Blue Star Families is excited to begin accepting applications for our new Blue Star Families Outposts program. Made possible by craig newmark philanthropies, we are expanding our reach to help more families feel a stronger sense of belonging. To do this, we are looking to partner with nonprofit organizations that will serve as Outposts. These Outposts will conduct high-impact, evidence-based, in-person and virtual programming.
Become a Blue Star Families Outpost
As an Outpost, your organization will be a valued and critical partner with the Blue Star Families team to:
- Promote BSF’s annual 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 Program, such as, but not limited to:
Blue Star Outdoors: 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.
Application Process
Initial Application Phase (Stage 1)
We will be accepting letters of interest 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 due date 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.
Eligibility Requirements
If you are ready to apply to be a Blue Star Families Outpost, please review the following requirements to see if your organization is eligible. Applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 organization.
- Provide, and/or are willing to provide, direct services to military-connected families.
- Provide direct services in, and be a resident in (if possible), the Quality of Life Panel member’s regions (please see the application for a list of regions).
- Demonstrate financial stability and responsibility.
- The organization’s mission must be willing to provide one (if not more) of the following impact areas:
- 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.
Families If you have questions about Blue Star Outposts, please email [email protected].