How to Support Service Members, Veterans and Their Families

In observance of Military Appreciation Month in May, numerous organizations have created campaigns designed to honor the dedication and sacrifices of U.S. military personnel and veterans. The programs aim to foster recognition and gratitude for the service of members of the U.S. armed forces.

This May, Team RWB is observing Military Appreciation Month by spearheading the Memorial Minutes campaign involving a fitness pledge by its members. The members began May 1 logging 40 minutes per day of “intentional movement,” aiming to collectively reach 1.3 million minutes by Memorial Day, May 25.

The goal of 1.3 million represents “the 1.3 million Americans who gave their lives in service to this nation over the last 250 years,” according to the club, which …. Team RWP is organizing events around the U.S. throughout the month for those interested in taking part.

In 2026, the national nonprofit Soldiers’ Angels is again holding its Honor Military Working Dogs collection campaign. The program was created to help send highly requested items to deployed service members and working dogs.

From May 3-9, 2026, you can donate either by shopping local or choosing items from an Amazon wish list. Learn more about the Honor Military Working Dogs initiative.

The national nonprofit dedicated to finding and bringing home America’s missing-in-action (MIA) service members, Project Recover, is looking for breweries, restaurants or bars that would like to support the group’s mission by hosting a pint night or other event or brewing a special beer. IPAs for MIAs is a way for local groups to support Project Recover by donating a portion of special event proceeds.

Supporters are welcome to participate any time of year; however, Project Recover finds that many choose to participate around Memorial Day, July 4th, POW/MIA Recognition Day in September, and the holidays.

In addition to corporations running promotions during Military Appreciation Month, many nonprofit organizations also offer opportunities to support the military and veteran community during Military Appreciation Month and year-round.

Below are 10 more nonprofit organizations to remember during Military Appreciation Month, recommended by The Charitable Payraise. They are among the most trusted charities supporting the military community and veterans:

Purple Heart Foundation: This 501(c)(3) is among the nonprofit organizations that have special benefits and support for service members who have been awarded a Purple Heart. It raises funds to support U.S. veterans and their families.

Wounded Warrior Project: The organization, founded in 2003 to provide care items to hospitalized service members wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, today focuses on mental health, career counseling, long-term rehabilitative care and advocacy efforts.

Disabled American Veterans: The century-old, congressionally chartered veterans group helps disabled veterans and their families, including assistance with filing benefits claims, getting to medical appointments and finding jobs.

Fisher House Foundation: This top-rated military and veteran nonprofit is a private-public partnership that helps meet military families’ food, lodging, and transportation needs that go beyond the assistance provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

USO: One of the longest running troop organizations, with more than 80 years of assisting service members and their families, United Service Organizations support troops in a variety of ways, from care packages and airport lounges to visits from celebrities in war zones.

Homes For Our Troops: This nonprofit organization builds houses that are custom-made, allowing disabled veterans to live on their own without needing constant care.

Semper Fi Fund: The fund provides direct financial assistance and vital programming for combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured service members and their families during hospitalization and recovery.

Operation Homefront: Its Transitional Homes for Veterans program offers rent-free housing for veterans as a means to build financial security and promote homeownership.

The Gary Sinise Foundation: Established under the philanthropic direction of Gary Sinise, an actor and 40-year advocate for the nation’s military and defenders, the foundation builds specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans, hosts morale-boosting celebrations at military medical centers and provides meals to veterans and their families.

Honor Flight Network: This nonprofit organization gives military veterans the chance to see monuments and landmarks by flying them to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials that honor their service to the nation. Veterans can visit the Air Force Memorial, National Mall, U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and other landmarks.

Want to Know More About the Military?

Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.