Blue Star Families Inc
Blue Star Families Inc is a public charity based in Encinitas, California, formed in 2009. It connects military families with one another and with civilian communities, and supports programs, research, and policy work intended to help military families thrive and strengthen their communities.
Blue Star Families Inc at a glance
In short: Blue Star Families Inc gave $250K across 15 grants in 2024 (avg $17K), top state North Carolina. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $250,000
- +1150.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 15
- +1400.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $16,667
- -16.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $51,380,592
- +64.3% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (16% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Blue Star Families Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 441 Saxony The Hivebarn 2, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (202) 630-2583
Website: https://bluestarfam.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Blue Star Families Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Rick Herrema Foundation Inc ($25K). Together the top 10 received $175K.
Grant Size Distribution
16 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 16 grants of 16 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grants went to recipients in multiple states and jurisdictions. The largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state were North Carolina (16%), California (14%), Georgia (12%), Texas (12%), and the District of Columbia (10%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 15 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2023 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $20K (2023) to $250K (2024). In 2024 it made 15 grants totaling $250K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Rick Herrema Foundation Inc Fayetteville, NC | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $25,000 |
| Naval Services Familyline Washington, DC | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $25,000 |
| Vets Community Connections San Diego, CA | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $20,000 |
| Albany Chamber Foundation Inc Albany, GA | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $15,000 |
| America's Warrior Partnership Augusta, GA | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $15,000 |
| Rolla Chamber Foundation Rolla, MO | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $15,000 |
| Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg Fayetteville, NC | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $15,000 |
| Military Support Alliance Toms River, NJ | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $15,000 |
| Pay-Less Supermarkets Hagatna, GU | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $15,000 |
| Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation Kent, WA | Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Blue Star Families Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $51,380,592 | $41,606,393 | $23,091,864 | $250,000 | 15 | $155,444 |
| 2023 | $31,278,606 | $29,985,704 | $17,446,407 | $20,000 | 1 | $17,624 |
| 2022 | $17,420,296 | $21,271,945 | $13,392,408 | — | — | $6,226 |
| 2021 | $9,421,835 | $11,402,884 | $8,922,670 | — | — | $2,391 |
| 2020 | $7,293,620 | $7,782,845 | $7,728,351 | — | — | $1,821 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Blue Star Families’ stated mission is to connect people through the challenges of military service, strengthen military families regardless of rank, service branch, or location, and help family members build strength in individuals, families, and communities. The organization says it pursues this through community events and by connecting families with support and service organizations.
Its 2024 filing describes programs in community support, spouse employment, caregiving, research and policy, and technology-enabled engagement. The organization also describes the Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey as a way to inform decision-makers about military families’ experiences, and White Oak retreats as a setting for collaboration across sectors.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, Blue Star Families reported 15 grants totaling $250,000. Grant amounts ranged from $15,000 to $25,000, with a median of $15,000. The stated purpose for the listed grants was to support recipients’ overall missions and operations.
Among the grantees, Naval Services Familyline received $25,000; its stated mission is to help sea-service families meet the challenges of military life through education, resources, and mentoring. The Rick Herrema Foundation received $25,000; it states that it works to strengthen military-family marriages and parent-child relationships through activities at outdoor recreation and learning centers. Combined Arms received $15,000; it describes its work as connecting veterans and military families to resources through technology. Hampton Roads Workforce Foundation received $15,000 and says it works to expand workforce development, especially for youth and veterans. Omaha Performing Arts Society received $15,000; its stated mission centers on arts and entertainment, education, community engagement, and stewardship of venues.
Blue Star Families’ website describes strategic grantmaking to support organizations that bring value to military- and Veteran-connected families, with the aims of expanding its footprint, supporting local nonprofits, and raising awareness of military families’ needs. It does not provide application instructions in the information available here.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Kathy Roth-Douquet as President and CEO, Gwendolyn Bingham as Chair, and Chris Bogdan as Vice-Chair. Directors listed are Whit Cobb, Ellyn Dunford, Charles Eggleston, Todd Finger, Brianna Keilar, Val Nicholas, and Jennifer O’Conner.
Blue Star Families Inc is led by Kathy Roth-Douquet, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 10 of 22 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kathy Roth-Douquet
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$245K (2020) → $468K (2024)
Gwendolyn Bingham
Chair
Co-Chair → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brianna Keilar
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bryan Tucker
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Charles Eggleston
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer O'Conner
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nada Stirratt
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Todd Finger
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Whit Cobb
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Val Nicholas
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ellyn Dunford
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wilson Wang
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Noeleen Tillman
COO, Treasurer & Secretary
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$211K (2020) → $289K (2024)
Michael Kang
Vice President, Technology & Analytics
Senior Director of Finance & Technology → Vice President, Finance & Technology, 2022
Vice President, Finance & Technology → Vice President, Technology & Analytics, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$141K (2021) → $166K (2024)
Brian Whiting
Chief Transformation Officer
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$185K (2022) → $356K (2024)
Lindsay Knight
Chief Impact Officer
Executive Vice President & Social Impact → Chief Impact Officer, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$171K (2023) → $212K (2024)
Ashley Saville
Senior Vice President & Development
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$187K (2024)
Ryan Callahan
Executive Vice President & Digital Innovations
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$170K (2024)
Susan Anne Messina
Vice President & Development
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$167K (2024)
Thomas Porter
Vice President & Government Affairs
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$206K (2024)
Vincent Duncan
Chief Financial Officer
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$171K (2024)
Chris Bogdan
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (16)
- Former: Penelope Bolden (2020–2023) — Senior Director, Cause Marketing & Brand Partnerships
- Former: John G. Vonglis (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Carlene Ippolito (2023) — Director of Technology
- Former: Jeffrey Chin (2023) — Executive Director & Ne Chapter
- Former: John Barr (2023) — Senior Director, Accounting & Finance
- Former: Margaret B. Davis (2023) — Executive Vice President of Development
- Former: Sheila Stevens (2023) — Senior Director & Chapter Impact
- Former: Craig Fontenot (2020–2022) — Chief Story Teller & Revenue Officer
- Former: Denise M. Hollywood (2020–2022) — Chief Community & Programs Officer
- Former: Ross S. Cohen (2020–2022) — Senior Advisor for Special Projects
- Former: Sheila Casey (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Larry Spencer (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Mara Motherway (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Mary Murphy (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Ani Matson (2020) — Chief Marketing Officer
- Former: Gwen Bingham (2020) — Co-Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $468K, to Kathy Roth-Douquet (President & CEO). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Blue Star Families Inc
How much does Blue Star Families Inc give each year?
Blue Star Families Inc gave $250K across 15 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $20K across 1 grant.
What is Blue Star Families Inc's typical grant size?
Blue Star Families Inc's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $16,667, across 15 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Blue Star Families Inc give grants?
Blue Star Families Inc's top state is North Carolina, with 16% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (14%) and Georgia (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Fayetteville, NC (2 grants) and San Diego, CA (2 grants).
Does Blue Star Families Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 15 grants with a stated purpose on Blue Star Families Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Provide Support for Overall Mission and Operations" (15 grants).
Who are Blue Star Families Inc's largest grantees?
Blue Star Families Inc's largest 2024 grantees include The Rick Herrema Foundation Inc ($25,000), Naval Services Familyline ($25,000) and Vets Community Connections ($20,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 28% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Blue Star Families Inc?
Blue Star Families Inc reported $51.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $41.6M.
What does Blue Star Families Inc fund?
Blue Star Families’ stated mission is to connect people through the challenges of military service, strengthen military families regardless of rank, service branch, or location, and help family members build strength in individuals, families, and communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Blue Star Families Inc?
Blue Star Families Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check bluestarfam.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Blue Star Families Inc's EIN?
Blue Star Families Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 80-0369895. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 24, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Blue Star Families Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Blue Star Families Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/blue-star-families-inc-morg_9c77634d842f42039ab9bf2b014a6a77
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_800369895_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Blue Star Families Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/blue-star-families-inc-morg_9c77634d842f42039ab9bf2b014a6a77},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Blue Star Families Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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