About the Coast Guard Foundation

Inspiring leadership, learning and a proud legacy of service to our nation by supporting the men and women of the United States Coast Guard and their families.

WHAT IS THE COAST GUARD FOUNDATION?

The Coast Guard Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1969. It was initially created to provide funds for academic, athletic, and morale needs of the Coast Guard Academy and its cadets which were not covered by federal operational funding. In 1986, the Foundation expanded its charter to support projects that enhance the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families. The Foundation is governed by a Board of 100 Trustees from all parts of the country. The Trustees elect from their members a 30 person Board of Directors to oversee the management of the Foundation. Located in Stonington, Connecticut, the Foundation employs a staff of ten civilians responsible for meeting the Foundation’s objectives and working closely with the Coast Guard on all issues.

WHAT DOES THE COAST GUARD FOUNDATION DO?

The Coast Guard Foundation strives to help 47,000 Coast Guard men and women strengthen their service to our nation by encouraging them to be the best that they can be, on duty and off. The Foundation supports numerous programs and projects through donations from individuals, corporations and through grants and special fundraising events. The Foundation manages endowments supporting academic, athletic, and leadership excellence for cadets at the Academy; offers financial relief to Coast Guard families who lose their possessions in natural disasters; provides college scholarships to dependents of enlisted personnel; funds recreational and family-oriented facilities; and supports educational and morale programs at bases, on cutters around the nation; as well as hundreds of smaller projects.

HOW MUCH DOES THE FOUNDATION DONATE TO THE COAST GUARD ANNUALLY?

Over the past three years the Foundation has contributed $12.30 million in cash and in-kind gifts or an average total of $4.1 million annually in support of the men and women of the Coast Guard and their families.