VLP was originally founded in 1982 under the Reagan Administration as the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program. In 1993, when Illinois changed it's Illinois Vietnam Veterans Employment Act to the Illinois Veterans Employment Act, we changed our name to match - thus, the Veterans Leadership Program of Illinois. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and raise funds thru the private sector, as well as receiving state and federal grants. ALL services provided to veterans are FREE OF CHARGE!!!!!