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In 2000, a small group of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) veterans and spouses started what would become the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). They had no staff, no programs, and no national footprint. What they had was the conviction that the people behind the Trident deserved more. Twenty-five years and more than $225 million in direct community investment later, that conviction is stronger than ever.
The 2025 Annual Report captures the scope of what the NSF delivered in its milestone year, investing nearly $32 million in programmatic support across our four Pillars of Support: Community, Health, Education, and Legacy.
Community: Keeping the Force Connected
The NSF delivered more than 25,000 hours of respite childcare to families across the globe, a 10 percent increase over 2024. Summer camps hosted 839 kids and teens at 7 locations across 4 states. Holiday Fests brought Santa to seven locations from Germany to Hawaii. Reconnect events gathered veteran SEALs and SWCCs in Virginia Beach, Dallas, Austin, Denver, Philadelphia, Tampa, and beyond, giving former teammates the chance to stay connected long after service.
“Everyone I spoke with had a great time and felt truly valued by the Foundation and your team. Gold Star families, active duty folks, and local retirees, including the kids, were visibly pleased with your program.” – Veteran SEAL
Health: The Largest Investment in NSF History
Health was the year’s biggest area of focus, accounting for $15 million in programmatic spending. The Warrior Fitness Program (WFP), led by Virginia High Performance (VHP), served 332 participants across both coasts. The East Coast facility moved into a new building that expanded access, and the West Coast renovated the Warrior House to provide ADA-compliant lodging for out-of-town participants.
“In January, I submitted my retirement paperwork. With constant pain, poor sleep, and declining mental health, I no longer felt I could contribute on active duty. In the middle of my third week at VHP, I pulled back my retirement paperwork. This program has given me a second lease on life.” – Active Duty SEAL
The NSF also co-founded the Veteran Alliance for Leadership, Outreach, and Recovery (VALOR) Coalition alongside the Wounded Warrior Project, the Green Beret Foundation, and Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), uniting leading organizations to advance research and care for those facing PTSD, TBI, and other conditions. Brain health partnerships with Home Base and the Headstrong Project expanded access to specialized treatment for more than 220 service members, veterans, dependents, and surviving family members.
Education: Removing Barriers at Every Level
Education support spanned every stage of development, from preschool tuition for children at remote duty stations to graduate-level scholarships for veterans launching second careers. We awarded more than 1,000 scholarships, certifications, and grants. One veteran used his award to finish post-bachelor coursework on his path to medical school. Another operator’s wife completed her master’s degree while he went through the WFP. The NSF also funded test preparation and exam fees for the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and GMAT, and covered professional certifications across business, technology, healthcare, aviation, and the skilled trades.
Legacy: Standing with Gold Star and Surviving Families
When a teammate is lost, the NSF is there within hours and stays for as long as the family needs. We supported the loved ones of six fallen teammates and stood beside hundreds of GSSF through the year’s hardest moments. Survivor retreats hosted families in Amelia Island, across both coasts over Memorial Day, and in Hawaii for Teen Camp. Financial assistance continued through weekly grief counseling, supplemental childcare, wellness stipends, home maintenance, and educational resources for children. Heritage preservation efforts included placing wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery through Wreaths Across America, ensuring every fallen NSW service member received one during the holiday season.
“We needed to get away, and this weekend was just what we needed. Meeting other Gold Star Families that were laying wreaths on their loved ones and hearing their stories. I have had a hard time wanting Christmas to come, and the tour helped change that.” – Gold Star Mother
The Mission Continues
The NSF also earned a 17th consecutive Four-Star Charity Navigator rating and a 12th consecutive perfect score of 100 in 2025, with 94 cents of every dollar donated going to current or future programs. As CEO Robin King wrote in her letter to supporters: “No SEAL, SWCC, or family member should ever face a challenge alone. That principle started this work in 2000, and it remains at the heart of everything we do.” Twenty-five years in, the mission continues.
Read the full 2025 Annual Report for the complete picture of what your support made possible here.