1BDE FRG 2024 Funding Campaign
*** This Article is being updated ***

1BDE FRG is kicking off the 2024 funding campaign

Funding Mission

At 1st Brigade Family Readiness Group (1BDEFRG), we are a community-driven organization with a shared vision of providing unwavering support to our dedicated soldiers and their families throughout their military journey. We accomplish this mission through three core financial initiatives. Your contributions and support play a pivotal role in our mission's success, allowing us to continue serving those who serve our great state of Texas and strengthening the bonds that make our communities resilient.

The FRG is focusing on a goal of raising $50,000 in 2024.

Allocation of Funds Raised

The FRG will distribute the funds as follows unless desingated for a specific fund by the donor(donations exceeding $1,000):

  1. The initial $15,000 will be allocated to the GOA.
  2. The subsequent $15,000 will go to the ESF.
  3. The remaining $20,000 will be designated for the FSF.
  4. Any surplus funds beyond these allocations will be directed towards the GOA.

Purpose of the General Operation Account

The General Operating Account (GOA) serves as the primary funding source for the day-to-day operations of the FRG throughout the year. This encompasses various formal and official unit events, such as family days, troop meals, holiday gatherings, and other special events aimed at enhancing the readiness of soldiers and their families. The GOA is crucial because it enables our dedicated volunteers to cover expenses related to food, care packages, and routine operational costs.

Many donors inquire about the portion of funds allocated to administrative overhead. In 2023, the FRG allocated just 1% of all donations to overhead expenses, with none of it going towards salaries. These costs were solely associated with meeting regulatory compliance requirements and bank fees. Additionally, in 2023, the FRG successfully completed its 501c3 audit and fulfilled State of Texas requirements, further reducing operating expenses. Furthermore, through negotiations, the FRG managed to reduce bank fees to $0.00, a move that should help maintain administrative overhead at less than 1%.

GOA Status: nearly depleted

Purpose of the Emergency Support Fund

The Emergency Support Fund (ESF) serves as a financial resource that enables the Family Readiness Group (FRG) to offer assistance to service members and their families during verified emergencies, particularly when service members are deployed.

The FRG recognizes that life's challenges persist even when a soldier is on deployment. It often seems that unexpected crises occur shortly after a deployment begins. For instance, just five days after a soldier deploys, the hot water heater might break down, or the car's transmission might fail, placing the family in a precarious financial situation. Given that soldiers typically have modest incomes, a $1,200 water heater repair or a $3,000 vehicle repair can have a devastating impact on a family's finances. Other emergencies encompass prolonged power outages, where individuals may require a generator rental or assistance with replacing spoiled groceries.

ESF Status: depleted for 2023

Purpose of the Family Scholarship Fund

In 2024, the Family Readiness Group (FRG) plans to establish the Family Scholarship Fund (FSF). A generous supporter has pledged to match the initial $2,500 raised for this fund dollar-for-dollar. The primary purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for the family members of soldiers.

While the FRG is still in the process of fully developing the scholarship fund, initial discussions have begun with Western Governor's University (WGU) through the WGU Advancement program. These discussions revolve around offering scholarships in fields such as Information Technology, Nursing, Teaching, or Business. The FRG is considering WGU due to the university's capacity to optimize scholarship opportunities for students and its extensive range of available degree programs.

FSF Status: Planned pending funding

Fundraising events

Giveway (Sweepstakes):

Givaway Items (items will be added as they are recieved)

Silent Auction

The FRG is planning to schedule a silent auction featuring larger items, and additional details will be provided in late January.

Donation Page

The FRG has configured a donation page to allow supporters to donate on betterworld.org Click Here. Betterworld.org has verified the FRG's 501c3 status.

Fundraising Contact:

For more information about the 2024 Funding Campaign please reach out to our fundraising director:

Will Dove
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
phone: 469-767-1142

All donations made to us are fully tax-deductible under IRS Code 501c3. The 1st Brigade Family Readiness Group (1BDEFRG) is an established 501c3 organization operating as a private foundation under section 509a of the IRS Code. Additionally, we are registered as a non-profit corporation with the state of Texas. It's important to note that 1BDEFRG operates independently and is not affiliated with, supported by, endorsed by, or operated by entities such as the Texas State Guard, Texas Military Department, State of Texas, or any other government agency. We rely solely on donations for funding and do not receive any financial support from state or federal agencies. 1BDEFRG is an independent Non-Government Organization (NGO) committed to providing support to service members and their families.

The FRG helps out with the Young Hero's of the Guard 2023 Toy Drive.

The Texas State Guard consistently excels in its annual efforts to provide toys to children in need. Once again in 2023, the 1st Brigade Family Readiness Group (FRG) enthusiastically joined hands with this remarkable program. Our commitment was evident as we actively participated in distributing toys to various recipients in North Texas, including local shelters, schools, and emergency response agencies. While this task is typically carried out by the dedicated soldiers of the 1st Brigade in North Texas, who personally deliver toys to children in local children's hospitals, the FRG willingly stepped in to offer additional support.

This collaboration has always been a source of immense joy and satisfaction for us, as we have the privilege of contributing to such a noble cause. Witnessing the radiant smiles on the faces of the children in our community is a heartwarming reminder of the positive impact we can create together.

For more information and to stay updated on the annual efforts, please visit their website at https://txsgtoydrive.org and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/txsgtoydrive/. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to MSG Johnny Gately, whose dedication and leadership have played a pivotal role in the success of this initiative.

The FRG conducts Back to School Drive for students returning to school in North Texas.

Working closely with the Texas Military Department Soldier and Family Readiness (SFRG) Program, as well as Operation Home Front, the 1st Brigade Family Readiness Group (1BDEFRG) successfully coordinated a back-to-school drive. This drive's primary objective was to provide essential school supplies to students in North Texas. On August 26, 2023, the FRG distributed these much-needed supplies across the DFW Metroplex, specifically targeting schools that have faced recurring shortages of essential educational materials. This initiative played a crucial role in narrowing the resource gap for local students and supporting their academic pursuits. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dollar General and other generous contributors for their unwavering support to our local communities.

FRG Recongized by the Commanding General of the Texas State Guard.

After successfully completing "Operation Guard Support," the FRG received recognition from Major General (MG) Anthony Woods, the Commanding General of the Texas State Guard, for organizing, preparing, and delivering over 300 care packages to those serving on the Texas Border. These care packages were distributed to all agencies stationed along the border, including National Guard troops and members of various state and federal agencies who were away from their families during the holiday season.

FRG Leader Stacy Dove was honored with the CG's coin and a Certificate of Appreciation for the dedicated support provided by the FRG and its volunteers. Special thanks were extended to all those who contributed to the effort, as well as to the group of volunteers and other non-governmental organizations such as the Blue Star Mothers. The award was presented to Stacy by BG Robert Hastings, Commanding General of the 1st Brigade, Texas State Guard.

photo courtesy of the 1BDE PAO, CPT Meza
The FRG leadership team is recieving the Presidental Volunteer Service Award

The FRG leadership team is recieving the Presidental Volunteer Service Award for volunteer hours in support of Texas State Guard Soliders and their family members. Stacy Dove was awarded the Gold Award (500 + hours) in a year. Gina Jacobson and David Montes were awarded the Bronze Award (100-249 hours) in a year.

Stacy and Gina PVSA David PVSA

Operation Guard Support

The FRG achieved a significant milestone in 2022 by successfully delivering over 300 care packages to deployed Texas State Guard Soldiers, Texas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, as well as other State and Federal personnel involved in Operation Lone Star - Border in Texas. This campaign's success highlighted the strong support from the FRG and the families backing their service members.

2021-2022