Children of Fallen Patriots Receives $1M Matching Grant to Fund Gold Star Scholarships

Retired U.S. Navy Admiral William McRaven and his wife, Georgeann, have made a significant commitment to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (CFP) by pledging a $1 million matching gift. The contribution is part of McRaven’s 2024 Bezos Courage & Civility Award, presented by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez to leaders making a significant difference.

A remarkable opportunity awaits as the grant promises to match every new donation, dollar for dollar, up to an impressive $1 million, until the date of July 31, 2025, enhancing the significance of each contribution made. CFP, an organization dedicated to offering college scholarships and educational counseling to the children of fallen military service members, is confronting a significant challenge: a $300 million shortfall projected over the next two decades. Of this, $150 million is urgently required within the next four years to support Gold Star students who have been impacted by the losses in Iraq and Afghanistan.

An estimated 25,000 children of fallen service members exist, with CFP having already identified 13,000 and offering transformative financial support. Their journey is marked by economic struggles, as 96% of the remaining parents are mothers, and more than half of these women earn less than $50,000 annually.

David Kim, CFP’s founder, conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the donation: "This generous matching gift empowers us to persist in our mission of assisting these children in realizing their educational aspirations, all while paying tribute to their parents' sacrifices."

To make a difference and amplify your contribution, head to donate.fallenpatriots.org before July 31, 2025.

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