Blue Star Families Outposts

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Blue Star Families Outposts:
Local Impact, National Reach.

From El Paso to Guam, our outposts are building belonging and resilience for military and veteran families.

Blue Star Families Outposts are growing a movement rooted in belonging, expanding Blue Star Families into communities across the country and around the world and connecting military and veteran families to trusted local support, meaningful programs, and a powerful national network.

By equipping local partners to deliver proven programs, outposts meet families where they are and strengthen the communities they call home.

Blue Star Outposts

Together, Blue Star Families Outposts are proving that when military and veteran families thrive locally, military families and our communities are stronger.

Over
families reached and counting!

(CONUS and OCONUS, delivering critical resources, connection, and support).

How Blue Star Families Shows Up in Communities

Blue Star Families supports military and veteran families through two complementary models:

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Outposts are trusted local organizations that bring Blue Star Families programs to new communities, expanding access to connection, resources, and support.

Chapters are locally staffed Blue Star Families teams that build community and deliver programs in places where we have an established presence.

How a Blue Star Families Outpost Works

  • Blue Star Families Outposts are partner nonprofit organizations who provide Blue Star Families programming and resources in their local communities to ensure greater access to connection, belonging, and well-being.

  • Outposts help deliver programs that include peer support, food assistance, career development, mental and physical health and wellness, and outdoor connection, providing military families with access to critical resources and support.

  • Outposts are part of BSF’s broader national network, connecting families to both local support and a nationwide community regardless of where they are located.

  • Blue Star Families provides proven programs, tools, and a national connection. Outposts bring those programs to life locally, creating meaningful experiences, building relationships, and strengthening their communities.

Together, Blue Star Families and our outposts are reaching thousands of military and veteran families each year, expanding access to programs, strengthening connections, and improving quality of life.

From career opportunities to outdoor experiences to community events, every outpost plays a role in building stronger, more resilient military and veteran families.

Looking to Become an Outpost?

Becoming an outpost means joining a growing movement dedicated to strengthening military families and the communities around them.

What are we looking for in an Outpost?

Outposts are local organizations that deliver Blue Star Families programming and foster a sense of belonging for military and veteran families. We seek partners who are:

  • Mission-aligned: already serving military- or veteran-connected families, or eager to expand to do so.
  • Community-rooted: trusted by military and veteran families and the community as a whole.
  • Capacity-ready: able to host events, collect participant feedback, and steward $15,000 in annual grant support.

Committed collaborators: willing to co-brand with Blue Star Families and share data, stories, and successes.

Who qualifies to be an Outpost?
  • 501(c)(3) or 501 (c)6 organizations.
  • Provide direct services in targeted areas (please see the application for the list of desired areas).
  • Demonstrate financial stability and responsibility.
  • The organization’s mission must be willing to elaborate on the following impact areas:
    • Proven engagement in at least one of our signature programs and want to improve the lives of military families. 
    • Create a greater sense of belonging for our military-connected families to each other and to the communities in which they live.
    • Increase accessibility to evidence-based programming that fosters a healthy lifestyle.
    • Improve social determinants of health.
    • Enhance opportunities for Veterans to thrive after service.
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What are our Outpost expectations?

As a Blue Star Families Outpost, your organization becomes part of a collaborative national network committed to serving military and veteran families.

  • Promote the annual Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey to increase data specific to outpost demographics.
  • Participate in Blue Star Welcome Week activities in late September by hosting events, crafting social media outreach, and engaging civilian neighbors.
  • Use your organization’s social media channels to share information about BSF and direct visitors to The Neighborhood, our digital community.
  • Participate in at least one Blue Star Families Program quarterly, such as, but not limited to:
    • Blue Star Outdoors: Promote and/or host family-centered programs encouraging outdoor activities, from group hikes to fishing, connecting your local military families to great outdoor opportunities in your community.
    • Blue Star Careers: Promote virtual or in-person workshops about career management and professional development for military spouses, veterans, etc.
  • Participate in BSF program evaluation.

Outposts play a vital role in bringing programs to life locally while staying connected to a broader national mission.

Why apply to be a Blue Star Families Outpost?
  • $15,000 annual grant (renewable up to 3 years)
  • Access to trusted, ready-to-implement programs and resources
  • Connection to a national network of organizations and military families
  • Increased visibility with partners, funders, and community leaders
  • The opportunity to expand your impact and serve those who serve
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"Before joining NPower (a Blue Star Families Outpost), I felt lost and uncertain about the direction of my life … After learning about NPower career opportunities, I applied, completed my phone interview, and here I am today. It’s been exciting to gain hands-on experience and develop new skills. Along the way, I’ve met great people and learned from amazing instructors who have inspired me even more … I plan to continue my education and expand my knowledge in the tech field — with the goal of joining the cybersecurity program and pursuing a career in that direction."

- Outpost Participant, Army National Guard

Application Process

We’re looking for organizations that are ready to grow their impact, collaborate, and serve military and veteran families in meaningful ways.

Initial Application Phase (Stage 1)
We will be accepting applications on a rolling review basis. If you are invited to the second stage of the application process, you will be notified within a week of submission. At that point, further instructions will be provided via email.

Application Selection Phase (Stage 2)
If your application passes Stage 1, you will be invited via email to submit additional materials supporting your application. We will share the deadline for Stage 2 materials via email.

Notification of Award Recipients
If your organization is accepted to become a Blue Star Families Outpost, you will receive up to $15,000. This is a one-year agreement with the potential to renew for up to two more years.

Apply to Become a Blue Star Families Outpost

Join us in building stronger communities and supporting military families where they need it most.

If you have questions about Blue Star Outposts, please email [email protected].

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