The Mission of TAPS

TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one. 

Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors nationally and worldwide. Our National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp has been held annually in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend since 1994. TAPS also conducts regional survivor seminars for adults and youth programs at locations across the country, as well as retreats and expeditions around the world. Staff can get you connected to counseling in your community and help navigate benefits and resources.

If you are grieving the loss of a fallen service member, or if you know someone who can use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277).

If you are here because our mission to care for the families of America’s fallen heroes speaks to you as well, we welcome you to connect with us about giving, volunteering, professional engagement or careers.

TAPS is a national nonprofit 501(c)3 Veterans Service Organization and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense.

 

Our Work

In 2022, we connected with 8,849 newly bereaved loved ones, adding to the nearly 100,000 military survivors currently receiving support from TAPS. That was an average of 24 new survivors - every day. TAPS provides an array of programs, comfort, and resources for the families of the fallen. More than 11,570 survivors attended a TAPS event. TAPS answered over 25,623 calls, resolved over 6,397 casework challenges, secured over $3.9 million dollars in retroactive benefits for survivors and connected military survivors with over $215 million dollars in education benefits. We shared our experience and expertise, with over 6,300 individuals attending training sessions on grief, trauma, and suicide postvention. Learn more by downloading the impact reports below.

 

Past Year Impact Reports

 

TAPS and the United States Military Impact

graphs for survivors by relationship, cause of death and duty status

TAPS Survivors all Branches - Quarter 2 2023

This activity supports the U.S. military and its veterans; however, neither the Department of Defense nor any of its components endorse this non-federal entity, product, services, or events.