About NMCRS

The Beginning of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

Believe it or not, Sailors and Marines of today can thank the Army for helping start the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society over 100 years ago. In 1903, a third of the proceeds from the annual Army-Navy football game served to establish the Navy Relief Society which was incorporated on January 23, 1904. Mrs. Grace Higginson was appointed the society’s first president and with her fifteen volunteers started assisting the widows and orphans of Navy and Marine Corps men who had been killed in action. Prior to this, the only support family members received were donations obtained from “passing the hat” among the deceased member’s unit.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

The NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY, founded in 1904, is a private, non-profit, charitable organization. It exists solely to support the active and retired communities of the Naval Service. Located at approximately 250 offices ashore and afloat throughout the world, the Society’s work is accomplished mainly by its 3,500 dedicated, trained, and caring Volunteers and a small cadre of paid employees.

The Society’s mission is to provide—in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps—financial, educational and other assistance to members of the Naval Service of the United States, their eligible family members and survivors, when in need; and to manage funds to administer these programs.

Since 1904...Helping more than 4 million Sailors, Marines and their Families with more than $1.1 billion in Interest–Free Loans & Grants!

 

2010 At a Glance

Taking Care Of Our Own:  99,854 Cases Resulting in Financial Assistance of $49.9 Million

This reflects a 9.2% increase in cases and a 5.3% increase in financial assistance over 2009 - the highest number of cases and greatest amount of financial assistance since 1993!

Financial Help ($49.4 million)

Need based financial assistance for basic living expenses and emergencies

  • $45.5M NMCRS interest-free loans
  • $3.9M NMCRS grants
- Over $220K in Combat Casualty Assistance (CCA) to 585 clients
- Over $15.1M in Quick Assist Loans (QAL) to 51,309 clients
- Includes $.44M in Assistance to 92 Widows
- Includes $1.4M Assistance to other Military Services
 

Education Program

Helping Navy and Marine Corps Service members and their families pursue their academic goals.

  • 252 Education Scholarships and Loans totaling $500K

Visiting Nurse Program ($2.5 million)

46 Registered Nurses provide free hospital and home visits

  • 48,617 total patient contacts
  • Combat Casualty Assistance Visiting Nurses:  18,423 contacts with more than 1,100 families, providing resource information and emotional support to combat wounded and their families

Other Services

 
  • Budget-4-Baby Workshops – Layettes furnished to 6,800 new family members
  • Thrift Shops – 27 “boutiques” provided low-cost clothing, uniforms and household items to more than 107,000 customers
  • Client Services – 13,330 counseling, referrals, and financial education

Source of Funds (Contributions declined from $16.8M in 2008 to $16.4M in 2009)

 
  • Contributions – Active Duty and Retiree Sailors and Marines gave $12.7M in 2010
  • Planned Giving – $.5M from bequests/estates and $.4M donated as LEGACY gifts 
  • Among Our Largest Single Contributions – Navy-Marine Corps Ball in Washington, DC
  • Giving Back - Critical Source of Funds is repayment of interest-free loans
  • Community Outreach – Donations from individuals, organizations and corporations; investments; and Thrift Shops receipts

NMCRS Website >>

� 2012 Navy-Marine Corps Ball