The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) has received a generous $500,000 grant through the Bezos Courage and Civility Award, thanks to the support of Admiral William H. McRaven, USN (Ret), SEAL. This award, which recognizes individuals who positively impact the world with courage and civility, was presented to Admiral McRaven earlier this year. The funds will be used to enhance the mental health services the Foundation provides to active duty Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCCs), veterans, and their families.
The Bezos Courage and Civility Award
The Bezos Courage and Civility Award, established by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and compassion. Each recipient is given a substantial grant to distribute to charitable organizations that align with their values. In 2024, Admiral McRaven was one of the distinguished recipients of this award, recognizing his longstanding dedication to service and his impactful efforts in supporting the military community.
Admiral McRaven, known for his leadership in critical operations, including the mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011, has continued to serve by advocating for veterans’ mental health. Upon receiving the Bezos Courage and Civility Award, Admiral McRaven had the opportunity to allocate portions of the $50 million total to organizations close to his heart. His decision to direct $500,000 to the NSF underscores his deep respect for the Foundation’s mission and its vital support to the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community.
Supporting Mental Health
In his July 4th letter to the NSF, Admiral McRaven expressed why he chose the Foundation as one of the beneficiaries: “Part of the reason I was chosen for the grant was my work with veterans’ mental health issues. I reviewed several potential candidates for the gift, and owing to the remarkable work being done by the Navy SEAL Foundation, I am pleased to donate $500,000.”
The NSF recognizes the unique pressures operators face, who often endure extended deployments and combat operations in some of the most challenging environments. The psychological impact of these experiences can be long-lasting, affecting the service members and their families. The NSF’s programs are crucial in addressing that impact and aim to reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues while providing specialized care that addresses the specific needs of the NSW community.
The grant is designated to bolster the NSF’s mental health initiatives and will allow the Foundation to continue expanding access to critical resources such as counseling, workshops, and wellness retreats designed to foster resilience and recovery.
Robin King, CEO of the NSF, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating, “This generous contribution will help us continue our mission of providing critical support to our community. Mental health is a significant concern for both our active duty personnel and veterans, and this grant will allow us to expand our programs and reach more individuals who need our assistance.”
Gratitude and Looking Forward
The NSF extends its deepest appreciation to Admiral McRaven for this generous contribution. This grant is more than just financial support—it’s a powerful statement of trust in the Foundation’s mission to provide comprehensive support to the warriors, veterans, and families of NSW.
This funding will allow the Foundation to continue expanding its impact, reaching more individuals who have served and sacrificed. As the Foundation looks to the future, it remains committed to ensuring that every dollar is used to its fullest potential to support those who protect our nation.