NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY

Since 1904, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) has provided financial assistance, education, and other free programs and services to United States Navy and Marine Corps members, their eligible families, widows, and survivors. NMCRS exists to meet the immediate needs of Sailors and Marines; stable finances are vital to keeping the Fleet and Force focused and mission ready. Our financial assistance helps Sea Service members and their families address emergency financial situations.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the Society has 220 locations across the United States and around the globe. As a volunteer service organization, we are honored and grateful that currently, 4,000 individuals dedicate their time and talent to our mission. Volunteers, supported by a small team of paid employees, are the backbone of NMCRS and serve in many roles in our offices and on ships deployed at sea. Volunteers enhance the Society’s work and bring their unique experiences as members of the military and local communities where we operate.

The Society's primary mission is to provide interest-free loans and grants to help active duty and retired Sailors, Marines, and their families deal with emergency financial needs on a short-term basis, including:

• Food, rent or mortgage, and utilities
• Emergency Transportation
• Evacuations and disaster relief
• Essential vehicle repairs
• Funeral expenses
• Medical/dental bills not covered by TRICARE

In addition to addressing needs related to financial emergencies, the Society offers no-cost programs that focus on personal well-being and financial education. Our Visiting Nurse Program, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2022, is unique among military aid societies. Our nurses are ready to assist eligible clients – from new parents to the elderly – through in-person visits, telehealth sessions, education, and referrals. Our Budget for Baby® Workshop aims to help expectant parents develop a family budget, provide tips on saving money, and allow local guest speakers to share their knowledge and resources. The Society’s Education Assistance Program offers grants and interest-free loans to eligible children and spouses for undergraduate and master’s degree programs at accredited 2- or 4-year post-secondary, technical, or vocational institutions in the United States.

NMCRS is a vital contributor to the quality of life and mission readiness of the nation’s Sailors and Marines. In 2023, the Society provided $50 million in interest-free loans, grants, financial education, and other quality-of-life services in more than 47,700 active duty cases and retired Sailors and Marines, their spouses, children, and widows. NMCRS responded to over 24,000 requests for basic living expenses, including food, rent/mortgage, gas for vehicles, and utilities. Our offices helped 1,370 clients with emergency travel due to the serious illness or death of a family member, fulfilled over 12,000 requests for vehicle-related assistance, and awarded 359 education scholarships.

In total NMCRS supported 198,000 Sailors, Marines, and their families across all our programs and services. In addition to emergency financial assistance and customized budget counseling, our other programs and services had notable impacts in 2023. NMCRS Visiting Nurses conducted over 12,000 patient contacts with educational, wellness, and referral information through in-person and telehealth visits, support groups, and classes. Budget for Baby® Workshops were attended by 3,800 participants in person and virtually. 130,000 patrons visited Thrift Shops on installations worldwide for affordable uniforms, clothing, and household items.