Impact in the Guard Community
See how we’re making a difference in the lives of NC Guardsmen and families.
20 Years of Supporting North Carolina Guard Families
Our impact since inception
$5,006,508
Funds raised
2,929
Guard families helped
$2,667,878
Funds awarded
90%
Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating
Children packed up care packages for deployed North Carolina National Guard service members.
Real-World Stories from the Guard Community
The difference we’re making in the National Guard community has been life changing. Names in the stories below have been changed to protect the privacy of National Guard service members and families who have received financial assistance.
Helping a Guard Family Stay in Their Home
“Abby” was living with her disabled mother and assisting with her personal finances. She became overwhelmed and fell behind with rent and utility payments. When the SAAF-NC Board of Directors called Abby to validate a request for assistance, they learned she was in the final stages of the eviction process. They quickly contacted the landlord and paid her overdue rent and utility bills. A follow-up call to inform Abby that she no longer needed to worry about eviction was met with tearful gratitude.
A Cranial Helmet for a Soldier’s Infant Child
While “James” was deployed overseas, serving our nation in combat, his wife submitted a grant application to request assistance for the purchase of a special cranial helmet for their infant child. The family borrowed money from their savings but only had enough to cover half of the total cost. The SAAF-NC Board of Directors quickly approved the request and paid the difference to the orthotic manufacturer. The family was incredibly grateful to receive the helmet to support their child’s development.
Supporting Guardsmen Awaiting Pay for Hurricane Relief
Citizen soldiers were activated for domestic emergency operations during Hurricane Helene relief efforts. An interrupted transition from the civilian pay system to military pay system had delayed compensation by three to four weeks. As a result, several service members were unable to pay their rent and utilities and struggled to even put food on the table for their families. The SAAF-NC stepped up to ensure the Guardsmen’s needs were met until they received payment for their service.
2024 Impact:
$6,957
Total value of the 550 backpacks purchased for Guard families to date in 2024.
$18,000
Total amount in emergency use gift cards provided to the Save a Soldier Program.
$10,000
Total amount awarded to the Friends of Airmen and Family Readiness Center.
$15,000
Total educational scholarship money awarded.
$15,000
Total amount in emergency use gift cards provided to the Save a Soldier Program.
$5,000
Total amount awarded to the Kids on Guard in 2024.
More impact stories
“As a single parent, I always feel guilty in doing things for myself. This will allow me to provide a great Christmas for my kids, pay some bills, and still have a little leftover to treat myself to something as well. Thank you!”
Chelsie
As a Family Assistance Coordinator for the NCNG, I am appreciative of the support from SAAF to assist Soldiers and Families in a crisis. Many times, SAAF is the only resource for housing, food and the lights staying on. SAAF is truly a blessing for struggling families who have exhausted all other means for financial support
Francis J.
This was so needed and so unexpected. I will be able to buy groceries, pay bills, and presents for my children. Thank you so much!”
Anonymous
