Our Mission
Our mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
We are dedicated to serving the families of servicemembers from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every child of a fallen patriot receives all necessary college funding.
We believe a college education is the single most important gift we can give these children.
We believe this is an important investment in the future of America.
We believe this is one of the best ways we can honor those who died defending our country.
History
In 1989, five days before Christmas, Sergeant William Delaney Gibbs from the 7th Infantry Division was killed in action during Operation Just Cause in Panama, leaving behind a young wife and an unborn daughter. Our Founder and CEO, David Kim, served with Sergeant Gibbs and was inspired by his sacrifice and never forgot about Sergeant Gibbs or his daughter.
David Kim returned to the United States and founded Children of Fallen Patriots in 2002. Since 2002, Children of Fallen Patriots has grown in its mission and vision to extend peace of mind through college scholarships to Gold Star families in all 51 states and territories, in all branches of the military.
The Need
Research conducted on behalf of Children of Fallen Patriots found that nearly 25,000 dependents have been left behind by troops who have fallen in the line of duty over the past 35 years. Many surviving families struggle to make ends meet with 53% of surviving spouses making less than $50,000 per year.
With no central repository of information from which to find these children, the organization works to find each and every one of these children to assist them in their growing success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a family member or scholar looking for answers to questions regarding enrollment, please refer to our FAQs for family members in our Scholar Resource Center for more information.
Is Children of Fallen Patriots a tax-exempt organization?
Yes, Children of Fallen Patriots is registered under Section 501(c)3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code: tax ID# 47-0902295. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by U.S. law. Consult your tax advisor concerning the tax deductibility of your donation.
Where can I find more detailed financial information on Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation?
Please click here for our most recent financials.
Is Children of Fallen Patriots part of another organization?
No, Children of Fallen Patriots is an independent charity. We do, however, promote collaboration with partner organizations that offer complimentary services to the families we work with. Please refer to our Partner Page to learn more about organizations we work with.
Why don’t your scholars get government funding?
Nearly 100% of our scholars do receive Department of Veteran’s Affairs benefits, most often The Fry Scholarship (Chapter 33) or Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) (Chapter 35). However, while generous, this does not cover all of the needs of any given scholar.
Do you cover expenses other than tuition?
Because we understand that tuition is not the only expense related to college, Children of Fallen Patriots Scholarships include, but are not limited to room and board, tutoring, summer courses, study abroad courses, living expenses, books, and a one-time computer stipend. Expenses are justified through the submission of receipts. Please reference our Scholar Resource Page for more information.
How much does Children of Fallen Patriots award to each student?
Every student’s need varies, but on average, students are eligible for up to $6,250 in scholarship assistance per academic year. Each student’s scholarship request is handled case-by-case. Please reference our Scholar Resource Page for more information.
Does Children of Fallen Patriots give scholarships to scholars whose parents are injured on active duty?
At this time Children of Fallen Patriots only supports scholars who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Please reference our Scholar Resource Page for more information.
Does Children of Fallen Patriots accept interns or volunteers?
On a case by case basis, Children of Fallen Patriots occasionally accepts interns and/or volunteers. Internships and volunteer opportunities are listed on our Career Page.
How do I apply for a job at Children of Fallen Patriots?
Children of Fallen Patriots is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All of our job opportunities are posted on our Career Page.
Does Children of Fallen Patriots accept in-kind contributions such as backpacks or clothing?
Occasionally Children of Fallen Patriots is able to accept in-kind contributions. Please email contact@fallenpatriots.org for information specific to your donation.
Who do I contact if I have not received a tax letter for my donation?
Please allow 2-3 weeks for your tax letter to arrive after your donation. If you have still not received it, please email contact@fallenpatriots.org.
Can I donate to Children of Fallen Patriots proceeds or a portion of proceeds from the sale(s) of an item or collection?
Yes! We greatly appreciate being the beneficiary of your sale. All materials related to the sale should note the percent of proceeds (or dollar amount per item) going to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. If you would like to designate (a portion of) proceeds from sales to Fallen Patriots, please email us at contact@fallenpatriots.org. We can assist with how you describe your charitable efforts so that it complies with Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance standards.
Can I use the Fallen Patriots logo and organization name in promotional materials for an event/fundraiser I am hosting to benefit Fallen Patriots?
Our staff can provide you a color logo or black and white version. All fundraising event materials that will bear the Fallen Patriots logo and/or name must be submitted to us at contact@fallenpatriots.org for review and approval before they are made public. This includes, but is not limited to, press releases, pitch letters, printed or electronic advertisements, save-the-date invitations, brochures, shirts or other apparel, banners, and any other form of event collateral.
I would like to host a fundraiser on behalf of Children of Fallen Patriots. Where I can get more information on how to start my own fundraiser?
Thank you for your interest in fundraising for our organization! Please visit our Team Fallen Patriots Page to learn more on how to start your very own fundraiser.
Do you have a store where I can purchase Fallen Patriots apparel and other swag?
We do! Please visit our Online Store to view our Fallen Patriots apparel and accessories.
Board of Directors
BOARD OF ADVISORS
SPECIAL ADVISORS
Greenwich Board of Advisors
NYC BOARd of Advisors
MICHIgan Board of Advisors
Junior Board of Advisors
Fallen Patriots Staff
Our Financials
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation prioritizes responsible financial stewardship.
We strive to use every donor dollar efficiently, ensuring that the greatest possible assistance — “college scholarships and education counseling services” — reaches the maximum number of Gold Star Families throughout the country.
Children of Fallen Patriots 990s as well as our complete, audited financial statements are available for your review. Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation fiscal year is January 1 through December 30.
2023 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2022 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2021 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2020 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2019 FINANCIAL AUDIT 2018 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2017 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2016 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2015 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2014 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2013 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2012 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2011 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2010 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2009 FINANCIAL AUDIT
2008 FINANCIAL AUDIT
Annual Reports
2017 ANNUAL REPORT
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
2015 ANNUAL REPORT
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
2013 ANNUAL REPORT
2012 ANNUAL REPORT