Warriors & Quiet Waters Awarded PenFed Foundation Grant to Empower Post-9/11 Combat Veterans to Thrive

Grant supports the 9-month Built for More program that begins and ends with an expedition in nature in Bozeman, Montana

TYSONS Va., Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The PenFed Foundation, a national 501(c)3 founded by PenFed Credit Union, today announced it awarded a grant to Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW), an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships and a sense of community. The grant supports the Built for More program, which merges the power of outdoor pursuits, the support of comrades, and the expertise of a proprietary personal growth process to guide veterans to their own definition of thriving.

"The PenFed Foundation is proud to support Warriors & Quiet Waters as they provide post-9/11 combat veterans with the knowledge and confidence they need to rebuild a thriving life of purpose," said PenFed Foundation President Andrea McCarren.

Built for More is rooted in in-depth research, evidence-based expertise in holistic wellness and mental, physical, spiritual and social wellbeing, and the leadership's years of experience as military veterans. Each cohort brings together seven veterans, and 24 cohorts will participate in 2025. WQW is honored to serve more than 300 veterans and military family members annually through Built for More, Alumni and Volunteer Engagement.

In between the expeditions in nature, participants remain engaged remotely in the Discovery Phase, where they experience videos, facilitated group discussion, reflection, and leadership development, all focused on holistic wellness and clarity around a thriving life. Built for More is a unique blend of awe-inspiring outdoor excursions and an online, WQW-facilitated, evidence-based personal growth initiative.

WQW's CEO, retired U.S. Marine Col. Brian Gilman, expressed his gratitude for PenFed's generosity, "Through this grant, the PenFed Foundation demonstrates its understanding that when veterans lead purpose-driven, thriving lives, they positively impact everything and everyone around them."

The next Built for More application window will open in January 2025. Veterans who are interested are encouraged to sign up to be notified here when the next application window opens.

About PenFed Foundation
Founded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has provided more than $55 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. PenFed Credit Union covers the salaries and administrative costs of The PenFed Foundation, so more of your donation goes right to our programs. To learn more, please visit www.penfedfoundation.org.

SOURCE PenFed Foundation