Founded by and for military families, OSC provides direct support to wounded service members in financial crisis – most of whom have experienced combat injury or illness but are awaiting the initiation of veterans' benefits. Assistance for essential expenses like rent, utilities, and mortgage payments helps prevent families from going into debt or losing a home. OSC also coordinates retreats, sports events, hospital visits, and more – boosting morale and helping veterans transition back into civilian life, reconnect with family, and build a network of peers. Referrals to other resources help meet additional needs, whether it’s counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder, or home renovations to improve wheelchair accessibility. And through Operation Giving Back, veterans and their family members can support OSC’s mission, working as paid interns to serve others like themselves. These families have given … so much.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Veterans/Military Families


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   2943
  • Number of veterans and families kept from homelessness in 2016:   86
  • Number of Emergency Flights Made in 2016:   174
  • Number of Emergency Hotel Stays in 2016:   178

Awards & Recognition

4 Star Rating on Charity Navigator, 2020
Top rated charity with Great Nonprofits, 2020
GuideStar Gold Charity, 2020
Best Nonprofit from the Independent Charities of America, 2016
Proclamation from the State of MD, Operation Second Chance Day - October 5, 2014

Press

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Budget (FY2014)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Operation Second Chance is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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