Military Heroes Program

Military Heroes Program is sponsored by PenFed Foundation. This program provides grants to support the transition of military members to civilian life. It awards both high-impact community and individual grants and forms partnerships with other nonprofits to reach more veterans and ensure they have the tools to thrive after service.

Military Heroes Program - When there is a gap, we step in. The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes exists to ensure the individual and collective needs of our service members, Veterans, and their families are met. Through strategic partnerships with trusted organizations embedded in military communities, we provide the resources and tools needed to empower our nation’s heroes to heal, grow, and thrive.

Our Military Heroes Program supports initiatives that focus on wellness, creative healing, and purpose-driven connection—meeting Veterans where they are and helping them move forward with strength and confidence.

Military Heroes Partnerships The following initiatives reflect The PenFed Foundation’s current Military Heroes Program partnerships – each addressing critical needs within the Veteran community through wellness, creativity, and connection The PenFed Foundation proudly partners with Benjamin Hightower, an Air Force Veteran and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter who captivated millions on America’s Got Talent.

Known for his soaring vocals and heartfelt storytelling, his music explores identity, love, and mental health, with a strong commitment to supporting Veterans and military communities. His forthcoming 2026 debut EP reflects his journey after leaving the military, and building a new life in New York City, drawing inspiration from artists like Elton John, Ben Folds, and Rufus Wainwright as he emerges as a powerful new voice in music.

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is partnering with Provalus, an organization creating career opportunities for Veterans and military families in underserved rural communities. Through training and job placement in technology and service roles, this partnership helps bridge the gap between military service and sustainable civilian careers.

Empowering individuals to build stable futures while strengthening the communities they call home. Team UNBROKEN - Veteran Wellness Initiative The PenFed Foundation proudly partners with Team UNBROKEN to advance our Veteran Wellness Initiative, supporting the mental and physical well-being of America’s injured, wounded, ill, and aging Veterans, as well as their families.

Together, we are committed to addressing the visible and invisible challenges Veterans face after service through immersive experiences, community connection, and purpose-driven support. This partnership amplifies a shared belief that service-connected injuries do not define potential—and that with the right resources and encouragement, our heroes can continue to thrive. We have partnered with CreatiVets to empower our military heroes!

CreatiVet’s goal is to offer opportunities for relief and healing for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Their purpose is to use various forms of art, including songwriting, visual arts, music, and creative writing, to help disabled veterans cope with service-related trauma (i.e., post-traumatic stress, or PTS) by fostering self-expression in a way that allows them to transform their stories of trauma and struggle into an art form that can inspire and motivate continued healing.

Saving Lives on Both Ends of the Leash In partnership with Tony La Russa and his family’s La Russa Rescue Champions, this unique initiative transforms shelter dogs into highly trained service animals for veterans. The program simultaneously supports Veteran wellness and animal rescue – saving lives on both ends of the leash while fostering independence, companionship, and purpose for those who have served. Together, we're unstoppable.