What does it mean to be a “Partner?”
Becoming a Partner demonstrates your commitment to both the Foundation and the Coast Guard, while also providing valuable opportunities for engagement. Partners will advertise in the annual Coast Guard Community Guide, sponsor as well as participate in the annual Southern New Jersey Coast Guard Ball and the Always Ready 5K and serve as a collaborator in our Support Programs. These initiatives are just a few examples of how the Foundation promotes interaction between the Coast Guard and our “Designated Coast Guard Community.
Since 2015, the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation has been a dedicated, independent nonprofit focused on building strong connections between the United States Coast Guard and our local community. We offer support through advocacy, engaging programs, and meaningful events, always standing with those who serve.
We rely entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations who believe in supporting our Coast Guard members, their families and Recruits. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every contribution helps us remain “Always Ready” to serve those who protect us.
How does your Support impact our community?
Let us count the ways…
- Advocacy
- Programs providing financial support
- Events promoting engagement within our community
- Partnerships with organizations who share the common goal of paying it forward to those who serve…
Charting Our Course Through 2026…
The phrase “chart your course” is an expression that means to plan or determine a clear path or direction for achieving a goal. It suggests setting a strategy, outlining steps, and staying focused to reach a desired outcome.
The expression comes from nautical navigation, where sailors “chart” a course by plotting a route on a map to guide a ship safely to its destination. Over time, it has been used figuratively to describe strategic planning in business, education, personal life, and other fields.
In short, “chart your course” is a formal, strategic way of saying you are planning your path forward to reach a specific goal, drawing on the original idea of plotting a navigational route.
When we chose “Charting Our Course” as our theme for 2026, we could not have anticipated the challenges ahead. Ongoing government shutdowns and heightened security measures forced us to shift our focus from planning the Coast Guard Community Festival—which had to be suspended—to supporting our community through the Emergency Bridge Fund and finding new ways to encourage engagement and connection. The Festival is far more than an annual event; it is a valued celebration of our Designated Coast Guard Community, local businesses, community partnerships, and our deep appreciation for those who serve. True to our Always Ready spirit, we moved forward by expanding the Coast Guard Community Guide into two editions, Spring and Fall. The Spring Edition is available now here and in print. The Fall Edition will be released at the Always Ready 5K on October 10th and will give sponsors an opportunity to participate. By publishing two editions, we hope to keep the Guide timely, relevant, and visible throughout the year.
Our dedication and pledge to our Coast Guard Community is to provide support through advocacy, impactful programs, and heartfelt events that recognize the dedication and resilience of our USCG personnel and their families. We value our relationships and remain ALWAYS READY standing beside those who serve.
2026 SUPPORT OPPORTUNITY REFRESH
To view the Charting Our Course 2026 Support Opportunity Refresh, click the image below…
Commanding Officer (CO) …………………….. $7000
Accompaniments:
- Two-page spread in the Coast Guard Community Guide
- Logo / Name placement on the cover of SNJCG Ball Program
- 8 Tickets to the SNJCG Ball with Table Recognition
- 8 Always Ready 5k Race Entries
- Logo / Name placement at the Always Ready 5K Start / Finish Line
- Logo / Name placed as the 2026 Partner of our Graduation Sendoff’s
Executive Officer (XO) ……………………………. $5000
Accompaniments:
- Prominent Placement Full Page Ad in the Coast Guard Community Guide
- 6 Tickets to the SNJCG Ball
- 6 Always Ready 5k Race Entries
- Logo / Name placement at the Always Ready 5K Start / Finish Line
- Logo / Name placed as a 2026 Partner of the Community Activity Program
Command Master Chief (CMC) ……………… $3500
Accompaniments:
- Full Page Ad in the Coast Guard Community Guide
- 4 Tickets to the SNJCG Ball
- 4 Always Ready 5k Race Entries
- Logo / Name placement at the Always Ready 5K Start / Finish Line
- Logo / Name placed as a 2026 Partner of the Waves of Honor Field Trip Program
Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) ………… $2000
Accompaniments:
- Half Page Ad in the Coast Guard Community Guide
- 2 Tickets to the SNJCG Ball
- 3 Always Ready 5k Race Entries
- Logo / Name placement at the Always Ready 5K Start / Finish Line
- Logo / Name placed as a 2026 Partner of the Backpack Brigade Program
All Partners Receive:
- Logo / Name placement in the SNJCG Ball Program and on all community event signage
- Vendor Space at the Always Ready 5K
- Logo / Name on select Email Blasts, Social Media Posts and Website
To join us on our journey through 2026, please click the CHARTING OUR COURSE logo below…
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
The Coast Guard Community Guide
This now biannual guide, provides insights into the Coast Guard’s presence in Cape May County, highlights uplifting stories that showcase the dedication and appreciation for our Coast Guard Community, and acknowledges the businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute to supporting the Coast Guard and the Foundation. It is distributed at our community events, in businesses throughout Cape May County and within the departments at U. S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May. It is also given to each Active-Duty family arriving to Cape May Base Housing as well as shared with our new Coast Guard families who are in Cape May for Recruit Graduation ceremonies. Last but not least, it is shared on our social media and placed on our website as a flipbook for viewing.
Through the Coast Guard Community Guide, we are connected by a Common Thread – Woven in Service and Stitched in Pride for our shared passion, gratitude, and commitment to the Coast Guard and our Coast Guard Community. We invite you to help share that message and join us in telling our story.
Our journey, your support, our shared future…
Community Partners & In-Kind Contributions
The Foundation welcomes in-kind donations or trades for items we would otherwise need to purchase. This includes media placements, radio advertising, marketing and branding, event entertainment, food/beverage, equipment rental and more. Each request is considered individually, and a level of recognition is mutually agreed upon. Reach out to us to discuss the possibilities.
The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. EIN#47-3594081
