Message from the Chairman

For the past four years I have had the honor to champion our relief society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA). Over my tenure as Commandant, global events have shown our Coast Guard remains on the front line of our Nation’s maritime security, safety, and stewardship. These events vividly demonstrate our Service’s readiness, and CGMA continues to show up right beside us empowering our personal readiness for the Coast Guard mission. We are united in service!

This past year was no exception to the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters. Sixteen years to the day that Hurricane Katrina swept through New Orleans and surrounding cities, Hurricane Ida struck with intensity and severely impacted both Marine Safety Unit Houma and Station Grand Isle. CGMA immediately sprang into action. Through timely communication with local COs and CGMA Representatives, assistance was swiftly initiated. Ultimately over $1.9 million of support was given to over 800 affected members, making Hurricane Ida the second largest Hurricane response in CGMA history. The support was once again invaluable as it allowed our men and women of the Coast Guard to execute their duties without financial stress.

We are an agile, adaptive force whose greatest value to our Nation resides in our ability to rapidly shift our missions and efforts to meet national priorities during both steady state and crises. And it seems that we are more frequently responding to crises. CGMA also continues to demonstrate their ability to shift for crisis and are always searching for new programs to help our Coast Guard families. In 2021, CGMA gave out $6.6m in grants and loans to more than 4,400 clients.

Bravo Zulu to the CGMA Staff and the Board of Directors. I have been honored to witness its diligent oversight, governance, and stewardship of donor dollars these past four years. Here’s to another outstanding mission accomplishment. You continue to demonstrate the power of “Helping Our Own” through your generosity our of donors, which in turn, enables our workforce to deliver mission excellence anytime, anywhere! Thank you!

Semper Paratus,

Karl L. Schultz Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Chairman

Message from the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

From the earliest days of my career at Station Short Beach to serving as a member of the CGMA Board of Directors today, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance has enriched my life beyond measure. From Supplemental Education Grants, to layettes to disaster grants, it has been a pleasure for me and my family to see first hand how CGMA helps.

My passion for CGMA’s life-changing mission is deeply personal: time and time again, I’ve witnessed first hand how challenging circumstances such as a family medical emergency, the need for first and last month’s rent, or a major unexpected car repair can overwhelm personal finances. When friends and coworkers are going through difficult times, it can be overwhelming knowing how to help. That’s why Mutual Assistance exists. CGMA provides the means to care for one another through the tough times.

Once again, CGMA mobilized to mitigate a challenge and developed a new program. When they saw the financial hardship our Coast Guard families faced with fertility treatments, CGMA created the Assisted Reproductive Services Loan Program (ARS). We all know how important family is and this program helps those who may need some outside assistance with expanding their family. The CGMA ARS program gives a $6,000 interest free loan to assist with the cost of fertility treatments like IVF and IUI. CGMA is the first military aid society to offer such a benefit. I couldn’t be prouder.

Additionally, I want to send my sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff at CGMA Headquarters for their day-to-day administration and to all the CGMA Representatives and Assistant Representatives who help carry out the mission in the field. Everyone’s diligent oversight, mission focus, and continuing assessment of the needs of our shipmates and their families is nothing but stellar.

Semper Paratus, Jason M. Vanderhaden Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

Cgma Representatives

Partnerships

CGMA maintains cross-service agreements with Air Force Aid Society, Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and the American Red Cross. These partnerships make it possible for military members of all services, population 2.5 million, to receive emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Through these partnerships, we are always ready to provide timely assistance for the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Rep Sites

CGMA has a strong presence to serve the entire Coast Guard community across the globe with 548 CGMA Representatives at 115 shore units and 51 cutters in 36 states and territories across 19 time zones.

CGMA Use of Funds

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance strategically stewards donations received from generous supporters like you – 87% of contributions go directly to programs empowering and equipping Coast Guard men and women and their families.

In recognition of our commitment to transparency and stewardship, CGMA has been named a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator and awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency by Candid, the highest ratings bestowed by both independent evaluators.

Grants: $3,369,805

Loans: $3,254,927

Program Support: $1,168,969

Administration: $513,573

Fundraising: $619,309