#United States #Arlington #financial assistance #Coast Guard #CGMA

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Reports a Historic Year

In a remarkable display of support, the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) has announced a groundbreaking achievement as it provided over $12.1 million in financial assistance during 2025. This initiative was aimed at more than 4,000 Coast Guard members and their families, signifying one of the organization’s most impactful years on record. The insights are captured in the recently released 2025 Annual Report.

Expansion of Support Services

The annual report highlights CGMA's strategic expansion of its grant support mechanisms. Among the notable advancements, the organization successfully converted $1.48 million of outstanding loans into grants, providing a significant benefit to over 700 Coast Guard families. Throughout the year, CGMA disbursed a total of more than $3 million in grants, underscoring its commitment to the community.

In response to the hardships faced during the federal government shutdown, CGMA remained a lifeline, offering $2.4 million in interest-free loans to approximately 8,700 civilian employees who either faced furlough or were required to work without pay. This level of direct assistance is exclusive to CGMA, enabling families to meet essential expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities during challenging times.

Significant Funding and Campaign Success

To bolster future initiatives, CGMA secured a substantial $4 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. This funding is designated to enhance CGMA's long-term operational capabilities and broaden the support network across the Coast Guard community. The investment will facilitate improved training for CGMA representatives, expand marketing efforts, and increase overall awareness of the available resources for Coast Guard families.

The 2025 Annual Campaign also demonstrated great success, raising over $1.71 million, marking a 7.5% year-over-year increase. This achievement signifies a shift in trend, reversing a decade-long decline in payroll allotment contributions. Such fundraising efforts are crucial, as they account for nearly half of CGMA’s annual donor support, vital for maintaining connections within the Coast Guard community and advancing the organization’s mission.

Launch of Coastal Grit Event

Adding to the year’s accomplishments, CGMA launched the Coastal Grit event, which seeks to forge stronger ties among the Coast Guard community as well as with partners and supporters. The inaugural event took place in Clearwater, Florida, gathering close to 300 individuals, including Coast Guard members, their families, and various partners. Such events are aimed at generating momentum for future gatherings, with plans extending through 2028.

About Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, established in 1924, serves as the official relief society for the U.S. Coast Guard. Over its nearly century-long history, CGMA has facilitated more than $260 million in direct financial assistance, reinforcing the readiness and resilience of the Coast Guard community. The organization stands reliant on the generosity of its donors and volunteers to fulfill its mission of support. To find out more about their initiatives, visit www.mycgma.org.