Service Members Assistance Fund
Program Description
The Service Members Assistance Fund engages in charitable fund raising to support service members, their families, and the Rhode Island National Guard’s Family Assistance Center. As part of its mission, the SMAF provides grants to eligible members of the Rhode Island National Guard experiencing financial challenges.
Eligibility
A. Any member of the Rhode Island National Guard in good standing is eligible to apply for financial assistance. Service members on the NOVAL list or in the Inactive National Guard (ING) or “flagged” for misconduct are not eligible for a grant.
B. Members of the immediate family and/or dependents of those eligible personnel identified in paragraph (a) of this section are eligible to apply for financial assistance.
1. For purposes of this paragraph, "immediate family" means the spouse and each child of the military member.
2. “Dependents" mean the parents, grandparents, siblings, stepchildren and/or adult children enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) as a dependent with the service member as the sponsor. A custodial parent or guardian, or a person named under a valid family care plan to care for an eligible service member's dependent, may apply for assistance on behalf of that dependent.
C. Once an eligible person has received a grant from the Fund, he or she is not eligible to apply again for one year.
How to Apply
Contact the Rhode Island National Guard – Military Family Program at 401-275-1242 or email ng.ri.riarng.mbx-schofield@army.mil
About Us
The Service Members Assistance Fund is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency financial relief to actively serving members of the RI National Guard and their families. The mission is simple but vital: to strengthen the resilience of service members by reducing the stress caused by financial emergencies, allowing them to stay focused on their mission, while also fostering a sense of support and connection for their loved ones at home.
What makes the Service Members Assistance Fund especially meaningful is that it is entirely volunteer-based, volunteer run, and donor funded. Every effort we make is powered by people who believe in standing behind those who serve and ensuring that no service member feels alone in a time of need.
Contact info
Best point of contact: Paul Santilli
Phone number: 401-275-1240
E-mail: Paul.a.santilli.civ@army.mil
Address: Schofield Armory – 705 New London Ave, Cranston RI 02920
Website: https://www.rismaf.org/