2022 Summer Camp Grants Available

Apply April 1-August 31

Welcome to the 2022 Coastie Camper Season!

School is almost out for the summer. Parents are signing-up their children for camps, sports, and academic enrichment -- among other activities -- for the many weeks of downtime between school years.

The Coast Guard Foundation’s Coastie Camper pilot program offers Coast Guard families in several West Coast states the opportunity to apply for a grant to help defray the cost of summer camps and activities.

Eligible Coast Guard members may apply for a $500 grant to cover the cost of their child’s summer camp registration, at-home or virtual enrichment program fees, or new software and hardware that will help with at-home learning experiences. Simply put, this a chance to pay for camp, sign up for a virtual-camp experience, or purchase a Chromebook, iPad, Kindle, or VR glasses, to name a few options.

To maximize this opportunity for as many Coast Guard families as we can, we will limit the grant opportunity to one grant per family.

Program Specifics and Eligibility Requirements

• The Coast Guard Foundation Summer Youth Enrichment Program open application period is April 1-August 31, 2022, as funds remain.
• DEERS-certified dependent child of an active-duty Coast Guard member stationed in Ketchikan, Alaska-only and California. Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, in pay grades E-2 to E-8, O1-O3, W2-W3.
• DEERS certified dependent child of a Coast Guard reservist stationed in Ketchikan, Alaska-only and California. Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, in pay grades E-2 to E-8, O1-O3, W2-W3, on any type of active-duty orders for at least one year in duration.
• Dependent children must be aged 5-18 years old.
• Each qualified child is eligible for up to a $500 grant. Each family is eligible for one grant.
• 6/13 program update: Funding for Coast Guard members stationed in California is expended, we will no longer receive applications for summer camp grants for CG members stationed here. At this time, funding remains for Coast Guard members stationed in Ketchikan, Alaska only.
• 5/24 program update: Funding for Coast Guard members stationed in Alaska (with the exception of Ketchikan) and Coast Guard's 13th District which includes Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington is expended, we will no longer receive applications for summer camp grants for CG members stationed in these locations. All submitted applications for Alaska (except Ketchikan) and District 13-based grants are pending and are being reviewed at this time.
• 4/21 program update: Funding for Coast Guard members stationed in Hawaii is expended, we will no longer receive applications for summer camp grants for CG members stationed in Hawaii. All submitted applications for Hawaii-based grants are pending and are being reviewed at this time.

How to Apply

• Applications must be completed and submitted online coastguardfoundation.org/coastiecamper
• A copy of your DEERS/MilConnect Service member profile page is required with your application to verify eligibility.
• Proof of enrollment and payment receipt for camp and enrichment activities and technology purchases will be requested and must be submitted after your grant is approved. Required documentation includes the cost of the activity, such as a flyer or brochure, or a letter from the organization, which clearly states the program's cost and the program dates. Proof of payment includes a copy of a receipt or email notification of payment.
• If you have a question about the camp or program your child is participating in or the required documentation, please email the Coast Guard Foundation at swilliams@coastguardfoundation.org, or call 860-535-0786.

Awarding Grants

• Grants are awarded in the order in which they are received.
• All selection results are final.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee funding of a grant.
• All grant recipients will be notified by the Coast Guard Foundation of their selection of an award. Selected applicants will be contacted directly by email or phone and sent a formal letter via mail to their home address.
• Periodic changes may influence the funding levels of these grants. As a result, the Coast Guard Foundation does not guarantee the future funding levels for this program. The Coast Guard Foundation reserves the right to reduce or discontinue any award due to the non-availability of funding, without advance notice.