Code of Support Foundation
The Code of Support Foundation (COSF) is a U.S. nonprofit organization that provides assistance to military service members, veterans and their families, many of whom face multiple and complex challenges. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, the group offers three types of programs: casework, online networking among other military service organizations, and outreach efforts. Background. The COSF was founded in 2011 by Alan Salisbury, a retired Army major general, with the goal of bridging a gap of understanding and engagement between military and civilian communities. Working with retired military and civilian leaders, Salisbury developed the group's “Code  of Support,” a set of six commitments all Americans can make to give meaning to the words, “support our troops.” The group works closely with other military service organizations to coordinate complementary support services. Services. According to the group's executive director, Kristina Kaufmann, issues such as suicide prevention and mental health are particularly important to military support groups such as COSF. Kaufmann encourages raising awareness among local communities, including schools, to ensure better support for military families. To address these and other challenges, the foundation offers three primary services designed to meet its vision of bridging the gap between  military and civilian communities. Oversight and awards. The foundation is governed by a fiduciary board of trustees. Additionally, the group relies on a board of advisors who, along with trustees, support the foundation's goals and objectives. The COSF has been recognized by several businesses and the news media for its innovative programs. In May 2016, the group's leaders were selected by EY as mid-Atlantic finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award. Financial matters. The Code of Support Foundation states that it is committed to financial transparency, and requires its partner organizations to follow the same  policy. COSF has a Gold Level status with GuideStar, and is designated by the IRS as an approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.