Supporting Coast Guard Personnel, their Families & Recruits in Our Coast Guard Community
The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community by providing meaningful, practical, and immediate support to Active‑Duty members, recruits, and their families. Our programs are designed to ease financial burdens, celebrate achievements, and build a welcoming “hometown” for every Coast Guard family stationed in Cape May County.
Backpack Brigade Program: Preparing for a new school year can be costly — especially for families balancing the demands of Coast Guard life. The Backpack Brigade Program provides school‑age children of Active‑Duty Coast Guard families with fully stocked backpacks, giving them a confident and prepared start each fall.
Community Activity Program: We believe every child should have the opportunity to participate in local sports, arts, and enrichment programs. This initiative reimburses registration fees for community activities, ensuring Coast Guard families can stay active and engaged without added financial strain.
Emergency Bridge Fund Gift Card Program: When unexpected hardship strikes, families often need help fast. This program provides immediate assistance through gift cards for groceries, diapers, and essential household items — offering relief during moments of crisis for Active‑Duty Coast Guard families.
Graduation Send-Off Program: Born from a time when families could not attend Recruit Graduation Ceremonies, this program created a heartfelt community tradition that continues today. Each week, volunteers and local supporters gather to cheer on graduating companies — waving flags, ringing bells, and celebrating the newest members of the United States Coast Guard.
Homeschooling Families Support Program: Many Coast Guard families choose homeschooling due to frequent moves and unique schedules. Launched in 2023, this program provides financial support for curriculum costs. Thanks to an ongoing grant from The First National Bank of Elmer, homeschooling families continue to receive the resources they need to educate their children with confidence.
Seamanship Award Program: In partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, this program funds the Marlinspike Rigging Knives awarded at each graduation. These knives honor the recruit who demonstrates exceptional proficiency during the Seamanship Phase of Basic Training — a symbol of skill, dedication, and Coast Guard tradition.
Navigating Your Way Award Program: Created in memory of Dr. Amit S. Malkani (“Doc”), this award recognizes a recruit who has overcome significant adversity during training. Presented in partnership with the Malkani Family, the inaugural award was given in June 2025 and continues to honor resilience, courage, and personal triumph.
Waves of Honor Field Trip Program: A collaboration with local schools and camps, Waves of Honor brings students to weekly Graduation Sendoff to celebrate new Coast Guard graduates. Children create personalized signs, wave flags, ring bells, and enjoy a snack of the day — fostering patriotism, gratitude, and community connection. We proudly thank our 2026 Waves of Honor partners: Lead the Way Dog Training and Crest Savings Bank.
Additional Community Support
Beyond our core programs, the Foundation proudly contributes to:
- MWR (Morale, Well-Being and Recreation (MWR) branch) programs at Training Center Cape May
- Lunch coupons for Active-Duty families at the Coast Guard Community Festival
- Summer camp scholarships through the Nature Center of Cape May
- Stockings for Recruits
- Local school and community events such as After-Prom and Parent Teacher Committees
- The Coast Guard Dedication Garden Project at LCM Little League Fields
- Coast Guard Day, honoring the Coast Guard’s Birthday, celebration for families
- Commissioning celebrations for Cape May–homeported cutters
- Support for the construction of the Enlisted Memorial at Training Center Cape May
Our Commitment
We remain dedicated to identifying and funding programs that meet the evolving needs of Coast Guard members, recruits, and families. Whether through financial assistance, recognition, or community engagement, our mission is simple: to ensure every Coast Guard family feels supported, celebrated, and at home in Cape May County.
