How to Apply
Families who apply for an Our Military Kids grant are pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy it is to receive an award for sports, fine arts or tutoring. The program is available to all children ages 3 years through high school age of deployed National Guard and Reserve military and children of both active and reserve severely injured service members.
The service member’s deployment must be overseas. The grant covers up to six months of an activity and cannot exceed $500.00.
Eligible Program Activities
Grant recipients are able to choose from different youth organization, community center, county recreation department and commercially provided sports activities, instruction and equipment rental programs. A list of qualifying activities may be found in the Eligible Program Activities section.
List of Eligible Program Activities
Apply Now
Just fill out the application found in the Apply Now section and follow the simple instructions found at the top of the form. Within two weeks of sending or faxing the application to Our Military Kids, the child will receive a special packet in the mail notifying him/her of the grant award. The check will be sent directly to the activity provider.
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions
The intent of the program is to recognize and honor the sacrifices the parents make by ensuring their children have access to activities and support that help the children better cope with challenges arising during a parent’s deployment or recovery from severe injury.
Learn more by visiting FAQs
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.