Foundation for Women Warriors

What Foundation for Women Warriors does

Foundation for Women Warriors helps women veterans and their children through the financial and personal strains that can follow military service. The group is based in Vista, California, in San Diego County. It dates to 1920, when it started as a housing association for widows, war nurses and mothers of fallen service members. It was previously known as Military Women in Need and based in Los Angeles, and in 2016 it rebranded, moved to the San Diego area and focused on women veterans. It now serves women nationwide.

Its programs include emergency financial assistance, help with childcare costs, professional development through Women Veterans Lead, a resource-and-referral service called Warrior Connect, job-seeker support and an essential-goods warehouse. Since 2016 the group reports it has helped 10,386 women and children, paid for 7,514 days of childcare and sponsored 40,920 nights of housing. A September 2026 KPBS report put its direct support at nearly $5 million and said it has served women in 49 states.

Charity Navigator gives it four of four stars. It is a relatively small organization, with about $2.1 million in expenses in the fiscal year ending June 2025, according to its IRS filing.

Key facts

• Since 2016: 10,386 women and children impacted, 7,514 childcare days provided and 40,920 nights of housing sponsored (Our Impact page)
• Nearly $5 million in direct support since 2016, reaching women in 49 states (KPBS, Sept 2026)
• Began in 1920 as a housing association for widows, war nurses and mothers of fallen service members (org homepage)
• Formerly Military Women in Need; rebranded and moved from Los Angeles to the San Diego area in 2016 (KPBS)

Before you give

• Combined Federal Campaign #86850 (donations page).
• Accepts donor-advised fund grants and corporate matching gifts; also takes in-kind donations and has an Amazon wish list for essential goods (donations page).