ALCOAST 134/20 - APR 2020 COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE (CGMA) FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

R 141300 APR 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05760//
ALCOAST 134/20
COMDTNOTE 5760
SUBJ:  COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE (CGMA) FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
1. The 2020 CGMA Annual Fundraising Campaign runs from 1 to 30 April 2020.
As the official financial relief organization for the Coast Guard, CGMA is poised
and ready to respond to financial needs within the Coast Guard family. Since
its beginnings in 1924, CGMA has rendered more than 200 million dollars in
assistance. This assistance is provided in three essential areas:
    a. Disaster and Emergency Response. CGMA is always ready to respond to
disasters with immediate loans and grants to help those whose lives are
significantly disrupted by floods, fires, and storms. CGMA is always responsive
to those faced with unexpected emergencies such as travel, funeral expenses,
and urgent repairs to their homes. Even now, CGMA is responding to the unusual
financial needs our members face due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
    b. Education. CGMA has responded to the need for increased assistance with
education costs. Members are now able to receive up to $6000 in loans for
tuition and expenses. CGMA distributes nearly $1,000,000 in grants for
textbooks for advanced education. CGMA continues to provide free access to:
http://www.Tutor.com/ for all of our members and our dependents.
    c. Family Support. CGMA is there for may major life events such as adoption
loans and grants, closing costs, rental assistance, special needs grants,
pet services, and more. They are our partner every step of the way.
2. In this challenging and uncertain time caused by the Coronavirus pandemic,
I want to assure you that CGMA is here for you. Although there are several
existing and new Coast Guard pay and allowances that cover COVID-19 related
expenses, CGMA stands ready to assist our members and their families in their
time of need to help fill any gaps, including: a new Supplemental Education
Grant (SEG) for costs related to primary and secondary education; travel fee
reimbursement; and interest free loans for loss of spouses pay and child care
costs. Access to: http://www.Tutor.com/military/ remains available to active
duty service members, reserve members on active duty and civilian personnel
and their families. The Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families program provides
24/7 one-on-one online tutoring with a live expert. Tutors can help with grades
K-12 and college subjects. Use of the U.S. Military Families program can help
students stay on course while temporarily out of the classroom and can help
fill the time with constructive learning experiences. Additionally, at this
time, all of CGMA’s normal programs and resources remain available. For more
information on Coronavirus Assistance or any other programs, please visit
CGMA's website: www.cgmahq.org.
3. I encourage the broadest support for the campaign and would emphasize two
important objectives: (1) to remind all hands that CGMA is ready to help in
times of need and (2) to raise the funds necessary to continue its critical
role on behalf of the CG Community. Such funding allows CGMA to remain nimble
and to respond quickly in times of disaster, such as hurricanes and flooding. 
4. It is the generosity of our donors that allows the expansion of
existing programs, and the creation of new ones. In the past year, CGMA
implemented the Breast Milk Shipping Reimbursement Program, as well as
increased the Special Needs Grant from $3,000 total, to $3,000 every five years.
The expansive new OCONUS Rental Car Assistance (ORCA) Program went into effect
just this year. ORCA is available to all military and civilian personnel
transferring OCONUS this year. It will ensure that resources are available for
a member's rapid and easy arrival at their new duty location. Changes like
these are only possible due to the incredible generosity of the members of the
Coast Guard’s many communities: Active Duty, Reservists, Civilians, Retirees,
and Auxiliarists.   
5. CGMA offers a helping hand to shipmates and co-workers in need through direct
financial aid and a wide range of programs and services. As a donor supported
non-profit, CGMA receives no federal funds and it must rely on our generosity
and our desire to look after our own.
6. As the campaign continues this month, local unit key workers will be asked to
contact each active duty military member and civilian employee. Selected Reserve,
retired military, and members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be contacted by
mail and are encouraged to respond using the contribution forms provided. To
make a gift securely online visit www.cgmahq.org/give/.
7. For 96 years, CGMA has proven to be a valuable community resource. Through
donations great or small, we can ensure CGMA remains strong and ready to serve
our Coast Guard family for years to come.
8. For more information about CGMA: See your local campaign key worker,
contact your local CGMA Representative, or visit www.cgmahq.org.
9. RADM Joanna Nunan, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources, sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.