Home - Family of Four Charity

We help maritime cadets stay on course when financial hardship threatens to take them off it.

Family of Four Charity Inc. removes the financial barriers that can stand between maritime cadets and the careers they are working so hard to attain.

We provide direct financial assistance to cadets who cannot afford required uniform items — helping them stay focused on their education, licensing exams, and future in the maritime profession.

For many maritime cadets, the challenge isn't a lack of ambition. It is the cost of meeting the requirements. Required cadet uniforms and equipment can cost approximately $800–$1,200. For students from low-income households, that expense can become a serious financial burden.

Some cadets work weekends to afford basic necessities and required gear — sacrificing valuable study time in an already demanding academic and licensing program. And when financial hardship takes study time away, the consequences can go far beyond a uniform inspection.

Family of Four Charity Inc. provides direct financial assistance to maritime cadets at SUNY Maritime College and other Maritime Academies — removing the barriers that threaten their path to a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Our support is designed to help cadets:

STAY PREPARED

Access the required uniform items needed to meet their regimental obligations.

STAY FOCUSED

Reduce the pressure to take additional work hours simply to afford essential equipment.

STAY IN THE PIPELINE

Protect their opportunity to complete their education and pursue their U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential.

The support I received from Family of Four helped me get the uniform items I needed without having to worry about where the money would come from.

— Maritime Cadet, SUNY Maritime College

It gave me one less thing to worry about and allowed me to focus more on my studies and my goal of becoming a licensed maritime professional.

— Maritime Cadet

Getting assistance with my required uniform made a real difference. I didn't have to choose between working extra hours and preparing for my academic requirements.

— Maritime Cadet

The assistance I received meant that I could meet the requirements without adding another financial burden to my family.

— Maritime Cadet

When you give to Family of Four Charity Inc., your contribution supports the organization’s mission of providing direct financial assistance to maritime cadets who need help with required uniform items.

Online donations are processed through Zeffy, a zero-fee platform, with the organization’s stated model being that 100% of the gift reaches the program.