By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- New funding: PMI U.S. donated $255,000 to two Colorado nonprofits that support veterans through legal services and transitional housing.
- Growing commitment: Contributions have brought PMI U.S.’s combined support for the organizations to more than $1.2 million since 2024.
- Community focus: The funding will help expand assistance for disability claims, discharge upgrades, unhoused prevention, and housing services.
Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) have committed an additional $255,000 to two Colorado-based veteran organizations, expanding support for legal assistance and transitional housing programs that serve former military personnel and their families.
The company announced a $205,000 donation to the Rocky Mountain Veterans Advocacy Project (RMVAP) and a $50,000 contribution to the Veterans Community Project (VCP), bringing its total support for the two nonprofits to more than $1.2 million since 2024, according to a press release.
RMVAP said the latest funding will increase PMI U.S.’s total contributions to $665,000 and help expand free legal services for veterans seeking disability compensation, discharge upgrades, and other benefits. The nonprofit expects to serve up to 800 veterans in 2026 and help recover an estimated $25 million in earned benefits for veterans and their families.
“Helping veterans access the benefits and support they’ve earned is a key part of our commitment to military service members, veterans, and their families,” said Lisa Rechsteiner, senior manager of Civil Society for PMI U.S.
Separately, PMI U.S. donated $50,000 to Veterans Community Project, bringing its support for the organization to $550,000 since 2024. The funding comes as VCP marks the first anniversary of its 26-home transitional tiny home village in Longmont, Colorado, which provides housing and support services to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
According to VCP, nearly 1,000 veterans in Colorado experience housing instability on any given night. Since construction began on the Longmont village in 2020, the organization has served 873 veterans through its housing and outreach programs.
The latest contributions are part of PMI U.S.’s broader community investment strategy, which supports military service members, veterans and their families through organizations focused on legal advocacy, housing stability and long-term economic security.
