Common Defense Education Fund
Project Title
For support of its campaign to engage members of the military and their families in civic life
Date
Mar. 05, 2026
Duration
24 months
Description
Founded in 2016, Common Defense Education Fund (CDEF) is the largest grassroots organization of military veterans. It invests in its members’ leadership through training and engagement in grassroots advocacy campaigns, leveraging the credibility of their service. Recognizing the pivotal and trusted role of the veteran voice in democracy, CDEF aims to fill a gap in the current veteran civic ecosystem by focusing on working-class, enlisted, and multiracial veterans who make up the majority of the constituency. In partnership with a broad multisector coalition, CDEF will anchor civic education, leadership development, and year-round organizing among military populations. CDEF will also provide mutual aid workshops and support services—including guidance on veterans affairs claims and resource fairs for unhoused veterans—as a stabilizing bridge to long-term civic involvement. With Carnegie support, CDEF will support and empower transitioning service members, veterans and their families with tools to effectively engage in nonpartisan civic life.