Some military nonprofits are MIA at a time when families need them most
Right now, thousands of our military-connected communities are experiencing high levels of angst and uncertainty, as government contracts are being terminated without warning and deployments increase alongside geographical separations, food insecurity, and mobilization of Guard and Reserve components—all while our Coast Guard service members and their families navigate the financial stress while continuing to work full-time without pay.
This seems unfathomable, but unfortunately, this kind of realness is gravitating towards the norm nowadays.
Our communities are managing real everyday life: paying bills, taking care of their spouses and children, working, going to doctor appointments, budgeting for food and groceries, overthinking, while operating in real-time fear of what tomorrow might look like in the future.
Yet sadly, there are many organizations and non-profits we’ve trusted, supported, donated to, and turned to throughout the years that haven’t said a word. Not even a peep.
Maybe because of fear of funding being cut in retaliation, of popping up on an unwanted radar, of the inevitability of offending someone in a position of power, or in the worst case scenario: they’re not tracking the gravity of today’s situation because it doesn’t benefit them to get involved.
But isn’t that why they exist in the first place? Times like these are when our military communities need national leaders to take ownership of their positions of power. This is the time to motivate us and activate our collective missions of service to our country by providing clear statements, accessible and easily navigable resources, and initiate immedidate plans of action.
Several big-name nonprofits have pledged support not only through public statements but with verbal commitments grounded in action.
The Wounded Warrior Project announced expansion of nationwide support for veterans and families and publicly highlighted efforts to provide emergency funding for military families. They’ve also pledged support for mental health care and suicide prevention, along with family support tied to legislative priorities for 2026.
CEO Walter Piett provided a written statement which highlighted WWP hosted 7,000 events and other programming last year, approximately 20 per day, aimed at fostering connection, mental and physical health, financial wellness, and long-term support for the most critically wounded.
Another commendable organization is the Bob Woodruff Foundation (and its Got Your 6 network). Got Your 6 emphasizes shared community responsibility to support veterans and reinforces civilian support for military families.
The Bob Woodruff Foundation supported veterans and military families across the nation through grants totaling $7.54 million in the second quarter of 2025. This involved a partnership with VIVA program, which supports wounded veterans facing fertility challenges. The VIVA program has helped veteran families welcome more than 100 babies since 2017.
These are just two examples of nonprofit leaders who verbalize, putting their solutions into practice, implement real plans, manage issues affecting our communities, and take a stand to execute their mission in support of our military community, which elevates their trust and earns mad respect.
Leadership from organizations such as these cuts the bitter taste of inaction from other organizations, especially from groups that use military service to raise money.
It’s their “why”—so is it too much to ask for a statement from CEOs, presidents, executive directors, general managers, boards of directors, or even a public relations director?
No, not really.
I’d be damned if I had the capacity to use my voice and position of authority to provide hope and encouragement for an entire community—one facing such hardship right now; a community that generates billions of revenue and is constantly exploited for such—and not have the foresight, tenacity, or courage to speak up for them.
Nope.
They deserve more. They are the best of us.
Many organizations, spearheaded by their leadership, have responded swiftly, and they are the ones that earn lasting trust, relevance, and impact.
And to the others that haven’t so much as acknowledged the current climate, who have yet to address the elephant in the room, I encourage you to use your voice to speak up for those who serve.
Service members and their families will remember. Mark my words.
Now is the time for us to hear from you.
What are some organizations and nonprofits with missions and vision statements that support our military-connected communities, and have they prioritized supporting our community with a public statement, action, or plan of support? This is your opportunity to give credit where credit is due. Email editor@wearethemighty.com.
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