Needs-Based Grant for Massachusetts National Guard & Reservists

Massachusetts citizens who serve in the National Guard and Reserve forces willingly leave their civilian jobs and families to serve our Nation. Thousands of soldiers and airmen from Massachusetts have been called to active duty since September 11, 2001, and many are on extended deployments overseas.

A significant number of these service members face a loss in pay when they are activated.  When a service member leaves home a vast array of responsibilities such as household finances, childcare, and auto repair often shift to other family members. This mounting workload, as well as the sudden change from civilian to military life can strain a family’s finances. When the family faces a loss of earnings, these challenges become even greater.

Here in Massachusetts, military families struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, heat and medical care. The Military Friends Foundation offers need-based grants (up to $1000 per year) to support families who face pay-differentials.

Eligibility for the needs-based grant program is based on a 15% decrease or greater between the service members civilian earnings (including monthly drill pay) and military pay (including BAH). Massachusetts National Guard members or Massachusetts residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components, who have been activated under Title 10 or 32 for at least 45 consecutive days, may be eligible to apply for need-based grants.

* For Massachusetts National Guard Members and Reservists who are currently activated under Title 10 or 32 or who have been activated under Title 10 or 32 within the past year.  Active service in the armed forces shall not include active duty for training in the Army or Air National Guard or active duty for training as a Reservist in the armed forces of the United States.

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