modifications for disabled veterans. Under her guidance, the nonprofit has raised over $6 million to expand its impact and forged partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warrior Project, and Catholic Charities. Francesca is deeply committed to veteran advocacy, including public testimony regarding veteran housing and accessibility issues.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
I grew up in a close-knit Italian-American household where multiple generations lived under one roof — my grandparents, parents, uncle, and brother. Our home was always full of life, love, and the aroma of my mom’s cooking during family gatherings. We cared for my grandparents in our home until they passed, which taught me the importance of compassion, responsibility, and family above all else.
When my father passed away from COVID in 2020, I stepped up to continue his legacy as Chair and CEO of Homes for Veterans, the New Jersey–based nonprofit he founded to help disabled veterans live safely and independently. My upbringing, rooted in faith, service, and community, instilled in me the values that now guide everything I do.
Preserving my dad’s legacy is profoundly meaningful. It’s a full-circle experience: I get to help veterans live with dignity and independence, while building a legacy that honors my father’s life and the values he passed down to me. Working alongside my mom and brother makes it all the more special.
You are a successful leader with Homes for Veterans. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
As a leader, it’s important to have strong values that guide your decisions. For me, the three most important traits are faith, discernment, and principle.
Faith comes first. I believe in a higher power that guides me and points me in the right direction. When I lean on my faith, I’m able to make decisions with confidence and peace, even in difficult moments.
The second trait is discernment, and the ability to act quickly and courageously. In leadership, you can’t always wait for the perfect moment. Time is often of the essence, and sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. I’ve learned that taking risks can lead to incredible results, and even when things don’t go as planned, there’s always something valuable to learn.
Lastly, I lead with principle. I stay true to my beliefs and never compromise on what’s right. At our events, we always stand for the flag, recite the pledge, and sing the national anthem, because honoring our country and those who served is at the heart of who we are. Without principle, it’s easy to be swayed by money, power, or outside influence. Knowing what you stand for keeps you grounded and authentic.
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading Homes for Veterans?
I’ve discovered just how many people need help. There are so many individuals in this country who are suffering, and while that might seem obvious, it’s far more than most people realize. Almost everyone could use a helping hand, and so many are carrying burdens you can’t always see. This experience has opened my eyes to the quiet struggles people face every day and reminded me how powerful compassion and community can be.
What’s been especially eye-opening is realizing how many veterans fall through the cracks. There’s a lot of government funding available through the VA, but it simply doesn’t cover the growing need. The process can be long, complicated, and filled with red tape, leaving many veterans waiting months — or even years — for support that often never comes. That’s where organizations like ours step in. We fill those gaps so veterans don’t have to suffer in unsafe or inaccessible homes while waiting for help that may not arrive.
This work has shown me the real impact community-driven support can make. When people come together to help, lives change right away, and that’s something government funding alone can’t always accomplish.
Can you please tell our readers more about how Homes for Veterans intends to make a significant social impact?
Homes for Veterans currently funds barrier-free and accessible home modifications for disabled veterans across the nation. We’ve completed projects in 19 states and are working toward expanding to all 50, as quickly as our funding and resources will allow. Every project restores safety, dignity, and independence to a veteran who has sacrificed for our country.
In addition to our modification program, we also help veterans navigate the often-complicated VA benefits system. Many veterans don’t realize what they’re entitled to or struggle to get through the paperwork and waiting periods. Over the past three years, we’ve helped veterans secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in benefits they earned through their service, and we plan to keep growing this program to reach even more veterans in need.
Looking ahead, our most ambitious goal is to build affordable, accessible, and sustainable housing for veterans in the tri-state area. We want to create homes that are designed with accessibility in mind from the start, places where veterans can age safely and comfortably, especially our Vietnam veterans who want to remain independent and avoid institutional settings like nursing homes.
Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that every veteran has a safe, dignified, and affordable place to call home.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
My passion for this cause is deeply personal. My father founded Homes for Veterans out of the kindness of his heart, dedicating his time and skills to helping those who served our country live safely in their homes. When he passed away suddenly and tragically from COVID, our family was robbed of the chance to say goodbye, to be with him in his final moments, or even to hold a proper funeral. Continuing his mission has brought me both healing and purpose.
What makes it even more meaningful is the incredible veteran community itself. From the very beginning, they welcomed me with open arms. They are some of the most genuine, loyal, and compassionate people I have ever met. Veterans understand service, sacrifice, pain, grief, and loss in a way few others do, and that shared understanding has created a bond that keeps me grounded and inspired. Their resilience and their ability to find strength through hardship remind me every day why this work matters so much.
This community gives me purpose and joy. Every project we complete, every veteran we help, and every story we share keeps my father’s spirit alive. Knowing that his kindness continues to ripple outward and that I get to do it alongside people who embody courage and compassion means more to me than anything in the world.
Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefited from a Homes for Veterans initiative?
Thousands of veterans and their families across the country have benefited from Homes for Veterans’ mission. One particularly memorable project involved a Vietnam veteran and Marine who endured some of the most intense combat during his service. He was shot in the neck, lost friends in battle, and carries severe PTSD. He also suffered exposure to Agent Orange, which led to diabetes and eventually the amputation of both of his legs.
Ron lives with his family, including his daughter and her three children, in a home that presents serious challenges for his daily life. The bathroom door was too narrow for him to enter comfortably, and the tight hallway made turning painful and difficult.
We built a fully accessible bathroom for him, doubling the space and including a roll-in shower, ADA-compliant toilet, roll-under sink, and strategically placed grab bars. This renovation restored his independence and dignity while giving him a safe, functional space to care for his family.
Ron’s story is a powerful reminder of the obstacles many veterans face long after returning from service. Seeing the relief and gratitude on his face reinforced why Homes for Veterans exists, to provide safety, accessibility, and support for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
There are three meaningful ways anyone can help support Homes for Veterans and the work we do for disabled veterans. First, contribute. Homes for Veterans relies on donations of time, essential items, and financial support to complete our projects. Whether it’s volunteering on a home modification, donating clothing or toiletries, or making a financial gift, every contribution helps us provide safe, accessible, and barrier-free living spaces for veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Second, learn about the veterans we serve. Every veteran has a story, and the veterans we work with, from Vietnam, Korean, and World War II veterans to more recent service members, teach us about courage, resilience, and the real challenges of returning home. By following Homes for Veterans on social media, reading our stories, and sharing them within your community, you can understand the urgent needs these heroes face and see the tangible impact of our programs.
Third, spread the word about Homes for Veterans. Awareness is key to expanding our reach and helping more veterans in need. Talk about our mission with friends, family, and coworkers. Share our stories online and highlight the work we are doing to make homes safe and accessible. The more people know about Homes for Veterans, the more support we can gather to continue transforming the lives of veterans and their families.
Every project we complete reflects our commitment to honoring veterans, restoring their independence, and showing that their service will never be forgotten. By contributing, learning, and sharing, anyone can help us make a lasting impact.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.
1. Know Your Stuff. Truly understanding the problem you are trying to solve is essential. Keep learning, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who bring expertise you don’t yet have. You can’t create solutions, advocate for support, or inspire donors if you don’t know the challenges inside and out. Knowledge is power, but applied knowledge changes lives.
2. Create a Community of Great People. Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. Build a network of trusted partners, nonprofits, and community leaders who share your vision. Collaboration multiplies impact. When you connect with people who are passionate, skilled, and reliable, your organization can reach further and achieve more than you ever could alone.
3. Stay Mission-Focused and Principled. Never lose sight of why your nonprofit exists. Let your mission and values guide every decision, every conversation, and every project. It’s easy to be distracted by money, influence, or trends, but true leadership comes from staying grounded in your purpose. Principles are your compass when challenges arise.
4. Share Content. Stories have power. In a world that scrolls constantly, showing the real-life impact of your work creates connection and trust. Video, photos, and testimonials not only celebrate your mission but allow donors, volunteers, and supporters to see the tangible difference they are making. Sharing your journey invites others to become part of it.
5. Keep Growing and Adapting. Change is inevitable. The needs of your community evolve, funding landscapes shift, and new challenges arise. Embrace growth, learn from missteps, and continuously refine your approach. Leaders who remain adaptable, humble, and reflective ensure that their organizations not only survive but thrive and leave a lasting impact.
How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?
Before the pandemic, I measured success the way most of us are taught in school and college. I was focused on how I could achieve financial stability, build a career, and establish myself as an individual. I was worried about money, titles, and personal accomplishments. I thought that was what success looked like. Losing my father to COVID at just 27 completely changed that perspective. We were robbed of saying goodbye, of being with him in his final moments, and it forced me to see what really matters.
Now, I measure success by the impact I can have on others. It is about how many veterans I can help live safely and independently, how many families I can ease the burdens they carry, and how many people I can inspire to step up and make a difference. My happiness comes from the joy and relief I bring to others. The pandemic taught me that life is not about personal gain, it is about the lives you touch and the legacy you leave behind.
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
When something goes wrong, I remind myself that the work is bigger than me. The mission, the veterans we serve and the families who rely on us cannot wait because of a challenge.
Sometimes things take longer than expected or require a new approach, and I have to be flexible and patient. Other times, setbacks are lessons, opportunities to learn, grow, and find better solutions. Focusing on the impact we are creating, rather than on my own worries or timelines, keeps me motivated.
Every time I see a veteran regain independence or a family relieved of a burden, I am reminded why we persist through difficulties. Setbacks do not discourage me, they reinforce the importance of the mission and the lives that depend on it, and they inspire me to keep moving forward, no matter what.
Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.
About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
High Impact Philanthropy: Francesca DiPaolo Of Homes for Veterans On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.