Beyond the Uniform: How Activity Grants Bolster Military Family Wellbeing

OAKTON, Va. – January 08, 2026 – While service members face the challenges of deployment and recovery, their children navigate a unique set of emotional and social hurdles at home. A long-standing partnership between the USAA Foundation and the nonprofit Our Military Kids® is directly addressing these challenges, announcing that its support funded over 800 extracurricular activities for military children in 2025. This latest contribution brings the total number of activity awards supported by the USAA Foundation to more than 4,000 since the collaboration began in 2006.

Our Military Kids provides grants to the children (ages 1-18) of deployed National Guard and Reserve members, as well as those of Veterans from any service branch receiving treatment for combat-related injuries. These funds, which can be used for sports, arts, tutoring, and other enrichment programs, are designed to provide consistency, community, and crucial stress relief for families during periods of significant strain. Since its founding in 2004, the organization has distributed 100,000 awards totaling $36 million.

The Unseen Challenges of Military Life

The children of service members, often called “military brats,” are widely recognized for their resilience, but they also face profound and often invisible struggles. Research highlights the significant psychological toll of military life, particularly during parental deployment. Studies have found that nearly a third of school-aged military children are at a “high risk” for psychosocial issues during a parent's deployment—a rate 2.5 times higher than national averages. These challenges can manifest as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and behavioral problems.

For children of National Guard and Reserve members, these difficulties can be compounded by geographic isolation. Unlike families on active-duty bases, they may lack a built-in community of peers who understand their experience. The stress on the at-home parent is also a significant predictor of a child’s well-being, and the entire family unit feels the strain of separation and uncertainty.

Educational paths are also frequently disrupted. The average military child moves six to nine times before high school graduation, leading to inconsistent curricula, learning gaps, and social hurdles in making and keeping friends. For families navigating a parent’s recovery from combat injuries, these stressors are layered with the added emotional and logistical complexities of long-term care.

A Lifeline of Normalcy and Joy

It is within this challenging context that Our Military Kids provides a tangible lifeline. By funding child-chosen activities, the program offers more than just something to do; it provides a sense of normalcy, personal achievement, and a positive outlet. The grants, typically up to $300 per activity, empower children to pursue their own interests, building confidence and fostering connections within their local communities.

According to the nonprofit’s annual survey data, the impact is significant. In its most recent report, 96% of beneficiary families reported an improvement in their overall family wellbeing. Furthermore, 88% noted a positive impact on the morale of the deployed or recovering service member. For families of combat-injured veterans, 95% saw a reduction in their child’s psychological stress after participating in a funded activity. The financial relief is also critical, as over 95% of families stated they would have been unable to afford the activities without assistance.

One National Guard service member shared the direct impact of the program on their family: “Because of support from Our Military Kids, our child has been able to participate in swim lessons that not only build important life skills, but also bring joy, confidence, and a healthy outlet during a challenging time for our family. Knowing that our child can continue growing, learning, and staying active without the added financial stress means more than words can fully express.”

A Strategic Partnership for Resilience

The sustained collaboration between the USAA Foundation and Our Military Kids serves as a powerful model for strategic corporate philanthropy. It demonstrates a deep understanding of the military community's needs and a commitment to addressing them through targeted, evidence-based programs.

“Our Military Kids activity awards not only support children, but also strengthen the wellbeing of entire families,” said Kara Dallman, Executive Director of Our Military Kids. “With the USAA Foundation's investment, we are able to relieve financial stress and expand access to even more children, providing a sense of normalcy during a deployment or care for a combat injury or illness.”

This partnership aligns directly with the USAA Foundation’s core mission of promoting military family resilience, mental health, and economic mobility. By investing in a program with a proven track record, the foundation ensures its resources generate a measurable, positive return for the community it serves.

“We're committed to ensuring service members, Veterans, and their families thrive, and that extends to helping military children and teens realize their fullest potential,” said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, Head of Corporate Impact at USAA and Vice Chair of the USAA Foundation. “We support Our Military Kids because they have the unique ability to create at scale one-of-a-kind experiences for every child that participates in their program.”

Investing in the Future of the Military Community

While numerous organizations offer invaluable services to military families, the unique contribution of Our Military Kids lies in its child-centric, empowerment-focused model. By allowing children to choose their own activities, the program respects their individuality and fosters passions that can become lifelong sources of strength and enjoyment. This approach is a direct investment in the long-term health and stability of military families, which in turn supports military readiness and retention.

Supporting the children of those who serve is not merely a charitable act; it is a vital component of supporting the nation's defense infrastructure. When service members know their families are thriving, they can better focus on their missions. When children are given the tools to build resilience and connect with their communities, they are better equipped to handle the inherent challenges of military life. By empowering children to pursue their passions, these organizations are not just funding activities; they are investing in the future stability and strength of the entire military community.