How We Fulfill Our Mission

Being a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, The Patel Foundation provides resources and support to our enlisted Marines by providing a safe space through building relationships and fostering an inclusive community free of judgement and hate in order to reduce the suicide rate amongst our military brothers and sisters. One way we do this is through awarding Marine Reservist with the Cpl Kolda Scholarship in memory of Zac Kolda, Weapons Co. 1/23 who was KIA in 2004 during OIF. The Patel Foundation recognizes the service and sacrifice our nations Allies made during the War on Terrorism. We aim to repay that debt by providing resources and support to those Allies that worked with and alongside Marines over the last 20 years.

Types of resources offered:

Cpl Kolda Scholarship - Higher Education/Vocational Scholarship to Reserve & Active-Duty Marines

One Team One Mission Fund & Supplies - If you know a service member past or present in an emergent situation we are able to deliver needed care packages consisting of household goods and food. Please e-mail info@ThePatelFoundation.us to find out more information.

• TPF partners with several other non-profit and community-based efforts in order to give everyone an opportunity to serve their community and network simultaneously through community equity building

The Patel Foundation partners with other local organizations to get past, present, and future Marines connected to the community through volunteer opportunities and social engagements.

The Cpl Kolda Scholarship

Through private donations, 1st Battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Reserve Marines will be awarded scholarships to help significantly reduce the financial burden associated with higher education. Scholarships and education grants are beneficial ways to positively impact Marines as it allows them to make their education a priority without the worry associated with higher education expenses.

The Patel Foundation will be awarding scholarships via 529 Plans which will enable a recipient to pay back already accumulated student loans (Up to $10,000), pay for qualifying educational expenses, accumulate earnings associated with their account should they choose to hold onto such funds for educational expenses in the future.

The Patel Foundation believes in a level of fluidity when accommodating service members. There are a myriad of reasons why someone must pause their education, we look to remove financial burden from being a reason.

The Patel Foundation works to eliminate the financial stressors felt by the young men and women in our community that have chosen to not only further their education but also serve their country.

“Our research shows that financial stressors play a major role in suicides, and this needs to be recognized and appreciated in light of the unprecedented financial instability triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says lead author Prof. Eric Elbogen, from the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC.