Connecting Our Community with the Military Community

Supporting the military community begins with relationships. Many service members and their families live in our communities, alongside veterans, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. They are our neighbors, coworkers, volunteers, and community leaders.

The organizations supported by the Armed Forces Community Foundation (AFCF) serve the 11 counties surrounding Fort Riley. Their work reaches beyond the installation, supporting military-connected people in the communities where they live, work, and attend school. We can all play a role in strengthening those connections.

Communities are strengthened when people come together, understand local needs, and connect generosity with meaningful opportunities. Here are a few ways you can engage:

• Start a conversation. Reach out to local veterans’ organizations, military families, schools, and community partners. Ask what is working well, where there are gaps, and how you could help.
• Invite military voices to the table. Include veterans, service members, and military spouses in community discussions and activities. Their experiences and skills can help strengthen our communities.
• Create opportunities to participate. Invite military-connected residents to volunteer, attend events, share their stories, and get involved in the community. These connections can grow into lasting involvement.
• Connect your giving with your interests. Explore ways to support military-serving programs through existing funds, new funds, or legacy gifts.
• Recognize local impact. Share stories of military-connected people and organizations making a difference in your community. Recognition helps others see opportunities to get involved.

As part of the GMCF family, AFCF is a resource and partner in this work. AFCF helps connect local partners, identify community needs, and bring together people who want to support service members, veterans, and their families.

AFCF’s Stand To! Match Day, November 11–13, 2026, offers another opportunity to participate. Community members can support participating military-serving nonprofits and learn more at StandToMatchDay.com.

You do not need to launch a new program to begin. One conversation, one invitation, or one introduction can open the door to a stronger relationship. Together, we can help military-connected residents feel welcome, valued, and involved in the communities they call home.