Giving Back

Forever Warriors launches $40,000 grant program for military support initiatives

Cohort #2 of the Forever Warriors Foundation Grant Program will provide funding to programs focused on military service member support and reintegration in Okaloosa County, Florida.

Jared Williams

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Forever Warriors presents $16,000 to United Way Emerald Coast’s Mission United program at a recent Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce event. Pictured left to right: Shane Frederic (Origin Bank, UWEC Volunteer), Mia Mortensen (UWEC), Sheila Fitzgerald (Okaloosa County, UWEC Volunteer), Maureen Bierman (SOAG/FW), Kelly Jasen (UWEC), Darra Flanagan (SOAG/FW, UWEC Volunteer), Briley Kennedy (UWEC), Jessica Leavins (City of Crestview, UWEC Volunteer), Tammy Barrientos (UWEC), and Deborah Lawson (UWEC).

Forever Warriors, an initiative of Step One Automotive Group, announced Wednesday it is accepting applications for its second cohort of military support grants, offering $40,000 in total funding for programs in Okaloosa County.

The grants, managed in partnership with United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC), will support programs aimed at enhancing resiliency, well-being and reintegration for military service members, reservists and veterans. Individual grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000 for the period of January through March 2025.

“At Forever Warriors, we understand that the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging,” said Maureen Bierman, Marketing Director of Step One Automotive Group and Forever Warriors. “We are dedicated to funding programs that provide essential support for our veterans and service members.”

The announcement comes after Forever Warriors distributed $56,000 in September to its first cohort of grantees, including EOD Warrior Foundation, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, The Honor Foundation (Eglin Campus), United Way Emerald Coast and Veterans Serving Veterans.

UWEC President & CEO Kelly Jasen emphasized the organization’s role in managing the grants: “We have an in-depth understanding of local non-profits and community needs, a strong established grants process, and are proud to lend our expertise to these important efforts.”

Applications for the second cohort will be accepted through Nov. 22. Interested organizations can find more information at www.united-way.org/FWFgrant or by emailing volunteer@united-way.org.

The grant program’s launch coincides with National Veteran and Military Families Month.

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