Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation

What Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation does

The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2015 in Rio Grande, New Jersey, following Cape May County's designation as a federal "Coast Guard Community." The foundation's mission is to support U.S. Coast Guard recruits, active-duty personnel, and their families stationed at or connected to U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May — the nation's only enlisted recruit boot camp. It is governed by a Board of Trustees drawn from local banking, civic, education, law enforcement, and retired USCG leadership, and is administered by an Executive Director (Marla Brown) supported by a small staff (1–10 employees).

The foundation delivers its mission through a portfolio of nine support programs and three signature events. Programs include financial assistance initiatives (Emergency Bridge Fund with $50 grocery gift cards, Homeschooling Families Support Program with up to $400 per family, Community Activity Program reimbursements up to $300 per dependent per year), enrichment programs (Backpack Brigade school supplies), recognition awards (Seamanship Award / Marlinspike Rigging Knives, Navigating Your Way Award), the biannual Coast Guard Community Guide publication, and a Virtual Coast Guard Art Exhibit. Annual events include the Southern New Jersey Coast Guard Ball (formal gala at the Wildwoods Convention Center), the Always Ready 5K / K9 3K at Harborview Park, and the Coast Guard Community Festival (currently suspended, previously drew 5,000+ attendees). The foundation explicitly does not operate proprietary technology; its digital footprint is limited to a WordPress website, Facebook page, YouTube gallery, and email/newsletter outreach.

The foundation's revenue model is entirely donation- and sponsorship-based. It accepts tax-deductible individual contributions and offers structured corporate partnership tiers (Commanding Officer $7,000; Executive Officer $5,000; Command Master Chief $3,500; Master Chief $2,000), biannual Coast Guard Community Guide advertising ($250–$1,000), Always Ready 5K race sponsorships ($100–$1,800), and small-ticket micro-donations such as $20 personalized graduation signs. No revenue, expense, or asset figures are publicly disclosed. The organization operates with no parent company, subsidiaries, or disclosed venture or grant funding beyond individual, business, and community contributions.

Name

Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation

Legal name

Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation

Website

https://coastguardcommunity.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is a 2015-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Rio Grande, NJ that supports U.S. Coast Guard recruits, active-duty personnel, and their families at Training Center Cape May through financial assistance programs, recognition awards, and signature community events funded by donations and corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Rio Grande

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: The foundation relies entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations who believe in supporting Coast Guard members, their families and Recruits. Contributions are tax-deductible as the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers a portfolio of support programs and community events for active-duty Coast Guard personnel, their families, recruits, and civilian TRACEN employees stationed in or connected to Cape May County. Offerings include financial-assistance programs (Emergency Bridge Fund, Homeschooling Families Support), enrichment programs (Backpack Brigade, Community Activity Program reimbursements), recognition awards (Seamanship Award, Navigating Your Way Award), graduation engagement products (Graduation Signs, Graduation Experience), signature events (Southern NJ Coast Guard Ball, Always Ready 5K, Coast Guard Community Festival), and a biannual Coast Guard Community Guide publication with advertising opportunities for community partners.

Product overview

The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of support programs and community events for Coast Guard personnel, their families, and recruits. Its programs include financial assistance initiatives (Emergency Bridge Fund, Homeschooling Families Support), enrichment programs (Backpack Brigade, Community Activity Program), recognition awards (Seamanship Award, Navigating Your Way Award), and the Coast Guard Community Guide publication. The Foundation hosts three major annual events: the Southern New Jersey Coast Guard Ball (formal gala), the Always Ready 5K race, and the Coast Guard Community Festival (currently suspended). The organization also offers a Virtual Coast Guard Art Exhibit and Graduation Experience/Signs program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Coast Guard Community Guide: Biannual publication celebrating Coast Guard operations, sharing stories of service, and honoring businesses and individuals who support the Coast Guard community
• Emergency Bridge Fund
• Backpack Brigade Program
• Community Activity Program
• Seamanship Award Program
• Homeschooling Families Support Program
• Graduation Experience
• Always Ready 5K
• Southern New Jersey Coast Guard Ball
• Coast Guard Community Festival

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $13,200 in Community Activity Program reimbursements funded in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape MaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Primary strategic partner for foundation activities. TRACEN Cape May is the nation's only boot camp for enlisted Coast Guard Recruits. Foundation supports service members, their families, and recruits through events, programs, and community engagement. Partnership enables access to base for graduation ceremonies, community events, and program delivery.
• U.S. Coast Guard AuxiliarycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Long-standing partnership (nearly two decades) presenting the Seamanship Award to deserving graduating recruits. The USCG Auxiliary presents awards and foundation provides funding for Marlinspike Rigging Knives awarded at each graduation.
• Burke Motor GroupmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual partner and supporter; hosts Burke Motor Group Car, Truck and Cycle Show fundraiser benefiting the foundation.
• Cape May Brewing Co.majorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent partner for Always Ready 5K, providing Always Ready Pale Ale at finish line. Hosts Pint Night fundraisers for the foundation.
• Lead the Way Dog TrainingmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent partner for Always Ready K9 3K, specializing in 'Positive Balanced Training' for real-life situations. Also a 2026 Command Master Chief level partner and Waves of Honor Field Trip Program partner.
• Cape May CountymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCounty partner supporting foundation initiatives; Cape May County designated as Coast Guard Community in 2015.
• Cape May County ChambermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCounty chamber partner supporting community connection between Coast Guard and local business community.
• Sturdy Savings BankmajorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Executive Officer level partner providing financial support for foundation programs.
• The First National Bank of ElmermajorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Executive Officer level partner and founding funder of Homeschooling Families Support Program through an ongoing grant.
• Crest Savings BankmajorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Command Master Chief level partner and 2026 Waves of Honor Field Trip Program partner.
• Atlantic Cape Community CollegeminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Master Chief Petty Officer level partner supporting foundation initiatives.
• Coldwell Banker Cape MayminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Master Chief Petty Officer level partner supporting foundation initiatives.
• Jersey Cape RealtyminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Master Chief Petty Officer level partner supporting foundation initiatives.
• Puddle Pirate Co.minorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Master Chief Petty Officer level partner; owner Don Folino served as 2026 Southern NJ Coast Guard Ball Keynote Speaker.
• Habitat ReStore Cape May CountyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner supporting 2026 Southern NJ Coast Guard Ball.
• Second Capital RunningminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner and supporter of foundation; race management services for Always Ready 5K.
• Uncle Bill's Pancake HouseminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Executive Officer level partner supporting foundation initiatives.
• Coast Guard Family Action (CGFAF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner referenced in 2026 support opportunities, working together to support Coast Guard families.
• MudHen Brewing Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosts Annual Salute to the Coast Guard event benefiting foundation.
• Dollar Tree Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGenerous supporter of Backpack Brigade Program providing supplies for active-duty Coast Guard families.
• Big Top's Surfin' SundaesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner supporting Backpack Brigade Program.
• AcmeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal grocery store partner for Emergency Bridge Fund Gift Card Program - gift cards provided to active-duty Coast Guard families in crisis.
• AldiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal grocery store partner for Emergency Bridge Fund Gift Card Program - gift cards provided to active-duty Coast Guard families in crisis.
• Shop RiteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal grocery store partner for Emergency Bridge Fund Gift Card Program - gift cards provided to active-duty Coast Guard families in crisis.
• WawaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal convenience store partner; $50 gift cards purchased with cash donations for Emergency Bridge Fund.
• Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Coast Guard and Salmagundi Club to present virtual art exhibit featuring Coast Guard artwork showcasing missions, heroes and history.
• U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic CityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Search and Rescue Demonstration at Coast Guard Community Festival with helicopter hovering above Cape May Harbor.
• Nature Center Cape MayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation contributes to Good Neighbor Fund providing scholarships to Coast Guard families for Summer Nature Camps.
• Cape May County HeraldminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner supporting foundation initiatives and community awareness.
• The Sentinel NewspapersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner supporting foundation initiatives and community awareness.
• Allegra MarmoraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing and print partner supporting foundation communications.
• Roszkowski Massood CPA'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAccounting partner supporting foundation; Treasurer Elias Massood serves on Board of Trustees.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Army Emergency Relief: Nonprofit providing emergency financial assistance, scholarships, and support programs to Army soldiers and their families. Directly comparable mission model focused on emergency aid and education support tied to a specific military branch's active-duty population.
• Coast Guard Foundation: National nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the United States Coast Guard, its members, and families through programs, scholarships, and emergency financial assistance. It is the closest national-scale analog to the Cape May foundation and directly serves overlapping USCG beneficiary populations.
• Operation Homefront: National nonprofit providing emergency financial assistance, housing support, and recurring family programs (including back-to-school backpacks) to active-duty military families. Directly comparable programs including Backpack Brigade-style school supply drives that mirror the Cape May foundation's Backpack Brigade.
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: Member-service nonprofit providing financial assistance, education support, and emergency aid to Navy and Marine Corps families. Comparable as a service-branch-specific relief organization running emergency bridge funds, scholarships, and community programs for active-duty families.
• Air Force Aid Society: Nonprofit supporting Air Force and Space Force families through emergency financial assistance, education programs, and community-based support services. Closely aligned with the Cape May foundation's Emergency Bridge Fund and family-support program architecture.
• Semper Fi Fund: Nonprofit providing immediate financial assistance and program support to critically ill and injured service members, combat veterans, and their families. Comparable as a service-member-focused nonprofit with emergency aid and family support programming.
• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance: Official Coast Guard nonprofit providing interest-free loans, grants, and financial counseling to Coast Guard members and their families. Closest mission-aligned peer serving the same USCG beneficiary population in Cape May, including emergency aid during government shutdowns.

Broad incumbents

• USO: Large, established nonprofit supporting all branches of the U.S. military through centers, programs, and emergency communications. Comparable in mission scope—military family support—but operates at much greater scale across multiple service branches.
• Fisher House Foundation: Well-established nonprofit providing free housing for military families near medical treatment facilities, plus support grants. Comparable in mission (military family quality-of-life support) but operates a distinct housing-centric model at greater national scale.

Emerging players

• Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation: Nonprofit providing college scholarships and educational support to children of service members killed in the line of duty. Comparable in delivering education-focused aid to military families but with a narrower beneficiary population than the Cape May foundation.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubephotos.app.goo.gl/Hd6V61BMWRLRV64z6
• Facebookfacebook.com/CoastGuardCommunity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cape-may-county-coast-guard-community-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

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 Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation