Since its founding in 2002, the mission of Children of Fallen Patriots (CFP) has been to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Children of Fallen Patriots is dedicated to serving the families of service members from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots is to ensure that every child of a fallen patriot receives all necessary college funding. View CFP's many student success stories.
Who does Children of Fallen Patriots Serve?
Children of Fallen Patriots serves children -- whether natural, by marriage or adoption -- who have lost a parent in the line of military duty, during combat or peacetime. All branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard) and all components (active, reserve and guard) are covered.
Research conducted by The Lucas Group on behalf of Children of Fallen Patriots found that nearly 20,000 dependents have been left behind by troops who have fallen in the line of duty over the past 35 years. Many surviving families struggle to make ends meet with 63% of surviving spouses making less than $50,000 per year.
With no central repository of information from which to find these children, the organization works to find each and every one of these children to assist them in their growing success.
Access to Financial Assistance
Children of Fallen Patriots' goal is to bridge the gap in funding between available sources of grants and scholarships (i.e., VA Chapter 33 or 35, federal, state, local and private grants) and the total cost of undergraduate college education or vocational school.
Fallen Patriots covers costs related to undergraduate education: tuition, room and board, books, fees, living expenses and a one-time computer stipend. Students can be enrolled in either public or private institutions; colleges, universities and vocational schools are covered. (They do not cover airfare to and from school, and funding cannot be applied to graduate-level education).
Fallen Patriots realizes the strain that surviving families endure, and strives to make its process as simple, user-friendly and flexible as possible. Fallen Patriots staff can handle many applicant needs over the phone. Typical documents needed include:
- The family enrollment form which enters you into the Children of Fallen Patriots system
- A copy of the Casualty Report (DD1300) or DD214 along with death and birth certificates
- Class schedule
- Bursar Statement
- Information on your VA benefits DIC for children under 18, CH35 or CH33
- Transcript with GPA
- Documentation of expenses (If applicable)
Enrolling with Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is the first step in ensuring that your child or children will receive the financial support they need to fund their college education. You can fill out an enrollment form online or call 866-917-CFPF (2373).
Children of Fallen Patriots Support
Children of Fallen Patriots believes a college education is the single most important gift that can be given to children of fallen service members. Funding their education is an important investment in the future of America, as well as one of the best ways we can honor those who died defending our country. To take part in the mission of Children of Fallen Patriots, there are many ways to show your support.
Sponsor a Scholar
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation averages an annual gap in funding of approximately $6,250 a year, and $25,000 for a student who attends a four-year college degree program.
Encourage Workplace Giving
Rallying your team to support your company's efforts fosters a solid mission and increases team effort internally.
