Who We Are

Our Mission

The Kaplan Public Service Foundation (KPSF) is an all volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening understanding and connection between the military and civilian worlds. Through educational travel programs, citizens gain firsthand insight into the life, work, and challenges of America’s service members, their families, as well as those of our allies abroad.

While the US Military provides the ‘basics’ to our men and women in uniform, our government does not always furnish many of the things that we take for granted in our everyday lives. KPSF, with your assistance, is pivotal in filling in the gaps with impactful donations that improve the standard of living for those that serve.

Recognizing that with less than 1% of Americans who serve today (just over 2 million if you include the National Guard and Reserve), KPSF grants an opportunity for American civilians to better know and understand not just the missions, but more importantly the lives, challenges, and difficulties of those who serve (as well as their family members). Through our programs and events, we get to know our soldiers, sailors, coasties, marines, guardians, and airmen and in turn contribute something meaningful to their bases or housing facilities that make the quality of their lives better.

Stories Of Impact

Our Impact

KPSF has impacted communities around the globe by supporting those who serve, their families, and the organizations that stand beside them. From base visits, donations, receptions and facility upgrades, each act of service reflects the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to our troops, allies and their families.

Please see below for the bases the foundation has visited and the gifts that have been bestowed upon them.

Where We’ve Been

KPSF participants have visited bases across the United States and allied nations, including:

  • Santahamina Military Base, Helsinki, Finland
  • Tapa Military Base, Tapa, Estonia
  • 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade and 10th Mountain Division, Powidz Baza Wojskowa, Powidz, Poland
  • Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport
  • United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
  • 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC
  • Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego, CA
  • Fort Hood, TX
  • Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX
  • Nellis Air Force Base, NV
  • Creech Air Force Base, NV
  • Submarine Group 10, Kings Bay, GA
  • Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
  • Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
  • Andrews Air Force Base, MD
  • Marine Barracks, Washington, DC
  • Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, CT
  • US Naval War College and Surface Warfare Officer School, Newport RI
  • US Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT
  • Coast Guard Sector New York, Staten Island, NY

Gifts of Impact

Some of the gifts and beneficiaries of your generous support made by the Kaplan Public Service Foundation:

  • MWR Fund Submarine Squadron 12
  • Military Officers Association of America Foundation (MOAA) – Crisis Relief Program
  • Carolin Illenzeeri Fond
  • Estonian Society of Wounded Warriors
  • Volunteers for Ukraine
  • United 24
  • Family for Every Orphan
  • USO (Eastern Europe)
  • Warsaw Education Fund
  • Kind Deeds
  • Outdoor Fitness Pavilion and Equipment to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Coleville, CA
  • Tapa Military Base, Estonia (new basketball court for the Estonian, NATO allies and the almost 100 Americans soldiers serving on this base. )
  • Ford 350 XLT 15 PASSENGER Transit Vehicle – U.S. Army Garrison West Point
  • Six (6) TRX Tactical Training Boxes, THOR 3
  • Walter Reed Society
  • Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
  • Center for the Intrepid (rehabilitation equipment donated)
  • Fort Hood (new training equipment for the gymnasium)
  • Special Operations Warrior Foundation
  • Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
  • Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation
  • MWR Fund of the 99th Force Support Unit
  • MWR Fund of the 432nd Wing
  • MWR Fund Submarine Group 10
  • MWR Fund GTMO
  • Air University Foundation
  • MWR Fund Point Loma
  • MWR Fund COMSUBPAC
  • Airman’s Attic, Barksdale AFB, LA (new exterior donation sheds)
  • Coast Guard Sector New York (new basketball court)
Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Guantanamo Bay Cuba - KPSF hosted Bonfire BBQ for over 400 American Serviceman and Servicewomen at GTMO.

Our Story

What began as a small initiative by Mitchell and David Kaplan, sending care packages to American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, developed into a foundation with a global presence, positively impacting the lives of thousands of servicemen and servicewomen along with their families.

Through over fifteen (15) years of travel, education, and shared experiences, KPSF has remained committed to bridging the gap between military and civilian life. Every journey, every partnership, and every project is rooted in a shared respect for service and a desire to strengthen the bond between those who defend and those who benefit from their protection.

The Foundation operates entirely through volunteerism, ensuring that all contributions go directly toward programs, education, and support efforts that change lives.

Support the Mission

Your contribution helps KPSF continue to strengthen understanding between the military and civilian worlds through education, leadership, and service. Every donation directly supports programs that inspire connection, gratitude, and unity.
Kaplan Public Service Foundation
170 West 74th Street | New York, NY 10023