Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) is a non-profit charitable organization of the United States Coast Guard. As the official relief society of the United States Coast Guard, the organization provides financial support to the Coast Guard community. This includes active duty and retired military members, Coast Guard civilian employees, Coast Guard Reserve, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Public Health Service officers serving with the Coast Guard, and surviving family members. As of 2021, it has provided more than $230 million in financial assistance since its founding in 1924.

There are 600 CGMA Representatives at 96 shore units and over 40 cutters based in 32 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. CGMA receives no federal funds and relies on bequests and donations from the Coast Guard community. Most of its financial assistance is provided through interest-free loans and personal grants. CGMA provides over 40 programs including educational support, emergency travel, temporary living expenses, funeral expenses, loss of funds or property, disaster relief, medical and dental expenses, home studies expenses for adoptions, and debt management. For nine years in a row, CGMA has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.

The Supplemental Education Grant (SEG) program was enhanced in 2015 and doubled in 2023. There is also a Layette Program that supplies a baby's supplies-related package for the family. In 2017, CGMA provided 6 million dollars to its clients.

During the 2018–2019 United States federal government shutdown, CGMA helped Coast Guard members pay for food and other expenses. Those with dependents received up to $1,000. The Coast Guard was the only military branch to go without pay during the shutdown because it is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security and not the Department of Defense.