Real moments. Real connection. Real purpose.

No veteran should have to walk the path to civilian life alone.

That’s what Operation Meraki is all about, and this February, we’re launching a challenge that puts those values front and center. We’re looking for 150 people who believe in supporting veterans and their families to commit to $25 a month. That’s it. Less than a dollar a day. But together? It’s a game-changer.

Why 150 for $25?

Here’s the truth: one-time donations are amazing, and we’re grateful for every single one. But monthly giving? That’s what keeps the lights on, the programs running, and the support flowing, especially when veterans need it most.

When we know 150 people have our backs every month, we can plan ahead. We can say yes to the veteran who needs peer support today, not next quarter. We can launch a new employability workshop without scrambling for funding. We can show up consistently for the families who’ve sacrificed so much.

$25 a month might not feel like much when you’re paying it. But when you multiply it by 150 people, 12 months a year? That’s $45,000 in reliable, predictable support that directly fuels the three pillars of what we do.

The Three Pillars: Where Your $25 Goes

No veteran should have to walk the path to civilian life alone, and these are the three ways your $25 helps us show up consistently:

• 🛠️ Workforce Development
• 🧘 Wellness Programming
• 🤝 Peer Support

Every dollar you give supports veterans and their families across three core areas. Think of them as the foundation for a successful transition to civilian life, and a thriving community beyond service.

1. Wellness and Whole Health

Transitioning out of the military isn’t just about finding a job or a place to live. It’s about mental health, physical wellness, and rebuilding a sense of purpose. Your $25 helps fund:

• Peer support groups where veterans connect with others who get it
• Wellness workshops covering everything from stress management to nutrition
• Access to resources for mental health services, fitness programs, and holistic care

When a veteran texts us at 2 a.m. because they’re struggling, we don’t want to say “we’ll get back to you when funding comes through.” We want to say “we’re here.” Your monthly donation makes that possible.

2. Employability, Entrepreneurship, and Education

Veterans bring incredible skills to the table, leadership, discipline, problem-solving under pressure. But translating military experience into civilian job language? That’s tough. And starting a business or going back to school? Even tougher without the right support. Your $25 helps fund:

• Resume workshops and interview coaching tailored to veterans
• Entrepreneurship mentorship for those ready to start their own businesses
• Scholarship support and educational resources for veterans pursuing degrees or certifications
• Job placement partnerships with employers who value what veterans bring

One of our recent success stories? A Marine Corps vet who came to us unsure how to “sell” his logistics experience. Three months later, he landed a supply chain management role, and he’s now mentoring other vets through the same process.

3. Community Engagement and Community Connection

Here’s what a lot of people don’t realize: leaving the military means leaving behind a built-in community. The camaraderie, the shared purpose, the people who’d drop everything to have your back, that doesn’t just transfer to civilian life. You have to rebuild it. Your $25 helps fund:

• Community events where veterans and families can connect, laugh, and belong
• Volunteer opportunities that give veterans a renewed sense of purpose
• Family support programs because transition impacts spouses and kids too
• Outreach and resource fairs that meet veterans where they are

We’re not just handing out pamphlets. We’re creating spaces where veterans feel seen, heard, and valued. Where a spouse can talk to another spouse who understands the unique challenges of military family life. Where kids can meet other kids who’ve moved six times in eight years.

How Your Monthly $25 Adds Up

Let’s get specific. When 150 people give $25 a month, here’s what Operation Meraki can do over the course of a year:

• Host 24 peer support sessions (twice a month, every month)
• Run 12 employability workshops covering resumes, interviews, and career transitions
• Sponsor 8 major community events that bring hundreds of veterans and families together
• Provide emergency assistance to families in crisis (rent support, groceries, utilities)
• Expand mental health resources and wellness programming year-round

That’s not theoretical. That’s the actual math. 150 people x $25 x 12 months = $45,000 of steady, reliable impact.

And here’s the best part: it’s sustainable. When you commit to monthly giving, you’re not just helping us this February. You’re helping us plan for March, June, October, and beyond.

Real People. Real Stories. Real Impact.

We could throw statistics at you all day. But the truth is, this work isn’t about numbers on a spreadsheet, it’s about people.

It’s about the Army vet who showed up to our resource fair feeling lost and left with a job interview scheduled for the next week.

It’s about the veteran spouse who attended a community event and finally found other spouses who understood what it’s like to move every two years and start over.

It’s about the Marine who joined a peer support group and said, for the first time in months, “I don’t feel alone anymore.”

That’s what $25 a month does. It creates those moments. It funds those connections. It makes space for veterans to heal, grow, and thrive.

How to Join the Challenge

Ready to be one of the 150? We’ve made it easy, because No veteran should have to walk the path to civilian life alone.

Option 1: Text to Give (Fastest Way)

Text OPERATIONMERAKI to 707070. You’ll get a link to set up your February Donor Challenge: 150 for $25 monthly donation in under a minute.

Option 2: Give Online

Head to pledge.to/Operation-meraki and set up your recurring monthly donation. It takes about two minutes, and you can adjust or cancel anytime.

Both options are secure, tax-deductible, and 100% go toward supporting veterans and their families through our three pillars:

• 🛠️ Workforce Development
• 🧘 Wellness Programming
• 🤝 Peer Support

FAQs

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! Operation Meraki is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our EIN is 83-2099934. You’ll receive a receipt for your records, and your donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Can I cancel or change my monthly donation?
Absolutely. You’re in control. If you need to adjust the amount or pause your donation, just reach out to us at contacts and we’ll take care of it, no questions asked.

What if I can’t afford $25 a month?
We totally get it. If $25 feels like a stretch, consider $10 or $15, or even a one-time gift. Every dollar helps, and we’re grateful for any support you can offer.

Can I give more than $25?
Yes! If you want to give $50, $100, or more each month, we’ll gladly accept it: and we’ll make sure you know exactly how your generosity is making a difference.

What other ways can I help?
Not everyone can give financially, and that’s okay. You can also volunteer your time, share this campaign with friends and family, or attend one of our community events. Connection matters just as much as contribution.

Let’s Hit 150 Together

February is short: just 28 days this year. But the impact of this challenge? That lasts all year long.

We’re not asking you to solve every problem veterans face. We’re asking you to be one of 150 people who show up, month after month, with $25 and a belief that veterans and their families deserve our support.

Real moments. Real connection. Real purpose.

Will you be one of the 150?

👉 Text OPERATIONMERAKI to 707070
👉 Or give online: pledge.to/Operation-meraki

Operation Meraki is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 83-2099934. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.