Strengthening How We Help Our Own

CGMA receives a $4 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to better support the Coast Guard community.

We have good news to share.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance has received a $4 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.—an investment that will help us better serve the growing Coast Guard community for years to come. This grant represents a timely opportunity to ensure CGMA can meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.

As the Coast Guard grows its workforce, so too must CGMA grow our support for them. This grant funds two main projects: elevating the experience for our volunteer CGMA representatives and amplifying our message of CGMA support.  Our CGMA representatives are force multipliers; investing in their training and user experience will enhance the quality and consistency of client service across the organization for years to come. Additionally, this grant enables CGMA to create and properly resource a dedicated Communications and Marketing department to increase visibility, grow engagement, and expand access to CGMA’s services.

Demand for CGMA support is rising

Every day, Coast Guard families face unexpected financial challenges: emergency travel, housing issues, medical costs, and other disruptions that strain already-tight budgets. CGMA exists so no one faces those challenging moments alone.

Right now, demand is rising.

As of December 8, 2025 CGMA has delivered $3.1 million in grants, a 6% increase over last year. Even more striking, Coast Guard families have turned to CGMA for $8.5 million in interest-free loans—a 54% increase over 2024. When we remove government shutdown loans from that equation, our loan program still experienced a 12% increase since December 2024.

These numbers tell a simple story: our Coast Guard community is relying on CGMA more than ever before and we’re showing up.

Why donations still matter

While the Lilly Endowment grant strengthens our capacity, your support funds the relief itself.

Every donation helps ensure CGMA can continue to provide life-changing grants when families need them most—today, tomorrow, and through whatever challenges lie ahead.

Looking ahead

“This investment strengthens our ability to serve Coast Guard families with greater consistency, speed, and care,” said CGMA CEO Brooke Millard. “But it’s donor support that allows us to deliver help, case by case, family by family.”

We are deeply grateful to Lilly Endowment Inc. for investing in CGMA’s future and to our donors who make our mission possible every day.

Because Helping Our Own® isn’t just what we do.
It’s who we are.