Support for Families of the Fallen
The Defense Intelligence Memorial Foundation (DIMF) exists to support the families of Defense Intelligence professionals who gave their lives in service to our nation. This page provides information on DIMF programs, application guidance, and additional resources available to families. If you are navigating loss, transition, or educational planning, DIMF is here to help.
DIMF Scholarships
Our programs are designed to honor sacrifice through meaningful support, helping families build toward a future rooted in opportunity, resilience, and remembrance.
DIMF offers scholarship programs for the children and spouses of fallen intelligence officers in the Defense Intelligence Enterprise.
We support educational needs for post-secondary education, to include vocational, technical, undergraduate, and post-graduate education.
Eligibility Information
DIMF programs are available to children and spouses of fallen Defense Intelligence professionals, civilian or military. We consider the Defense Intelligence Enterprise to include:
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Defense Intelligence Agency
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
National Reconnaissance Office
National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Service Intelligence Components
Combatant Commands Intelligence Components
If you are unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to reach out—our team is available to assist.
How to Apply
DIMF strives to make the application process clear, accessible, and respectful. To get started, we ask you to fill out the short application on this page. After you submit this form, a member of our staff will reach out to discuss the next steps.
For the second step, our staff members will guide you on the complete application process, which includes submission of the following additional components:
Completed application form
Copy of a state-certified birth certificate
Proof of the loved one’s former employment in the Defense Intelligence Enterprise (e.g, Standard Form 50)
Written or video essay on the scholarship candidate’s educational goals and aspirations.
Application
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The children of Defense Intelligence Enterprise officers, civilian or military, killed in the line of duty are eligible for scholarships. Scholarship candidates can be natural born, adopted, or the stepchildren of USG employees killed in the line of duty. These children are not covered under any other intelligence community educational scholarship programs.
-
An intelligence officer killed during the execution of his/her official duties. This would include combat actions on U.S. soil, abroad, or going to and from work. This does not include medical incidents in the workplace.
-
Grants are restricted to the children of USG employees.
-
Yes, if no other charity will provide benefits. The Foundation has relationships with similar scholarship charities and the DIMF will support eligible children in seeking other sources of assistance.
-
Yes.
-
The Foundation works directly with educational institutions for payment. This allows the Foundation to minimize any tax liability to the awardee.
-
Tuition, room and board, and school-related expenses may be covered.
-
The Foundation aspires to be qualified-based and not needs-based. Until such time that the Foundation has the material resources to make this aspiration possible, it will consider all information to make the greatest impact for those who qualify.
-
Awardees may attend any Department of Education accredited school. See https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.
Additional Resources
Families may also benefit from additional resources beyond DIMF programs. The organizations below provide support in areas such as education, financial assistance, counseling, and family services. DIMF does not endorse specific providers.
Educational Planning & Financial Aid
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
Official source for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.
College Board
Provides college planning tools, scholarship searches, and guidance on college readiness.
Yellow Ribbon Program (VA)
Supports eligible veterans’ dependents by helping cover tuition costs not met by GI Bill benefits.
Career Development & Mentoring Programs
American Corporate Partners (ACP)
Provides one-on-one career mentoring for eligible military-connected individuals and families.
Hiring Our Heroes
Career training, fellowships, and hiring initiatives for military-connected individuals.
LinkedIn Learning (Free Access for Military Families in Some Programs)
Online courses covering professional skills, leadership, and technical training.
Counseling & Wellness Support
Military OneSource
Confidential counseling, wellness resources, and family support services at no cost.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Provides emotional support, peer mentoring, and grief resources for families of fallen service members.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Education, support groups, and mental health resources nationwide.
Military & Intelligence Community Family Services
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Family Support Programs
Offers resources and guidance for families within the Defense Intelligence Enterprise.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) & DoD Survivor Resources
Information on benefits available to surviving families of fallen service members.
Gold Star Family Resources (DoD)
Programs and information tailored to families who have lost a loved one in service.
We’re here to help
Navigating applications and resources can feel overwhelming, especially during times of transition. DIMF is committed to walking alongside families with care, respect, and transparency.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out.