The children of fallen heroes lose more than a parent. They should never lose a college education.

The Marine Corps - Law Enforcement Foundation provides a $50,000 educational account for every child who loses a parent serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps or as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent.

As of January 1, 2026,  our scholarship award has been increased to $50,000 per child of active duty United States Marine Corps, Navy Corpsman and federal law-enforcement agents. 

Additional criteria has been added, effective January 1, 2026,  that will award $25,000 to the child of any state or local law-enforcement officer who is killed in the line of duty if they previously served and were honorably discharged from the Marine Corps.  We will award $15,000 per child to any local or state law-enforcement officer who dies while on active duty who previously served and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps.

THANK YOU…

for joining us at the 2026 Michael DiFrancesco Marine Corps - Law Enforcement Foundation Atlantic City Gala held Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City on June 6, 2026.

Your presence and continued support play a vital role in advancing our mission.

It was truly an unforgettable evening. The event featured remarkable performances by the U.S.Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and “The Commandant’s Own” U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, creating a memorable tribute to service and excellence. We were also honored to recognize our Medal of Honor recipients—Colonel Donald “Doc” Ballard, Sergeant Major Robert R. Patterson, and Lieutenant Michael Edwin Thornton—whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us all.

The evening was further distinguished by the presence of our Guest of Honor, Secret Service Director Sean Curran. We also proudly celebrated the recipients of the Capt. Peter Mucci Award from the Atlantic City Police Department, the New Jersey State Police, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, recognizing their outstanding dedication and service.

If you were unable to join us this year, we hope you will consider attending the 2027 Michael DiFrancesco Marine Corps–Law Enforcement Foundation Atlantic City Gala and Golf Tournament on June 5 and June 7, 2027, respectively.

COMING SOON!

PHOTOS FOR BOTH THE GALA & GOLF TOURNAMENT will be posted in a COUPLE WEEKS.

On behalf of the children we serve, we sincerely appreciate your generosity. Please consider making a donation by using the DONATE NOW button above, or mail a check to: Marine Corps - Law Enforcement Foundation - 8 N. Shore Rd., Marmora, NJ 08223

Our Mission: Educating the Children of Those Who Sacrificed All 

Since 1995, we have operated with only one paid employee, relying on a dedicated group of volunteers to run our various events and serve on our board. 100% of our funds are raised through our generous donors and the tireless efforts of our volunteer run events. This volunteer driven model ensures that the majority of donor funds are used to accomplish our mission of "Educating the Children of Those Who Sacrificed All." 

$2,331,803

awarded in 2025

5,000+ 

award recipients

$96+ million  

awarded since 1995  

93%   

of donations go directly to children 

MCLEF will cover the cost of cranial orthotic helmets for children of active duty Marines or Navy Corpsman.