Charities That Support Military Families
Updated: 3 days ago
Military families give a lot, and many organizations give back to them. As a military spouse for more than 30 years and an Arlington Associate Broker with 560+ transactions, I've seen how much these groups mean to families during deployments, moves and losses. Here are some to consider, plus ways to give your time and talents.
This article is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Organizations that support military families
These are listed alphabetically, not ranked.
Armed Services YMCA: Programs for junior enlisted families and their children.
Blue Star Families: Founded by military spouses to connect families with their communities.
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation: College and trade school scholarships, educational guidance and career support for children who lost a parent in the line of duty.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation: Support for military and veteran caregivers.
Fisher House Foundation: Free lodging for families of patients at military and VA medical centers, including Fort Belvoir.
Folds of Honor: Scholarships for spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.
Military Child Education Coalition: Resources for military-connected students and schools.
Military Family Advisory Network: An Arlington-based nonprofit that researches what military families need, and delivers pantry and household essentials to families after a PCS.
National Military Family Association: Advocacy and programs for military families.
Operation Homefront: Financial assistance and transitional and permanent housing programs for military and veteran families.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): Care for anyone grieving the death of a military loved one.
United Through Reading: Helps deployed parents record themselves reading books to their children.
The service relief societies, Army Emergency Relief, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the Air Force Aid Society and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, help service members with emergency grants and zero-interest loans. They also accept donations.
Check before you give
Confirm the charity is real with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
Look up current ratings and reports on independent sites like Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Ratings change from year to year.
Watch for scams. Be wary of pressure to give right away, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, and names that sound almost like a well-known charity. The FTC has more tips.
A tax note for 2026
Starting with tax year 2026, you can deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts to eligible charities even if you don't itemize ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly). Keep receipts, and ask a tax professional how this applies to you.
Give your time and talents
Volunteer at your installation's family support center, thrift shop or loan closet.
Help a newly arrived family with a meal, a ride or a tour of the area.
Share a skill: résumé help for a spouse, tutoring or home repairs for a family during a deployment.
Join GivingTuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, by giving or volunteering locally.
Shop local and military-owned when you buy holiday gifts, and look for businesses that give back.
In Northern Virginia
Many national military family organizations are based in the Washington area, and there are plenty of ways to help locally. Your installation's family support center can connect you with volunteer opportunities. If you've just arrived, my Northern Virginia PCS guide can help you get settled.
Sources: Charity Navigator, Operation Homefront; Charity Navigator, Military Family Advisory Network; IRS Topic 506, charitable contributions; IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search; FTC, giving to charity.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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