USO

What USO does

USO (United Service Organizations, Inc.) is a congressionally chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to support U.S. military service members and their families across the entire military lifecycle—from enlistment through deployment, combat, transition to civilian life, and recovery from wounds. The organization is privately funded and independent of the U.S. government, governed by a Board of Governors chaired by retired USAF General David L. Goldfein and led by CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Linnington. It maintains 260+ physical locations across six continents, including centers at military installations, major U.S. airports, ten U.S. Navy ships at sea, un-staffed sites in combat zones, and a global network of MEPS stations, supplemented by Mobile USO vehicles, USO2GO portable kits, and Program-in-a-Box shipments for austere environments.

USO's service portfolio spans approximately 18 named programs, headlined by the physical USO Center network, the USO Transition Program for service members leaving the military, the USO Entertainment celebrity tour and digital programming line (MVP series, USO App on-demand content, Open Source interviews), Care Package distribution, USO Canine therapy dog visits, USO Gaming community, USO Coffee Connections for spouses, USO Special Delivery baby showers, USO Reading Program, and a new pilot of Google Beam AI-powered 3D video calling. Technology also includes Skillsoft Percipio and Coursera integrations for education support, a Letters Home digital WWII archive, and mobile program delivery infrastructure. The organization pairs this with 27,000+ annual volunteers supporting 251-500 paid staff.

USO is funded entirely through donations rather than charging for services. Revenue streams include individual one-time and monthly recurring donations, planned giving, IRA charitable rollovers, stock and cryptocurrency contributions, Combined Federal Campaign giving (#11381), and a tiered corporate partnership program (President's Circle $1M+/year, Champion $100K+/year, Mission $25K+/year, Leadership Council $10K+/year). Named anchor partners include Coca-Cola (founding partner since 1941), Boeing ($6M+ since 2017), RTX (~$7M since 1994), FedEx (since 2001), Harris Teeter ($13.6M+ cumulative since 2012), Kroger (since 2010), Lowe's (22+ years), American Airlines (since 2008), NFL (nearly 50 years), Navy Federal Credit Union, Wawa, Starbucks, Target, Delta, United, Lockheed Martin, Adobe, Coursera, SNHU, and Real American Beer. Marketing combines digital channels, celebrity tours, cause-marketing in-store campaigns, gaming/esports, and face-to-face fundraising. USO does not publicly disclose annual revenue figures.

Name

USO

Legal name

USO, Inc.

Website

https://uso.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

USO is a congressionally chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates 260+ centers worldwide to support U.S. military service members and their families across the entire military lifecycle, funded through individual donations and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Military Support Services

NAICS

Facilities Support Services (561210), National Security and International Affairs (9281)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Defense Logistics, Supply Chain & Sustainment (MRO) (BPAIAHAJ)

Keywords

• Military support services
• Troop welfare programs
• Military family support
• Veteran transition assistance
• Military morale programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible contributions from individuals supporting military families. Options include one-time gifts, monthly recurring donations, and tribute gifts honoring or memorializing loved ones.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Sponsorships, cause-marketing campaigns, in-kind product/service donations, and corporate foundation grants from companies like Boeing ($6M+), RTX ($7M+), Coca-Cola, FedEx, and others. Includes President's Circle ($1M+), Champion ($100K+), and Mission ($25K+) partner tiers.
3. Cause Marketing Campaigns: Short-term programs where partners like Wawa, Kroger, Harris Teeter run in-store fundraising campaigns and round-up programs at checkout
4. Planned Giving: Estate gifts and planned giving options for long-term donor support
5. Vehicle and Asset Donations: Accepts donations of used vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, or RVs
6. Cryptocurrency Donations: Charitable cryptocurrency gifts
7. Stock Transfers: Wire or stock transfer donations
8. IRA Charitable Rollovers: Qualified charitable distributions for donors 70½ years or older
9. Combined Federal Campaign: Federal employees can designate USO #11381 through the CFC workplace giving program

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

USO is a congressionally chartered, privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit that strengthens America's military service members and their families by keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their entire military journey—from enlistment through deployment to transition back to civilian life. The organization operates more than 260 physical centers worldwide, including locations at military installations, airports, on ships, and in combat zones, complemented by Mobile USO vehicles, USO2GO portable kits, and Program in a Box deliveries. Its portfolio of programs addresses isolation, family separation, career transition, wounded warrior recovery, and entertainment/morale needs.

Product overview

The USO operates as a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of support programs and services for military service members and their families. The core offering consists of 260+ USO Centers worldwide providing a home-away-from-home environment with amenities like free Wi-Fi, computers, gaming, and refreshments. These centers are complemented by expeditionary programs including Mobile USO vehicles, USO2GO, and Program in a Box that extend support to remote and combat locations. The USO provides specialized support through distinct programs: Care Packages for deployed troops, Canine therapy visits, Coffee Connections for military spouses, USO Gaming community, USO Entertainment celebrity tours, Holiday celebrations, Reading Program for parent-child connection, Special Delivery baby showers, Sports & Fitness activities, Transition Program for civilian re-entry, and Youth Programs for military children. Education and career support features integration with Skillsoft Percipio and Coursera learning platforms, while Financial Wellness resources help families build stability. A 2026 pilot introduces Google Beam 3D AI-powered video calling technology at select centers. The organization also maintains a Letters Home Archive of digitized WWII correspondence.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• USO Entertainment: First-class entertainment programming partnering with entertainment and sports industries to bring celebrities and athletes to U.S. military service members worldwide
• USO2GO
• USO Pathfinder
• USO Canine Program
• USO Reading Program
• USO Special Delivery
• USO Coffee Connections
• USO Gaming
• Letters Home Archive

Products and services

• USO Centers
• USO Care Package Program
• USO Canine Program
• USO Coffee Connections
• USO Gaming
• USO Entertainment
• USO Holidays Program
• USO Mobile USO
• USO Program in a Box
• USO Reading Program
• USO Special Delivery
• USO Sports & Fitness
• USO Transition Program
• USO2GO
• USO Youth Programs
• USO Education Support
• USO Employment Support
• USO Financial Wellness
• USO Letters Home Archive
• Google Beam 3D Video Calling at USO Centers

Quantifiable outcome

• 11.7+ million program uses in 2025
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• American Corporate PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2026Strategic partnership announced June 23, 2026 to strengthen financial wellness, career readiness, and economic opportunity for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. USO implements hybrid support model combining digital resources, in-person support, and referrals, while ACP provides nationally recognized mentorship and career coaching through one-on-one professional relationships. Partnership aims to address underemployment among over one million service members expected to transition in next five years.
• Ann-MargretminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 April 2026Awarded rare USO Challenge Coin on her 85th birthday marking only second time coin has ever been awarded since Bob Hope in 1990. Ceremony during USO's 85th anniversary year honored three USO tours including two performances in Vietnam and Southeast Asia during 1960s.
• Real American BeercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2026National partnership with USO under which RAB donates $1 per case sold of RAB ZERO non-alcoholic beer to support active-duty service members and their families. RAB ZERO launched by country artist Brantley Gilbert as investor/equity partner with 29-calorie, 3.9g carb formula.
• Miss AmericaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 December 2025Cassie Donegan, Miss America 2026, announced as Honorary USO Global Ambassador. Role emphasizes USO's commitment to military outreach through participation in programs supporting military personnel and families.
• Southeastern GrocersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 November 2025Donated $50,000 to USO in support of military families stemming from sales partnership with DLJ Produce across southern states. Also offered 11% discount to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day 2025.
• Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025SNHU co-hosted online gaming tournament with USO in November 2025 featuring matches between SNHU esports team and U.S. Army esports team plus Community Cup open to service members worldwide. SNHU operates gaming center at USO Fort Campbell in Kentucky as part of ongoing sponsorship. SNHU is official education partner of USO.
• BoeingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Investment of $6 million in USO Transition program since 2017 has helped support over 210,000 service members transitioning to civilian life. Partnership also shares STEM education with military children. Boeing is world's largest aerospace company.
• Harris TeetercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2012Since 2012 through 'Support The People Who Serve' Round Up campaign donating more than $13.6 million to USO. Campaign benefits local USO Centers in Harris Teeter communities across multiple states.
• KrogercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2010Since 2010 partnership including round-up campaigns and feeding heroes across the U.S. and overseas. Most recent venture includes three mobile canteens 'Fueled by care, driven by connection building community with each meal'. Kroger is nation's largest traditional grocery retailer with 338,000+ associates.
• FedExcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2001Since 2001 providing critical in-kind shipping, cash grants, and volunteer support. Helps implement advanced communication systems and enhances USO's ability to support service members worldwide. FedEx team members volunteer at care package assembly events.
• RTXcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1994Through Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, RTX has supported USO since 1994 contributing nearly $7M. Through Connect Up initiative, RTX made 10-year, $500 million commitment to foster connections, support military families and veterans, and lift up communities - part of which supports USO Transitions and Care Package programs.
• Coca-ColacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1941Founding partner since 1941. Partnership has grown from refreshing military personnel through financial and in-kind product assistance to developing programming that drives continued support for troops and families. Coca-Cola equally committed to supporting veterans.
• FOX OnecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFOX One partnered with USO to provide live World Cup 2026 coverage to U.S. military members serving overseas. Initiative creates viewing centers in remote locations allowing service members to watch all matches on FOX, FS1, and FOX One streaming platform. Service members responded positively, describing viewing atmosphere as 'electric'.
• The Farmer's DogminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with USO to provide 250 military family dogs and volunteer military therapy dogs with a full year of freshly cooked, human-grade dog food. Brand-building and community-focused initiative aligned with The Farmer's Dog mission of promoting healthier pet nutrition.
• American AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Circle Partner since 2008 supporting USO through donations of award miles and loyalty rewards, workplace giving programs, and in-kind flights for USO programs.
• Lowe'scoreGTM or Marketing Partner22+ year partnership through care packages, community projects, and financial contributions. Lowe's Hometowns initiative renovated USO Centers in Las Vegas, Kansas City, New London, Camp Grayling, Norfolk, and Fort Bragg. 2025 partnership with USO Responds enabled two custom-designed Mobile USO vehicles through Round Up for Charity campaign.
• NFLcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNearly 50 years of collaboration through Salute to Service initiative creating programs and recognition moments throughout the year including at Veterans Day, NFL Draft, Super Bowl, and Pro Bowl. League incorporates military relationships into all big events on NFL calendar.
• Navy Federal Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to support programs and services addressing unique challenges faced by military community through comprehensive financial wellness education and resources for service members, spouses, and families.
• The Wawa FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner15-year partnership supporting USO during America's 250th anniversary. Initiatives include in-store fundraising campaign May 25-July 19, limited-time Red White & Blue Razz lemonade, Wawa Hoagie Day with 60,000 hoagies donated across 1,200 stores, and Salute to Service Award with $100,000 contribution. Customers raised $900,000 during 2025 campaign.
• The Winn-Dixie CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonated $100,000 to USO through four-week in-store community donation program where customers could contribute $1, $5, or round up grocery bills at checkout. Supports service members, veterans, and military families across Florida and Georgia.
• Rancho La GloriaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWine-based margarita brand donating $25,000 to USO's Campaign to Connect which supports military service members and families. Donation tied to limited-edition Rocket Pop Margarita launch for America's 250th birthday at major retailers including Walmart, Albertsons, and Kroger.
• Vince Wilfork and Aaron JonesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNFL stars named USO Global Ambassadors who traveled overseas to meet military service members. Shared personal stories emphasizing sacrifices made by soldiers and significance of USO interactions.
• AdobeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion Partner donating $100,000+ per year in cash or budget relieving in-kind support
• Delta Air LinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion Partner donating $100,000+ per year in cash or budget relieving in-kind support
• Lockheed MartinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion Partner donating $100,000+ per year in cash or budget relieving in-kind support
• TargetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion Partner donating $100,000+ per year in cash or budget relieving in-kind support
• United AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion Partner donating $100,000+ per year in cash or budget relieving in-kind support
• CourseraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMission Partner providing free access to online learning platforms giving service members and military spouses opportunity to earn digital credentials and prepare for certifications
• StarbucksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion Partner donating $100,000+ per year in cash or budget relieving in-kind support

Scale indicators30 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Blue Star Families: A nonprofit supporting military families through research, programming, and community-building - closely aligned with USO's military-family segment. Comparable on civic engagement, corporate partnerships, and federal charter-style activities.
• Operation Homefront: Provides military families with rent-free homes, meals, school supplies, and holiday support through a national network - analogous to USO's center-based comfort delivery and shares similar corporate partners.
• Fisher House Foundation: Provides free housing near military and VA hospitals for families of wounded service members. Operates a network of facilities at DoD installations similar to USO's physical footprint and shares the same beneficiary base and corporate fundraising landscape.
• Semper Fi & America's Fund: Provides immediate financial assistance and vital programming for wounded, ill, and injured service members and families. Comparable to USO's wounded warrior center services and shares the same corporate donor base.
• Wounded Warrior Project: A major US nonprofit that provides programs and services to wounded veterans and their families. Directly comparable to USO's mission of supporting military personnel and shares donor pool, corporate partnerships, and government affiliation dynamics.

Broad incumbents

• American Red Cross: The largest US humanitarian organization with a dedicated military support arm providing emergency communications, coping courses, and hospital support. Comparable in scale, federal charter status, donation model, and disaster-response mission to military families.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Major congressionally chartered veterans service organization providing advocacy, benefits assistance, and community programs. Analogous in scale, charter status, and beneficiary overlap with USO's transitioning service members programs.
• DAV (Disabled American Veterans): A congressionally chartered nonprofit providing free benefits assistance and advocacy to disabled veterans. Comparable in scale, federal-charter nonprofit status, and mission focus on transitioning/wounded military members to USO.
• American Legion: One of the oldest US veterans service organizations with congressionally chartered status, advocacy, and member-based programs. Comparable historical footprint, federal charter, and donor scale to USO's veteran-support mission.

Emerging players

• Team Rubicon: Veteran-led disaster response nonprofit leveraging military skills. While operationally distinct, it competes for the same veteran volunteer talent pool and corporate social-impact funding as USO.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/the_uso
• YouTubeyoutube.com/theuso
• Facebookfacebook.com/theuso
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/theuso
• Instagraminstagram.com/theuso

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about USO