Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation Announces Renewed $1 Million Matching Grant from Admiral Bill McRaven, recipient of the Bezos Courage and Civility Award

Up to $1M in new and increased donations will be matched in honor of America's 250 years

RESTON, Va., Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation today announced the renewal of a $1 million matching grant that will extend through July 31, 2026. Every eligible donation made during this period, up to $1M, will be doubled, providing life-changing educational opportunities for the children of America's fallen heroes. The grant is made possible by Admiral Bill McRaven who was presented the Bezos Courage and Civility Award by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos in 2024.

As our nation approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, this renewed match offers Americans a meaningful way to honor 250 years of service and sacrifice by investing in the futures of military children who lost a parent in the line of duty.

Mission and Impact

Fallen Patriots provides college and trade school scholarships, educational assistance, and career support to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. The Foundation's impact is measurable:

• Without support, just 20% of children who lose a parent complete college. With Fallen Patriots, that graduation rate soars to an impressive 91% — far exceeding the national average of 64%.
• 52% come from low-income families.
• 38% are first-generation college students.
• According to the Bridgespan Group, a leading independent social impact consulting firm, every $1 invested in a Fallen Patriots scholar delivers a 16x ROI, resulting in an average $405K increase in lifetime earnings.

These statistics underscore the transformative difference donor support makes in breaking cycles of hardship and opening doors to opportunity.

Why Support Fallen Patriots

Donors can give with confidence knowing that Fallen Patriots has a proven track record of impact and accountability:

• Proven Impact: Since 2002, Fallen Patriots has provided over $80 million in scholarships and educational assistance to more than 3,900 military children who lost a parent in the line of duty.
• Nationally Trusted: Consistently rated a perfect 100% Charity Navigator 4-Star organization.
• Efficient and Transparent: Thanks to generous board donations, 96% of every dollar goes directly to programs.

"Behind every uniform is a family that also serves and sacrifices," said CEO and Co-Founder David Kim. "As we celebrate 250 years of our nation's independence, there is no greater way to honor those who gave their lives to secure our freedom than by ensuring their children have every opportunity to succeed."

Call to Action

From now through July 31, 2026, all new or increased donations to Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $1 million. This unique opportunity allows donors—both first-time supporters and long-standing partners who choose to grow their giving—to double their impact and directly invest in the next generation of leaders, the children of our fallen heroes.

Your gift goes beyond tuition—it opens doors to opportunity. From application costs and test prep to tutoring and career support, your generosity helps children of the fallen succeed. Every contribution honors their parents' sacrifice and builds the future they dream of.

If interested in learning more about how to apply your donation, please contact Fallen Patriots at [email protected] or 866-917-2373. To make a donation or learn more, visit www.fallenpatriots.org.

About Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation

Fallen Patriots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing college and trade school scholarships, educational assistance, and career support to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. Since 2002, Fallen Patriots has provided over $80 million in scholarships to more than 3,900 students, out of an estimated 25,000 nationwide who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Fallen Patriots is proud to be a 4-star rated charity by Charity Navigator, recognizing our commitment to transparency and financial stewardship.

Today, the mission is more urgent than ever. The children who lost their parents in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are reaching college age, creating a historic peak need. More than $300 million will be required over the next 20 years to fully support these students—half of which, $150 million, will be needed in just the next four years. Fallen Patriots remains committed to ensuring they have the resources to pursue their dreams and honor the legacy of their fallen loved ones.

About Admiral McRaven

Admiral William McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy Four-Star admiral and former Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, has led America's most elite forces. He oversaw the 2011 Navy SEAL raid that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. Recognized as a national authority on U.S. foreign policy, he has advised Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and other U.S. leaders on defense issues. Fallen Patriots presented him their annual Patriot Award in 2014 for his dedication to service members and their families.

About The Bezos Courage & Civility (C&C) Award

The C&C award was established in 2021 to support leaders addressing today's seemingly intractable problems. Recipients are selected based on their work in philanthropic areas of societal importance, recognizing them as leaders who aim high and pursue solutions with courage and civility. The 2021 inaugural recipients were Van Jones and José Andrés. The 2022 recipient was Dolly Parton. William McRaven and Eva Longoria were 2024 recipients.

SOURCE Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation