STATUS: Open

SERVICE AREA: United States

CLIENTS SERVED: Active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, veterans, military spouses, surviving spouses, caregivers, and eligible dependent children of military personnel.

DESCRIPTION: MOAA Charities is the charitable organization affiliated with the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), providing financial assistance, educational funding, and community support to military and veteran families nationwide. Assistance is available across military ranks, with eligibility determined by each program.

PROGRAMS/SERVICES:

• Crisis Relief Program: Provides one-time emergency grants of up to $1,000 for eligible military-affiliated individuals experiencing an unexpected financial crisis within the past 12 months. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and veterans must meet qualifying discharge requirements. Only one grant is permitted per person and household.
  • Housing Assistance: Helps with rent, mortgage payments, and essential home repairs.
  • Utility & Basic Needs Assistance: Helps cover electricity, heating, water, internet, groceries, and other essential household expenses.
  • Transportation Assistance: Helps with vehicle repairs, auto loans, and lease payments.
  • Medical & Insurance Expenses: Helps pay medical bills, insurance premiums, and other urgent health-related expenses.
  • Other Emergency Expenses: Considers additional critical needs individually; legal fees and child support are excluded.
• Education Assistance Program: Provides scholarships and interest-free educational loans for eligible dependent children of military personnel pursuing their first undergraduate degree or an accredited trade school program.
• Community Outreach Grant Program: Awards grants of up to $5,000 to MOAA councils and chapters providing direct assistance to military and veteran families through local programs.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Crisis Relief: Review the Crisis Relief Program guidelines and complete the online application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with decisions generally issued within 7–14 business days.
• Education Assistance: Complete the New Student Application or renewal application through the MOAA Charities Application Portal. Email edassist@moaa.org for eligibility questions.
• Community Outreach Grants: Authorized MOAA council or chapter representatives may apply through the MOAA Charities Application Portal annually. Email charities@moaa.org for program questions.