The gift is part of a $50 million Bezos Courage and Civility Award from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez to retired Navy Adm. William McRaven to be distributed to charitable organizations
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) today announced a donation of $500,000 from retired Navy Admiral William McRaven. The contribution is part of the 2024 Bezos Courage and Civility Award presented by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez to Admiral McRaven and actress Eva Longoria, who each received $50 million to distribute to charities of their choice.
Admiral McRaven, renowned for his pivotal role in the 2011 operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden and his leadership in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates, has directed $500,000 of his grant to support MCSF’s mission to Honor Marines by Educating Their Children. The donation will specifically bolster MCSF’s efforts to provide scholarships to children of the fallen, a key focus of Admiral McRaven’s work.
“It is a privilege to support the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, an organization that has dedicated itself to honoring service and sacrifice by investing in the futures of military children, especially the children of our fallen” said retired Navy Admiral William McRaven. “The courage and resilience shown by these families inspires us all, and I am proud to contribute to a mission that honors their sacrifice and strengthens their future.”
William McRaven’s distinguished career includes commanding at every level within the special operations community. His notable roles include Deputy Commanding General for Operations at JSOC, Commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group One, and SEAL Team Three Commander, among others. He also served as Chancellor of the University of Texas System and is known for his extensive contributions to military-focused organizations.
Founded in 1962, and now the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than 60,000 scholarships valued at over $200 million. Admiral McRaven’s gift is a testament to his support of military families and will enhance MCSF’s ability to increase the number of scholarships awarded annually to children of Marines.
“We are deeply honored to receive Admiral McRaven’s generous contribution,” said Ted Probert, Lieutenant Colonel USMC (Ret.) and current President and CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. “His commitment to our nation’s military families exemplifies the spirit of service and sacrifice. Admiral McRaven’s contribution not only furthers our mission but also reaffirms the profound impact of investing in the future of our military families, particularly those of our fallen.”
The MCSF awards about 2,800 scholarships annually but estimates there are more than 20,000 eligible children of Marines nationwide. The sizeable gift from McRaven will enable MCSF to increase the number of scholarships awarded annually and accelerate their long-term efforts to provide support to all eligible children of Marines.
About The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation:
Established in 1962, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children. Since its inception, the Scholarship Foundation has provided approximately 60,000 renewable scholarships valued at over $200 million to the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen. For more information on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, please visit www.mcsf.org.
