What We Do

What is the MSLF?

The Fund is a charitable trust that seeks to honor Massachusetts fallen Servicemen and Women by providing educational assistance grants to the children of Massachusetts Service members who were killed while deployed on Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. The MSLF offers educational assistance grants to the children of Massachusetts fallen service mmebers in two primary ways:

1.) Post-secondary school assistance grants: College, University, Trade, and Professional School assistance grants

The MSLF currently makes available $40,000 ($10,000 per year max) of tuition assistance funds for the children of fallen Massachusetts Servicememembers. In order for a child to be eligible for assistance, the fallen parent must have listed Massachusetts as their “home of record” with the Department of Defense prior to their death. Tuition assistance grants made by the MSLF may be applied towards the following:

i. Two (2) or Four (4) year college and/or university tuition and related expenses
ii. Professional school tuition and related expenses
iii. Tuition and related expenses for trade school and career training opportunities.
iv. Such additional items the MSLF Board of Trustees deem advisable for the child’s education and best interests

2.) Pre post-secondary education grants

The MSLF also provides pre post-secondary education grants for the children of fallen Massachusetts Servicememembers. In order for a child to be eligible for pre post-secondary assistance, the fallen parent must have listed Massachusetts as their “home of record” with the Department of Defense prior to their death.

Prior to an eligible child’s 18th birthday, the MSLF may make “pre-college” education grants to or for the benefit of the child for the following needs:

i. Pre-school education and day care
ii.Private school tuition and related expenses Tutoring (SAT and general)
iii. Educational computer software and equipment
iv. Special needs programs
v. Such additional items the MSLF Board of Trustees deem advisable for the child’s education and best interests

The MSL Fund has been recognized as a Charitable Trust. All donations are tax-deductible. MSL Fund IRS Tax #: 20-1909556

When was the MSLF established?

The MSLF was formed on December 1, 2004 as a senior thesis project by Peter Trovato at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Who is eligible?

Children of Massachusetts (home of record at the Department of Defense) Servicemembers who died while fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan are eligible to participate in the Fund. There is no selection process. If the child is a son or daughter of a Serviceman or Woman whose service is credited to Massachusetts and gave his/her life in Operation Enduring or Iraqi Freedom, that child then qualifies for funds.

How many children are currently eligible?

To date, over 100 Servicemembers from Massachusetts have been killed. Of these casualties, 41 were parents who left behind a total of 68 children ranging from newborns to twenty years of age. All of these children are now eligible to receive funding through the MSLF program.

How can I contribute?

Checks payable to the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund can be sent to:
Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund
PO Box 962061
Milk Street Post Office
Boston, MA 02196
Credit card donations can be accepted at our donation page.

How can I learn more about the Fund?

You can visit www.mslfund.org or call 1-866-856-5533.

Who manages the Fund?

All contributions to the MSLF are collected and pooled together in an investment account that is managed on a pro-bono basis by GW & Wade Asset Management in Wellesley, MA. In an effort to preserve donor contributions, the MSLF Board of Trustees has adopted an investment strategy with low market risk.

Must a student attend a Massachusetts college in order to be eligible?

No. A child can use the funds to attend an in-state or out-of-state public or private college, university, professional, or trade school.

Aren't there tuition assistance programs already for the families of soldiers killed in action?

There are federal and state benefits available to military spouses and dependants. The MSLF has found that the current assistance level of federal and state programs can be limited, bureaucratic, and are often restricted to a particular branch of service or tied to a particular state university system. While this may be the case, the MSLF encourages all eligible families to pursue funding through government programs. Once a family receives government funding, it is very often the case that the funds they receive will fall short and not cover the full costs facing the spouse or child- therefore- the MSLF will act as a supplemental source of funds for each family. Currently, there are no other Charitable Trusts that provide tuition assistance specifically for the children of fallen Servicemembers from Massachusetts.

What is the Fund's position on the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan?

The Fund is a non-political charitable trust and takes no position on the conflicts. We believe that honoring the dead is an undertaking that should not be politicized. Our only goal is to honor our fallen soldiers by providing their children with an opportunity they might not have otherwise.

Does the fund benefit the families of wounded soldiers?

The fund was established to benefit the children of Massachusetts Servicemen and Women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. It does not benefit the families of soldiers wounded in those conflicts at this time.

How can I volunteer?

Individuals wishing to help the Fund through volunteer effords can contact the Fund's administrator, Ryan Durkin, at ryan@mslfund.org.


The MSL Fund has been recognized as a Charitable Trust.
All donations are tax-deductible. MSL Fund IRS Tax #: 20-1909556