(Students at MiraCosta College)
Investing in Our Military Community
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on something that has long been close to our hearts at Rancho Santa Fe Foundation: standing alongside the service members, veterans, and military families who call San Diego County home.
This year, through our Supporting Our Heroes initiative, RSFF invested $178,500 in nine nonprofit partners dedicated to strengthening the well-being of active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. These organizations were selected for their proven impact, strong leadership, and deep commitment to serving those who have served our country.
For decades, RSFF has partnered with programs that honor military service and respond to the evolving needs of this community. From moments of transition to times of healing and growth, our goal has always been to support the whole person and the families who stand beside them.
Our 2025 Supporting Our Heroes Grant Partners
This year, grants supported a range of programs addressing transition readiness, financial stability, research, and emotional and physical well-being:
- Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), advancing research and data-driven insights that improve outcomes for service members, veterans, and their families
- zero8hundred, providing personalized transition navigation for service members and military spouses
- Foundation for Women Warriors, supporting women veterans through housing stability, childcare, and workforce preparation
- Support The Enlisted Project (STEP), offering emergency financial assistance and long-term self-sufficiency programming
- MiraCosta College Foundation, supporting its Veterans Resilience Fund to help student veterans stay enrolled during unexpected financial hardship
- Healing Wave Aquatics, promoting healing through therapeutic aquatic programs
- REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program, building confidence and well-being through equine-assisted activities
- Freedom Dogs, pairing service members with trained service dogs to support recovery from PTSD and other service-related challenges
- Wreaths Across America – Miramar National Cemetery, remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation the value of freedom
Translating Investment Into Impact
These investments create meaningful change. As Elizabeth Berg, Executive Director of Healing Wave Aquatics, shared:
“RSFF’s support expands our ability to provide therapeutic aquatic programs that help veterans manage complex trauma, reduce pain, and reconnect with themselves and others. Grants like this allow us to reach even more service members experiencing severe trauma and suicidal ideation, offering renewed resilience and hope.”
Looking Ahead
As the work continues, Supporting Our Heroes remains a cornerstone of RSFF’s community leadership work. Through trusted partnerships, thoughtful philanthropy, and evidence-based action, we are honored to continue walking alongside the military community today and for generations to come.
To learn more about our initiatives or how to get involved, please contact us at info@rsffoundation.org.
