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“This is the only program I have found that directly affects middle school and high school age children.”
A grateful parent.
“I can’t thank you enough. The Our Military Kids grant felt like the first time my child was truly recognized for the sacrifices that she and the other military kids make for the freedom of their country.”
A grateful mom.
“The ease of application and quick turnaround time was incredible. I received notice of his acceptance within a week!”
An appreciative parent.
“My family is the most important thing in the world to me and knowing there is someone back home who is doing something to make their life a little better makes my life over here a little bit better.”
A Captain in Fallujah, Iraq
The fact that I was deployed created a void in the kids’ lives. Their grants helped fill that void in a controlled and positive way. It lessened the burden of not having Dad at home.”
A National Guardsman just returned from Afghanistan.
“I want to thank you for assisting me with the grant to allow my kids to participate in a summer camp program. I am so grateful for everything you have provided for me and my family. Thank you for your prompt services as well.”
A soldier mom serving in OIF.
“ I am a married Reservist with six kids and I just found out about your organization. I will be applying for a grant soon and would just like to thank you and say someone finally gets it.”
An Airman serving in OIF.
“While most Americans are nestled in the comfort of their everyday lives, it is refreshing to know you are helping us share the burden of a deployment. Thank you for attending to the soldiers’ most precious assets back home — our kids."
(This note was accompanied by the gift of an American flag flown over Al Asad Air Base, Iraq)
“It is wonderful to know there are groups out there willing to take care of my children and allow them to continue with their extracurricular activities, to enable them to continue as balanced routine as possible.”
A Colorado National Guardsman
Program Overview
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 or recovering from injury at home.
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Along with the sacrifice of having a parent away in service for months at a time, many Guard and Reserve families are so financially stretched they cannot afford the fees for sports, fine arts, or tutoring programs so crucial to their children’s sense of well-being. Children of severely injured service members face similar financial difficulties along with the challenges of learning to adapt to the physical, mental, and emotional changes in a loved one.
Our Military Kids, founded in 2004, stepped in to fill these gaps with a simple grant program that pays for children’s activities. Eligible families apply for a grant and within days of receipt in the Our Military Kids office, a packet is sent to the child thanking them for their service to our country and notifying them of the award, then a check is sent directly to the service provider.
Our Military Kids helps 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.
Working with a team of volunteers, a dedicated staff, Board of Directors and Advisory Board, Our Military Kids has distributed grants to children in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and most U.S. territories. From its pilot program in March 2005 in Winchester, Virginia, Our Military Kids has extended its reach to families nationwide.
Our Military Kids is funded by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government and is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
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.
