Frequently Asked Questions

• Organizational Structure

  Why did TMF and TMC join forces?

  Travis Manion Foundation and The Mission Continues share a commitment to empowering veterans and families of the fallen to serve. This integration brings together two aligned organizations to strengthen collective impact, expand access to programs, increase resources  and support, and create a more unified and sustainable model for veteran engagement and community service nationwide.

   

  What does this mean for Travis Manion Foundation?

  TMF continues to invest in veterans and families of the fallen to lead through mentoring youth and serving in their communities. This integration will allow all volunteers - and TMF - to expand our reach into more locations nationwide, deepen impact in existing locations, and increase opportunities for connection, leadership development, and community-based service. Locations like the Los Angeles metro area, South Florida, and Puerto Rico are now TMF hubs where volunteers can take action, for example.

  Making programs and events more accessible to veterans and families of the fallen nationwide will ultimately support the mental health and overall well-being of those veterans and families of the fallen.

   

  What does this mean for The Mission Continues?

  The Mission Continues brand will officially sunset in late August. Service Platoons will continue to operate and create impact in communities through Travis Manion Foundation. Volunteers and volunteer leaders are now part of the TMF community, and their commitment to investing in under-resourced communities will remain.

   

  What is TMF’s plan for former TMC programming?

  As Travis Manion Foundation and The Mission Continues come together, former TMC programs are being integrated into TMF’s broader Chapter infrastructure in a way that preserves the strength of TMC’s community service model while creating a more connected and sustainable volunteer experience.

  TMF will also continue large-scale service opportunities. Mass Deployment will continue, with this the 2026 event taking place June 8–10 in Philadelphia.

  As former TMC programming becomes part of the TMF ecosystem, volunteers will have access to additional opportunities for leadership, personal development, and community connection. These include Leading With Your Strengths, THRIVE, the Spartan Leadership Program, and the Spartan Leadership Summit. In addition to service projects, TMF’s Character Does Matter program develops character in future generations and helps young people live out the ethos of “If Not Me, Then Who...” in their own communities.

  Looking ahead, TMF is also building more structure around service leadership. In 2027, TMF plans to offer Build Project training so trained volunteer leaders can continue leading higher-complexity projects such as garden boxes, benches, picnic tables, pergolas, large paint projects, landscaping efforts, and other tangible community improvements.

  While the structure and branding are evolving, the commitment to local service remains central. The goal is to preserve the strength of TMC’s service model, integrate it into TMF’s Chapter infrastructure, and create a clear, sustainable way for volunteers to serve, lead, and strengthen their communities for years to come.

   

  What does this mean for the long-term vision of TMF?

  TMF’s long-term vision of impacting 1 million youth, 100,000 veterans and families of the fallen, in 100 communities is more achievable than ever. By unifying programs and expanding local presence nationwide, the organization is better positioned to strengthen communities through service, increase civic engagement, and expand opportunities for leadership and purpose.

   

• Volunteers

  As a Travis Manion Foundation volunteer, how does this affect me?

  Your role as a TMF Spartan volunteer remains as important as ever. If you engage in service projects with TMF, you will now do so through the service arm of your Chapter, now known as the Service Platoon. As we come together as one organization, you will likely see more opportunities to connect and serve alongside other local volunteers in your area, including volunteers who have traditionally served with The Mission Continues. Take advantage of those opportunities! Joining forces means more ways to serve, lead, and make a deeper impact together.

   

  As a The Mission Continues volunteer, how will this affect me?

  If you currently volunteer with a Service Platoon, you can continue serving in the same way you do today. As part of TMF, we also encourage you to explore additional ways to serve now available to you, including Character Does Matter youth mentorship, community engagement opportunities, athletic events, and other ways to bring people together through service.

  Service Platoons are now the dedicated service arm of local TMF Chapters. They will no longer operate as separate, independent groups. Through late August, you will continue to register for Service Platoon activities through the current system. After late August, those projects will be housed on the TMF website.

  Your role as a volunteer and volunteer leader remains as important as ever in the communities where you serve. Ultimately, becoming part of TMF Chapters provides more support for you as a volunteer leader, greater access to resources, and more opportunities to grow, connect, and serve under-resourced communities.

   

  What can I expect to change? 

  While TMF’s mission and programs will remain, the systems used and some processes will have to change in order to fully integrate the two organizations. By the end of August, TMF will roll out a new volunteer portal, combine emails and social media accounts, integrate learning management systems, and modify reimbursement systems. In the months to come, all efforts and branding will also move to “Travis Manion Foundation.” Every step of the way, TMF staff will be communicating with you and offering support to help you through any transition you may be experiencing. 

   

  What is not changing?

  TMF’s goal is to minimize change. Active Service Platoons will remain operational and service project budgets have not changed. All volunteer leaders will continue to receive training and opportunities for personal/professional development through national and communities summits. 

   

  Can TMC volunteers become Character Does Matter Mentors?

  Yes, our hallmark Character Does Matter (CDM) program has always been open to veterans and families of the fallen. Training and equipping our nation’s heroes to continue their service as mentors to youth is a priority as developing character in youth is a critical component of our mission. To explore becoming a CDM Mentor, visit travismanion.org/cdm.

   

  Are TMF programs exclusive to post-9/11 veterans? 

  All veterans and families of the fallen are welcome to participate, regardless of when or where they served. While the organization was founded in the years following 9/11 to support returning veterans, TMF programs have never been exclusive to post 9/11 veterans.

   

• Giving

  Will my previous donations still go toward their intended purpose?

  Yes. Your past contributions, whether to TMF or TMC, will continue to be directed toward empowering veterans and serving communities as part of our unified mission. Your support now extends even further, impacting more people in more places through expanded programming and local service opportunities.

   

  What changes can I expect as a donor moving forward?

  Both organizations will integrate under the Travis Manion Foundation name. Donors can expect a single point of engagement, continued transparency and reporting, and greater efficiency with broader national reach. You will also see new opportunities to engage with programs in more communities nationwide, where volunteers will address critical local needs and challenges.

   

  How does this integration affect current TMF or TMC programs I’ve supported?

  Programs such as Service Platoons and Character Does Matter will continue, and many will be strengthened and expanded. These offerings will now operate under Travis Manion Foundation, creating more opportunities for veterans and families to serve with purpose and make a greater impact in communities nationwide.

   

  I’m signed up as a recurring donor to The Mission Continues. What does this mean to me?

  Your recurring donation will continue to support critical programs, including Service Platoons and our six National Service Campaigns including 9/11 and Veterans Day. If you choose to maintain your recurring plan, your contributions will continue to fund these programs as part of Travis Manion Foundation’s mission. This support helps serve veterans, families of the fallen, and communities nationwide.

   

  Who should I contact if I have more questions about my giving?

  Please reach out to [email protected] or (215) 348-9080. We’re here to ensure you feel confident and excited about your continued partnership with TMF.