CGMA Celebrates 100 Years Anchored In Service

On November 1, 2024, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) marks 100 years of service and support for members of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

CGMA traces its roots to the efforts of Mrs. Clara Billard, wife of the 6th Coast Guard Commandant, who recognized the need for a formal support system to assist Coast Guard personnel facing financial hardships. She founded the League of Coast Guard Women, the precursor to CGMA, with a mission to “minister to the general welfare” to provide emergency financial assistance to Coast Guard members and their families.

From the very beginning, interest-free loans and grants made to members in financial need became the core of assistance. Coast Guard families expecting babies counted on the delivery of layettes with baby supplies, another popular program since the earliest days. Other initial support included visits to members in the hospital and Christmas gifts for children.

As the United States entered World War II, Coast Guard Welfare was formally established as a staff element of the Coast Guard and inherited the League’s mission. Loans and grants raised from donations by Coast Guard personnel helped their shipmates endure financial difficulties often related to illness, the death of a family member, or debt issues.

A final name change occurred when the organization became Coast Guard Mutual Assistance in 1979. At that time, the Board voted to include Coast Guard Reservists, Civilians and Auxiliary members for CGMA eligibility. 

In 1985, CGMA became one of the four Congressionally recognized military aid societies. Each Service has just one.

In 1996, CGMA was established as a non-profit and shared office space with Personnel Service Center until 2013. Although physically separated from Coast Guard headquarters today, CGMA’s Board Chair has always been the Commandant, the Board President has always been the Assistant Commandant of Personnel, and all Board members represent the Coast Guard community. This governance allows CGMA to maintain a healthy lifeline with and quickly respond to changing needs of the Coast Guard community.

Since its inception in 1924, CGMA has provided over $240 million in assistance through a suite of programs designed to support Service member’s financial resilience. CGMA proudly offers financial assistance to Active Duty, Civilian employees, Reserve and Auxiliary members, Retired service members, PHS Officers and Chaplains, and surviving family members. Our vision as we enter the next century of service is a Coast Guard community empowered by a trusted network and shared resources to eliminate financial worry.

On this centennial, we celebrate CGMA’s enduring commitment to serving the Coast Guard as well as our Coast Guard community who makes this mission possible.