History
History of .ORG Foundation
As a project, .ORG Foundation stems from a simple desire of its founders to make a difference in their community. The idea of making that difference through establishing a charitable organization focused on supporting wounded U.S. service members and their families occurred to Lieutenants Depe, Eckman and Simms during their basic training as newly commissioned U.S. Marine Corps Officers in Quantico, VA in the fall of 2011. In addition to learning about military tactics and officership, they also learned about the nature of war and the challenges of combat related injuries and their impact on the wounded as well as their families.
After graduating The Basic School, the three friends met on multiple occasions to share ideas. They agreed on the following framework for the organization:
1. File for a 501(c)(3) tax exemption status.
2. Earn no compensation or bonuses from donations received. Minime .ORG Foundation's overhead expenditures and fund all administrative expenses either out of their own pockets, through in-kind donations or separate fundraising endeavors.
3. Focus the organization around micro projects that allow them to personally engage with individual wounded service members. Easily tracked donations collected and provide donors with a detailed summary and impact of their contribution after each project.
4. Volunteer with and fundraise for other organizations dedicated to providing assistance to American service members in need such as the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and the Semper Fi Funds.
To overcome some of the logistical challenges inherent with creating a charitable organization, Depe, Eckman and Simms sought and received assistance from the following individuals:
1. Lieutenant Colonel Peter Faerber, who spent a substantial part of his Marine Corps career working as an attorney for wounded warrior battalions. His guidance was critical in defining .ORG Foundation's overall mission.
2. Mrs. Milli Moncure, the Senior Accountant for Bowling Franklin & Co LLP who assisted .ORG Foundation in preparing its 501(c)(3) tax exemption status application with the Internal Revenue Service.
3. Ed Ruff, the Director of Creative Development at ACS Creative, Inc, the graphic design company that handled .ORG Foundation’s website development.
.ORG Foundation is very grateful to all those who helped take what was a simple idea shared by three junior Marine Corps officers to an actual project that has the potential of making a real difference in the lives of some of our nation’s wounded troops.
The hardship of combat injuries is a war we cannot lose.- .Org Foundation
No Wounded Veteran Shall Battle To Heal Alone.
It’s time to make a difference. Every penny goes to those in need. Make a donation now.