Page 53: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (March 2015)

A Measure of Support

Coast Guard Foundation Supports USCG Men, Women, Families “A lot of donors, particularly individual donors, are interested to support the Coast Guard in their own communities … the regional approach is working.” Anne Brengle, president, CGF he Coast Guard Foundation is economic meltdown on the eve of Bren- day the CGF has a national pro? le, but it a Connecticut-based non-pro? t gle taking the helm at the Coast Guard also has three regional directors of phi-

Torganization – originally started Foundation, perhaps not the ideal envi- lanthropy (with the aim to add more). “A by a trio of Coast Guard veterans who ronment to raise money. Yet the foun- lot of donors, particularly individual do- wanted to give back to their chosen ser- dation, like the group it serves, acted nors, are interested to support the Coast Foundation tackles projects large and vice – which aims to provide support and quickly and surely to shore up its footing Guard in their own communities … the small, and it assists Coast Guard men comfort to the men and women in the and future.

regional approach is working,” said and women and their families with

Coast Guard, and their families. “We made a strategic decision at that Brengle.

something as simple as sporting equip-

At the helm of the Coast Guard Foun- point to expand its pool of donors,” said ment to building a gym; to providing dation is Anne Brengle, a New York City Brengle, noting that at the time the en- Helping the Helpers college educations to the children of native with a passion for non-pro? ts tire donor pool database included about “The Coast Guard Foundation sup-

Coast Guard personnel who have lost and all matters maritime. When Brengle 2,500 names. ports the men and women of the Coast their life in duty, to supporting Coast was recruited eight years ago to lead the Fast forward eight years and it appears Guard and their families in ways that re-

Guard members in their own quest for

Coast Guard Foundation, she wasn’t the strategy has paid off. ally help their quality of life and ability higher learning.

looking to change jobs. But following a The foundation normally raises be- to serve the nation,” said Brengle. “We

Participation in the Coast Guard foun- meeting with the group, she was hooked. tween $5 to $7 million per year, but more are very connected to Coast Guard head- dation can be as simple as making a do- “I think it’s the way that, as an organi- recently it has been at the $8m level and quarters, and we work closely with the nation, to a more hands-on role in volun- zation, they re? ect the culture of the the new goal is $10m. Coast Guard about what is needed be- teering for one of the many CGF events

Coast Guard itself: a wonderful group of

In tandem the number of donors has yond appropriated dollars to help with held annually. people who are sel? ess in their mission,” grown exponentially, with about 10,000 education expenses, to make serving on “We’ve even had people ‘adopt’ Coast said Brengle.

active donors each year, and more than duty in remote locations more palatable Guard stations, throwing parties and an- and to make serving in the Coast Guard nual cook outs to help raise money and 20,000 names in the donor database.

2007: A Tough Time to Raise Money Part of this strategy was a twist on the more of a community experience.” awareness,” said Brengle.

The world was on the precipice of saying “Think Global, Act Local,” as to- In tangible terms, the Coast Guard www.coastguardfoundation.org www.marinelink.com 53

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