FAQs

General Questions

Yes, In 2002 we received a 501(c)3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service.

Our tax ID number is # 54-2062271. CFC# 77273.

Please see our news and events page for updates.

We are also on social media, follow us!

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You can make a gift to us online with your credit card or PayPal account. Click on the Donate Button at the top right of our home page to go to the online donation page. Fill out your name, email, and billing address, and then select whether you want to pay through credit card or PayPal.

To pay by credit card, enter your card number, expiration date, and security code.

To pay by PayPal, click on the PayPal button and log into your PayPal account to withdraw the amount you want to donate.

Lastly, choose if you would like to cover the transaction fee. You will receive a tax receipt sent to the email you provided immediately after you complete the donation.

When you click on the Donate Button, you will have the option to make a one-time or monthly donation.

You can make a gift to us by mailing a check payable to the PenFed Foundation to 2930 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314. Once we receive your check, we will mail you a tax receipt to the address on your envelope.

You can make a gift to us by donating shares of stocks. Email us at donate@penfedfoundation.org to provide the details of your stock gift. We will send you our brokerage information and next steps for completing your gift.

Donors may contribute in-kind gifts with approval from the PenFed Foundation. IRS requirements for gift valuation note that the donor has the responsibility for valuing in-kind gifts for tax-deduction purposes. Even in cases in which the donor does not intend to claim the in-kind gift as a charitable donation, the PenFed Foundation’s policy is to ask the donor to place a value on the in-kind gift.

Please email donate@penfed.org, and we would be happy to send you a receipt.

Military Heroes Program

Grants may only be submitted by 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. You will need your organization’s EIN and IRS letter of determination as part of the application process. Organizations must be in good standing with the IRS and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

No, you do not need an invitation to apply. All eligible organizations are encouraged to apply.

Yes, you can reapply. Please contact militaryheroes@penfed.org to discuss your project prior to reapplying.

The PenFed Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations that support the military community. We prioritize funding programs and projects that:

  • Empower service members through the transition to civilian life
  • Promote community leadership and improve society
  • Honor the legacy of service

No. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundant system.

Veteran Entrepreneur Program

All veteran and milspouse entrepreneurs with startup companies. The most successful applications are from businesses with potential for revenue growth and scalability. 

Yes, veteran and milspouse entrepreneurs need to have an established business to qualify for VEP. Our current programs are designed for highly-scalable that have at least their minimum viable product, have demonstrated product-market fit, and ideally are revenue generating.

We expect (1) your in-person participation at our 3-day retreat in the cohort location for which you were chosen, (2) participation in the 6-weeks of virtual webinars and one-on-one mentorship, and (3) that you participate in the Pitch Day event, which typically takes place in October. We do not take equity in your business, nor do we charge a tuition. All of your expenses (travel, lodging and meals) are covered by VEP.

The Veteran Entrepreneur Program offers veteran and milspouse founders the opportunity to participate in one of our three-day seminars followed by six weeks of webinars and one-on-one mentoring sessions. We host three cohorts each year, two in Bentonville, Arkansas, and one in Tysons, Virginia. Each cohort experiences group collaboration and individualized mentorship that better prepare them to navigate the challenges of growing a startup. We also host an annual Pitch Day event for our three cohorts, which gives companies the opportunity to pitch to potential investors. What makes our program stand out is that we do not take equity in your business, nor do we charge tuition. Our goal is to help position veteran-founded companies for success. 

We are always looking for industry experts to present and/or mentor our veteran founders. If you are interested, please email our Program Manager, Rachel Miller at rachel.miller@penfed.org

Many of our cohort companies are looking to access capital through investments. If you are interested in learning more about our companies and investment opportunities, please contact our Veteran Investor Relations Manager, Joaquin Goquiolay at joaquin.goquiolay@penfed.org

Partner With Us

To learn more about partnership opportunities, please contact Katie Watson at militaryheroes@penfed.org.

We offer various levels of partnership – learn more at Philanthropic Partners.

For additional information, please contact Katie Watson at militaryheroes@penfed.org.