Call of Duty Endowment
The Call of Duty Endowment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 by Activision Blizzard that helps U.S. and U.K. military veterans transition into civilian employment, having placed over 169,000 veterans in jobs with average starting salaries above $50,000.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersSanta Monica, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Call of Duty Endowment does
The Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Activision Blizzard to help U.S. and U.K. military veterans transition into civilian employment. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, the Endowment operates with a small staff of 1–10 employees and has placed more than 169,000 veterans in jobs since inception, with average starting salaries exceeding $50,000. Executive Director Dan Goldenberg runs the organization, with Bobby Kotick serving as co-founder and co-chairman.
The Endowment's business model is structurally embedded inside the Call of Duty gaming franchise. It generates funding through corporate donations (primarily from Activision Blizzard and, since 2023, Microsoft), in-game downloadable content packs such as Tracer Packs and Warrior Packs, and the annual C.O.D.E. Bowl esports tournament. This franchise-activation model creates a profit-for-purpose loop where commercial game activity is directly tied to veteran employment outcomes.
Core service delivery is veteran job placement, executed through employer partnerships with companies including USAA, Ripple, and Best Buy, and through collaborations with veteran-serving nonprofits. The organization operates in the United States and the United Kingdom. Major funding commitments include a $2 million contribution from Activision Blizzard in 2020 and a $30 million pledge announced in 2022, with the Endowment's resources materially expanded following Microsoft's 2023 acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Call of Duty Endowment firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Call of Duty Endowment
- Legal name
- Call of Duty Endowment
- Website
- https://callofdutyendowment.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Call of Duty Endowment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 by Activision Blizzard that helps U.S. and U.K. military veterans transition into civilian employment, having placed over 169,000 veterans in jobs with average starting salaries above $50,000.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Call of Duty Endowment industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Veteran Employment Nonprofit Services
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)
- SIC
- Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Veterans & Military-to-Civilian Transition Programs (EDAAAOAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB), Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK), Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)
Keywords
Where Call of Duty Endowment is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Monica
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Call of Duty Endowment business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- In-Game DLC Pack Sales: The Endowment generates revenue through the sale of in-game cosmetic packs (Tracer Packs, Warrior Packs, Valkyrie Packs) within Call of Duty games. A portion or all proceeds from these purchases go directly to veteran employment programs. The packs are available across multiple Call of Duty titles and platforms.
- Direct Donations: Individual donors can make direct contributions through the organization's website via PayPal, Tiltify fundraising platform, and cryptocurrency donation matching programs (such as the Ripple XRP partnership).
- Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners (such as USAA, Ripple, Best Buy, RealTruck) provide financial support, matching donations, and in-kind contributions for campaigns and events.
- Merchandise Sales: Sale of Call of Duty Endowment branded merchandise through Amazon store, with proceeds benefiting veteran employment programs.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Call of Duty Endowment product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Call of Duty Endowment funds veteran-to-civilian career transitions through its Seal of Distinction grant program, which awards money to the best-performing U.S. and U.K. charities that prepare veterans for high-quality jobs. It raises that money by selling C.O.D.E. Tracer Packs (in-game cosmetic DLC bundles for Call of Duty titles) and staging the annual C.O.D.E. Bowl military esports tournament, supplemented by corporate sponsorships and direct donations from gamers and the public.
Product overview
The Call of Duty Endowment is a nonprofit veteran employment organization founded in 2009 by Activision Blizzard that operates through a portfolio of in-game charity activations and fundraising products tied to the Call of Duty franchise. The core offering consists of C.O.D.E. Tracer Packs—in-game cosmetic bundles (Warrior Pack, Valkyrie Pack, Navigator Pack, Legacy Pack, Endeavour Pack, United Force Pack) sold across PlayStation Store, Battle.net, Xbox Store, and Steam—where 100% of proceeds fund veteran employment. The Endowment also runs C.O.D.E. Bowl, an annual military esports tournament, and campaigns like #HireHonor, #CODEMedicalHeroes, #CODVeteruns100K, and #CODEUAVChallenge. The Seal of Distinction program provides grants to high-performing veteran employment charities in the U.S. and U.K. Donations are accepted via Tiltify (for livestream fundraising) and PayPal (for direct contributions).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 169,000 veterans placed in quality civilian jobs since 2009
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Call of Duty Endowment
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Call of Duty Endowment technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature3 records
Call of Duty Endowment partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- RipplecoreRipple partnered with the Call of Duty Endowment as part of America's 250th Independence Day #Giving4th campaign. Ripple committed to matching donations to the Endowment of up to $10,000 in XRP cryptocurrency, extending the Endowment's reach into blockchain and cryptocurrency communities. Donations could be made using cash, stock, or cryptocurrencies including XRP and RLUSD.
- USAAflagshipUSAA is the presenting sponsor for the C.O.D.E. Bowl esports tournament and Military Appreciation Month activations. The partnership includes branded in-game content (C.O.D.E. United Force: Tracer Pack, C.O.D.E. Got Your Six Event) and supports veteran employment programs through fundraising activations within Call of Duty games.
- Anduril IndustriescoreAnduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey partnered with RealTruck to create a custom military-style Chevy Silverado auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Columbus Auction, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Call of Duty Endowment. The vehicle featured off-road modifications and was displayed at Naval Base Coronado before auction.
- RealTruckcoreAmerica's leading truck accessory brand partnered with Anduril Industries and the Endowment for a custom military utilitarian Chevy Silverado build for charity. Built by Matt Hunt Muscle Cars, the vehicle was auctioned at Barrett-Jackson with proceeds supporting veteran employment programs.
- Best BuycoreBest Buy served as presenting sponsor for the Race to Prestige gaming marathon events supporting the Endowment. The partnership included social media support, donation rewards for viewers, and program support. Best Buy alignment with Call of Duty: Black Ops III launch drove awareness and traffic, with the Race to Prestige raising $451,554 for the Endowment.
- TiltifycoreTiltify is the primary fundraising platform partner enabling donation campaigns, stream fundraisers, and cryptocurrency contributions for the Endowment. The platform powers the online donation experience and campaign tracking for CODE initiatives.
- Activision BlizzardflagshipActivision Blizzard is the parent company and founding partner of the Call of Duty Endowment, established in 2009. The company provides game integration platform, major donations ($2 million commitment, $30 million pledge), and marketing support through its world-class marketing and creative departments. All proceeds from in-game activations go directly to the Endowment.
- ZipRecruitercoreZipRecruiter partnered with the Endowment to create a national report examining the current state of US veteran employment activity. The partnership combined ZipRecruiter's employment marketplace data with the Endowment's veteran employment mission to produce groundbreaking research.
- GameStopminorGameStop partnered with the Endowment for the 'Give Back to the Brave' campaign to help veterans find jobs. The retail partnership enabled in-store and online fundraising for the nonprofit.
- OmazeminorOmaze partnered with the Endowment for fundraising contests where participants could win opportunities like being a zombie in Call of Duty DLC by donating $10 or more. The partnership generated thousands of donations and millions of views.
- ThruDarkcoreThruDark partnered with the Endowment for the C.O.D.E. Endeavour: Tracer Pack, featuring the Endowment's first ever U.K. operator skin and launching an apparel line to support veteran employment.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Call of Duty Endowment competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- American Legion: Large, established veterans-service organization with employment programs among a broader portfolio of benefits, advocacy, and member services. Comparable in veteran-services mission and nonprofit scale, but much broader and more established than the Endowment.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Long-established congressionally chartered veteran organization offering transition support, employment resources, and benefits assistance. Comparable as a veteran-focused nonprofit with employment programming, though it operates as a much larger, membership-driven incumbent.
Direct peers
- DAV (Disabled American Veterans): Long-established veteran advocacy and benefits organization with a strong veteran-employment mission. Comparable in mission focus (helping veterans transition to civilian life) and in operating as a membership-style nonprofit, though structurally larger and more advocacy-oriented.
- The Mission Continues: Nonprofit that empowers veterans to continue service through leadership and community impact programs, with an employment transition component. Comparable in veteran-transition mission and nonprofit structure, though it emphasizes civic engagement over direct job placement.
- Wounded Warrior Project: One of the largest US veteran-service nonprofits, providing direct programs in mental health, physical wellness, and career counseling. Highly comparable as a fundraising-intensive veteran nonprofit focused on post-service transition outcomes, though it delivers programs directly rather than via grantees.
- Hire Heroes USA: Veteran-focused nonprofit dedicated exclusively to veteran employment placement, providing one-on-one career coaching and employer connections. Directly comparable to the Endowment's core mission and outcome metric (veterans placed in jobs).
- Student Veterans of America: Veteran nonprofit supporting student veterans through higher education and into civilian careers. Comparable in serving the veteran-to-civilian transition journey, though its primary channel is education rather than direct employment placement.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA): Leading post-9/11 veteran advocacy and services organization with policy, programming, and transition support. Comparable as a modern veteran-services nonprofit with strong fundraising and advocacy infrastructure serving transitioning service members.
- Hiring Our Heroes: US Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiative focused on veteran and military spouse employment through employer partnerships and fellowships. Comparable as a grantmaking-and-partnership model aimed at veteran employment outcomes, with strong corporate sponsorship infrastructure.
Others
- Fisher House Foundation: Military-family-focused nonprofit funded significantly by gaming and entertainment industry partnerships (e.g., Activision has historically supported both). Comparable as a military-affiliated nonprofit leveraging corporate/gaming partnerships for fundraising scale, though its mission centers on housing military families near hospitals rather than employment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Call of Duty Endowment social profiles
Digital presenceCall of Duty Endowment compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Call of Duty Endowment financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Call of Duty Endowment leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Call of Duty Endowment funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Call of Duty Endowment M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Call of Duty Endowment
What does Call of Duty Endowment do?
The Call of Duty Endowment funds veteran-to-civilian career transitions through its Seal of Distinction grant program, which awards money to the best-performing U.S. and U.K. charities that prepare veterans for high-quality jobs. It raises that money by selling C.O.D.E. Tracer Packs (in-game cosmetic DLC bundles for Call of Duty titles) and staging the annual C.O.D.E. Bowl military esports tournament, supplemented by corporate sponsorships and direct donations from gamers and the public.
Is Call of Duty Endowment a public or private company?
Call of Duty Endowment is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Call of Duty Endowment founded?
Call of Duty Endowment was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Call of Duty Endowment based?
Call of Duty Endowment is headquartered in Santa Monica, United States, in the North America region.
How does Call of Duty Endowment make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. In-Game DLC Pack Sales are the primary driver. The others are direct Donations, corporate Sponsorships and merchandise Sales.
Who are Call of Duty Endowment's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Direct peers are DAV (Disabled American Veterans), The Mission Continues, Wounded Warrior Project, Hire Heroes USA, Student Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and Hiring Our Heroes. Fisher House Foundation is listed as an others.
Does Call of Duty Endowment have an API?
No public API is recorded for Call of Duty Endowment.
What industry is Call of Duty Endowment in?
Call of Duty Endowment's product category is Veteran Employment Nonprofit Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAOAH, Veterans & Military-to-Civilian Transition Programs, with a secondary code of BPADAOAB, Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors). Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 7361.