CGMA meaning in General ?

The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) is an independent non-profit charitable organization of the United States Coast Guard. As the official relief society of the United States Coast Guard, the organization assists those within the Coast Guard family. That includes active duty and retired military members, Coast Guard civilian employees, Coast Guard Reserve, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Public Health Service officers serving with the Coast Guard, and surviving family members. It has provided more than $200 million in financial assistance since 1924. There are more than 400 CGMA Representatives at 96 shore units and 38 cutters based in 32 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. CGMA receives no federal funds, and relies on bequests and donations from Coast Guard people. Most assistance is provided through interest-free loans and personal grants. These include educational support for members and their dependents, emergency travel, temporary living expenses, funeral expenses, loss of funds or property, disaster relief, medical and dental expenses, home studies expenses for adoptions, and debt management. CGMA has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.

The Supplemental Education Grant (SEG) program was enhanced in 2015. There is also a Layette Program to welcome infants. In 2017, CGMA provided 6 million dollars in direct assistance (loans and grants) to its clients.

During the 2018-2019 United States federal government shutdown, CGMA helped lower-ranking Coast Guard members pay for food and other expenses. Those with dependences received up to $1,000. The Coast Guard was the only military branch to go without pay during the shutdown because it is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security and not the Department of Defense.