How We Help Families
Comfort. Stability. Routine. Fun! All children need these ingredients to thrive but especially those who have a parent deployed in military service to our country. Discover how our organization is helping military families provide their children with sports, fine arts and tutoring so crucial to their children’s sense of well-being.
Program Overview
Our Military Kids, founded in 2004 by Linda Davidson and Gail Kruzel, stepped in to fill this gap with a simple grant program.
Program Overview
Severely Injured Program Guidelines and Criteria
Our Military Kids supports the children of severely injured military personnel -- Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty.
Guidelines and Criteria
How We've Grown
From a pilot program with a Virginia National Guard unit in 2005, our Military Kids has grown into a national program.
How We've Grown
Survey Results
Our Military Kids Grant Recipients give high marks to the program’s effectiveness and efficiency,
Survey Results
State Statistics
Our Military Kids provides grants to children in all 50 states and most territories. Want to see how your state stacks up?
State Statistics
Military Branch Statistics
Our Military Kids provides tangible support to the children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Military Reserve personnel.
Military Branch Statistics
Stories from the Homefront
Read the stories of the many children that Our Military Kids has reached with extra help and attention during a parent's deployment or recovery from a severe injury.
Read More Stories
Special Events
National sponsors make tickets available to sports and cultural events.
Go to Special Events
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.
