Military Heroes Program

Supporting our heroes who supported us.

When there is a gap, we step in to make sure the individual and collective needs of our service members and their families are being met. We do this by forming partnerships with non-profit organizations working within our military communities and providing them with the financial assistance needed to conduct their important work.

Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations and individuals through the application processes outlined below.

High Impact Community Grant

Whether active duty or retired, our service members are pillars of their communities. Through our Military Heroes Program, The PenFed Foundation provides high impact grants that celebrate the leadership and selfless service of military members and support the transition from service to civilian life.

Submissions for 2025 Military Heroes High Impact Community Grants are open.

Funding Priorities:

Military to Civilian Transition

Programs that leverage the foundation of skills and experiences built during military service to support a positive transition, lead to meaningful employment and result in veterans thriving after service.

Community Leadership

Programs that promote service in the community and leverage military skills to improve society.

Legacy

Programs that educate, promote the positive impact of service, honor service and encourage future generations of military service.

What qualifies for funding:

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.
Applications should be for a specific project or program rather than general operating expenses.
Projects and programs must align with the funding priorities to be considered.
Must be able to provide 2 years of financials.

Application Details:

Our application process is open, and you do not need an invitation to be considered.
You’ll create an account and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) with a short description of your project. We’ll be in touch within two weeks of receiving your LOI with next steps for your proposal.
All requests for Military Heroes Grants must be submitted through our online portal. Proposals submitted via email, mail, or phone will not be considered.

Military Heroes Individual Grant

Military Heroes Individual Grants are awarded to veterans, active military, National Guard, and Reserve members for community leadership and successful employment expenses that they are unable to afford on their own. Examples include participation in conferences, trainings and certification expenses. Individual grants do not cover monthly bills, legal fees, medical bills, tuitions, or home or auto repairs.

Culinary Institute of America Grant Program

Current Military and qualifying veterans are eligible for grants to cover the cost of the Culinary Institute of America’s ProChef Certifications, CIA Boot Camps, or other CIA programs not covered by the G.I. Bill.

Boots to Books

The PenFed Foundation Military Heroes Individual Grants are awarded to Veterans, Active Military, National Guard, and Reserves in partnership with Boots to Books for application-based training in a variety of industry skills.

Additional requirements:

Must be active military or a veteran meeting the below requirements.
Separated from the service within 5 years of application.
Received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.
Served a minimum of 2 years Active Duty, this includes service in: Army, Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, or Reserves or National Guard on Title 10 Call-ups, or Active Guard/Reserves

Contact info@boots2books.com for any questions about qualifying scholarships.