NMFA At A Glance
Together We’re Stronger®
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Find out about camps, scholarships, child care, family events, our advocacy work, and more.
Our Mission
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving all military families. Since 1969, NMFA has worked with families to identify and solve the unique challenges of military life.
The Unique Challenges of Military Life
For decades, we’ve heard from service members and their families facing challenges unlike their civilian counterparts. Our brave military members take on a job that not many would, facing the possibilities of physical injuries that may never heal, or invisible injuries that may take years to overcome.
Their loved ones take on the sacrifices of service, sometimes alone, and in many cases, without access to the same support and resources as their hero.
Many military families face:
- Food insecurity
- Trouble acquiring affordable and accessible child care
- Military spouse unemployment and underemployment
- Reported low well-being among military teens and young adults
Since the Vietnam Era
NMFA has been the leading voice of military families. Our legacy began with a small group of military spouses determined to ensure their widowed friends were not forgotten and now, in its fifth decade, continues with a mission focused on supporting the well-being of the entire family throughout every stage of military service and beyond.
State of the Military Family® Programs + Advocacy
We stand up initiatives like the Operation Purple® Program to help military families and children connect, build resilience, and find community. Our Military Spouse Scholarship Program strengthens financial stability by providing spouses with funding to complete their education, pursue meaningful careers, and expand entrepreneurial efforts that contribute to their family’s income.
Putting military family issues at the forefront of key conversations.
MILITARY SPOUSE SCHOLARSHIPS
NMFA offers military spouse scholarships ranging from $500 – $2500 for eligible spouses.
OPERATION PURPLE® CAMP
Free week of camp where military kids connect with each other and have fun.
STATE OF THE MILITARY FAMILY® SUMMIT
RESEARCH + INSIGHTS
BLOOM
State of the Military Family® Programs + Advocacy
We stand up initiatives like the Operation Purple® Program to help military families and children connect, build resilience, and find community. Our Military Spouse Scholarship Program strengthens financial stability by providing spouses with funding to complete their education, pursue meaningful careers, and expand entrepreneurial efforts that contribute to their family’s income.
Putting military family issues at the forefront of key conversations.
MILITARY SPOUSE SCHOLARSHIPS
NMFA offers military spouse scholarships ranging from $500 – $2500 for eligible spouses.
OPERATION PURPLE® CAMP
Free week of camp where military kids connect with each other and have fun.
STATE OF THE MILITARY FAMILY® SUMMIT
RESEARCH + INSIGHTS
BLOOM
How We Used Donations in 2025
No gift to NMFA is ever too big or too small. In fact, we direct every dollar thoughtfully and strategically to make the most impact on the families we serve.
NMFA sent 1,193 campers to Operation Purple® Camp at locations around the country.
$833,675 Scholarship funding awarded to military spouses.
There Are So Many Ways to Give and the Need is Still Great
Military family well-being is a key component of force readiness–not simply a thoughtful consideration. That’s why support from individuals, companies, and other loyal friends is critical.
Each year, we receive far more applicants to our life-changing programs than we have funding to support, and though we stretch funding as far as possible, we are still only able to serve a small fraction those who apply.
On average, 5,500 military kids apply to attend Operation Purple® Camp each year.
Roughly 10,000 military spouses apply for our scholarships each year.
Who We Serve
NMFA provides one-of-a-kind support and programming to strengthen the families of currently serving, veteran, retired, wounded, or fallen members of:
Charity Ratings
Through our continued advocacy on behalf of military families, we have garnered respect throughout the military and civilian communities, so you can feel confident in your donation.
We Need Your Help More Than Ever