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Thanks to our sponsors
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Please join the many foundations, corporations and thousands of individuals who are making a positive difference in the lives of our military children.
The Our Military Kids Story
Comfort. Stability. Routine. Fun!
All children need recognition and support to thrive but especially those who have a parent deployed in military service to our country.
Compassion for these children is what inspired Linda Davidson and Gail Kruzel to found Our Military Kids in 2004. They were concerned that the school-aged children of Reserve and National Guard military service men and women were missing out on sustaining support services. Along with the sacrifice of having a parent away in service for months at a time, they could see that many of these families were often so stretched financially that they could not afford the fees for sports, fine arts and tutoring so crucial to their children’s sense of well–being.
With shared expertise working for an outreach organization that assisted Army families, Gail and Linda sought to recognize and honor other service families who often fall outside the parameters of established support programs–the families of National Guard and Reserve service men and women who have been and are continuing to sacrifice so much for our country.
Gail and Linda approached well-known, esteemed individuals, many with distinguished military and government service careers, and asked them to join the Our Military Kids team. All enthusiastically agreed and a Board of Directors and Advisory Board were formed. Our Military Kids received its 501(c)(3) status in early 2005 and initiated a pilot program with a Winchester, Virginia National Guard unit. This proved so successful that in April 2006, the group launched nationwide to reach over 1,000 children in 47 states by the end of that year.
By the end of 2009, the program had served families in all 50 states and most U.S. territories, all branches of the Reserve and National Guard forces, and had dispersed more than $5.7 million to 14,633 children.
Our Military Kids vs. Operation: Military Kids
Our Military Kids is a separate entity and has a different service orientation to children of National Guard and Reserve soldiers than Operation: Military Kids (OMK), a program of the United States Army.
Our Military Kids was founded in 2004 to offer Guard and Reserve familiesgrants for children's enrichment activities and tutoring. Operation: Military Kids was founded in 2005 to help the Army reach families with a range of support services through affiliation with state and local agencies including 4-H. These organizations are two distinct groups, with unique missions, that benefit the children of deployed military personnel.
Kids’ Stories
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Jen was intent on having her son continue with his therapeutic horseback riding lessons while her husband was deployed to Iraq.
Margaret, a mother of eight children ages one through eleven years, home schools her children. She applied for a grant for the five older children to join the area YMCA. The grant allowed the children to participate on the swim team and pass the summer months engaged in energetic play.
When I first heard about having the chance to travel to an important band festival I didn’t imagine I could go because of how expensive it was. But because of your generosity, I get to have an experience to last a lifetime. I’ll always be grateful to you all for the work you’ve done to help give me this wonderful opportunity. —Christine
“Enrolling my four boys in martial arts provided a structure that we all needed during my husband Mark’s deployment,” says Nancy. “They have learned the importance of respect, loyalty, non-violent behavior, and the value of working out conflicts in different ways.” Knowing the boys were enjoying tae kwon do relieved Mark’s stress level while he was away in service.
Did You Know?
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Who can receive a grant?
School-age dependents (3 years through high school) of Reserve and National Guard military personnel deployed overseas may apply.
What documentation is required as proof of a parent’s deployment?
A copy of the military parent’s overseas deployment orders will verify that a child is eligible for the grant program.
Is the grant award dependent on family income?
Family income is not a consideration in determining the eligibility of a child’s grant request.
Are there restrictions on the types of activities eligible for grants?
Our Military Kids, Inc. covers many programs but there are restrictions. See a complete list in our “Activities Covered” section of this website.
Which tutoring services qualify?
Grants assist children in maintaining academic performance at grade level. We require a letter from the child’s teacher indicating the need for tutoring
What documentation is needed to support the amount of the grant?
A copy of a brochure, flyer, website page or letter from the organization providing the activity or service must accompany the application.
Who receives the grant check?
The organization indicated on the grant application will receive the check for the approved grant.
Does the grant have to be repaid?
The grant does not have to be paid back unless the child does not complete the activity.
Can a child receive multiple grants?
We can award 2 grants per child per 365 day deployment.
May more than one child from a family apply for a grant?
All eligible children in a family may apply for a grant.
How does Our Military Kids, Inc. determine which children receive grants?
We award grants to all qualified applicants as long as funds are available.
How are the grants funded?
Our Military Kids, Inc. is supported by contributions from corporations, charitable foundations and individuals.
Does Our Military Kids, Inc. qualify for donations through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)?
Our Military Kids, Inc. meets the Campaign’s rigorous standards. Members of the Reserves or National Guard can select #12357 to contribute.
Does Our Military Kids provide grants for children of the severely injured?
Yes! Please see the Severely Injured Program Guidelines and Criteria page.
