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Cheers to Step Up For Soldiers

Learn how a Veterans Assistance Fund uses SignUp to manage their volunteer program

Last Updated March 9, 2026

When it comes to supporting disabled veterans and their families, organization matters just as much as heart. 💙

That’s why we’re proud to spotlight Step Up For Soldiers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping U.S. Armed Forces members who have experienced limb loss or mobility challenges transition successfully into post-war life.

From building wheelchair-accessible ramps to providing financial assistance, family support, and transitional housing, this Veterans Assistance Fund is making a powerful local impact. And behind the scenes? SignUp helps keep their volunteer scheduling simple, streamlined, and stress-free.

We connected with their team to learn more.

If you're searching for practical insights on nonprofit volunteer scheduling, event sign-up management, or tools to streamline communication with volunteers — you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into the conversation. 👇

American female soldier

Please tell us about your organization and your signup needs.

Step Up For Soldiers was founded in 2004, by Tom Russell whose goal was to build a wheelchair accessible ramps for two local National Guard Soldiers who had lost their legs during their tours of duty. Since its inception, the purpose of the organization has expanded to provide funding to soldiers who need financial assistance as well as home modifications, family support and more.

Step Up hosts various fundraising events throughout the year and are the beneficiaries of a number of events hosted by other local organizations. Events include a "Combat Mud Run", BBQ cook-off, summer concert series and other small, one-off events.

Explain how you use SignUp to coordinate these volunteers. 

Signup has been very helpful in a few ways. It allows us to easily add contacts to our distribution list, with the option of folks adding themselves on a generic event, create events and have folks sign up on their own vs. us having to assign all spots, and easily email event volunteers based on those who have signed up vs. having to add individual email addresses

Why did you decide to use SignUp? 

We chose Signup.com because of it's ratings, and upon a trial run decided it fulfilled all our needs. Ease of use and overall user interface was part of our decision process.

What advice do you have for other volunteer coordinators out there? 

Communication is imperative, with your organization and with your volunteers. Think like a volunteer – what information would you want to know? Have as many details as you can have prepared for questions, not only about your event but also about the organization also.

What else would you like our readers to know about your organization? 

Our organization helps out young, local veterans. There's a lot of resources for the older generations but not much for the younger vets. We are currently wrapping up a project called the "Kramer House". This is a transition house for a veteran and his/her family during the period the vet is attending a local university. The rent will be low and a portion of the rent payments will be given back to the family as a startup fund once the individual graduates.

Details can be found here — any and all donations are greatly appreciated and go directly to local vets.


🫡 A big salute to Stand Up for Soldiers and the volunteers who step up to serve their communities every day! 🫡


FAQs: Volunteer Coordination for Veteran Support Organizations

Q: What does Step Up For Soldiers do?

A: Step Up For Soldiers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports U.S. veterans with limb loss or mobility challenges. The organization provides wheelchair-accessible home ramps, financial assistance, family support, and transitional housing programs to help veterans successfully transition to post-service life.

Q: How does Step Up For Soldiers organize volunteers?

A: Step Up For Soldiers uses SignUp to create online volunteer schedules where supporters can choose shifts, register for events, and receive updates. This allows the team to coordinate volunteers for fundraisers, service projects, and community events in one place.

Q: What types of events does Step Up For Soldiers organize?

A: The organization hosts several community fundraisers each year, including a Combat Mud Run, BBQ cook-offs, summer concert series, and other local events that raise funds to support veterans and their families.

Q: Why do nonprofits use online volunteer scheduling tools?

A: Online volunteer scheduling tools help nonprofits organize shifts, collect signups, communicate with volunteers, and keep event planning organized without managing long email threads or spreadsheets.

Q: What advice does Step Up For Soldiers have for volunteer coordinators?

A: Clear communication is key. Provide volunteers with detailed information about the event, expectations, and the mission of your organization so they feel prepared, confident, and connected to the cause.

Q: What is the Kramer House project?

A: Kramer House is a transitional home created by Step Up For Soldiers that provides affordable housing for a veteran and their family while the veteran attends a local university. Part of the rent is returned to the family after graduation to help them start their next chapter.

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About the Author

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Tara McAdams

Digital Marketing Manager, Content Strategist & Creator

Tara leads content strategy at SignUp and creates a variety of resources on a wide range of topics – including lifestyle trends, parent tips, prep for holidays, volunteer management, and event planning.  More about Tara →