Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

Since 1994, TAPS has been the national nonprofit organization providing comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one, regardless of the circumstances of death or the relationship to the deceased. 

TAPS represents 85,000 loved ones and over one-half of these loved ones are children.  TAPS supports the children of the fallen with a range of programs that includes our Good Grief Camps, Family Camps, Camp Outs, Education Support for higher education, and Young Adults Programs.  Military Mentors, active duty and veterans, are paired one-to-one with each child and serve as their companion and honor the legacy of their military loved one.

TAPS is 100% funded with private contribution and receives no government funding.  Survivors pay nothing for our 24/7/365 comfort, care and resources.

The Soldiers Fund is delighted to have made a grant to TAPS to be used toward Youth Programs and specifically their Good Grief Camps, where children are able to share and learn coping skills through games, crafts and other activities in a fun and supportive environment. Each child is paired with a military mentor who serves as a “big brother/big sister” and reminds the child that he or she is still a part of the military community.

During summer, it’s campouts, teen adventures and family retreats. Good Grief Campouts combine traditional camp fun, like ziplining, water activities and s’mores, with grief support and remembrance ceremonies. Teens can tackle a challenging outdoor adventure, like hiking the Appalachian Trail, at a teen adventure. These adventures teach teamwork and communication skills. Family retreats are a place for surviving spouses and children to connect as a family through different activities.