The Call of Duty Endowment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to one clear mission: helping veterans find high-quality, high-paying careers after military service. Founded in 2009 by former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, the Endowment was born out of a simple but powerful insight—that while symbolic gestures honoring veterans, such as monuments and park dedications, are meaningful, they don’t address veterans’ most urgent need: meaningful employment.
In the early days, Kotick recognized a major gap in veteran support. Although employment remains the top requested service by veterans, it receives less than one-tenth of one percent of the federal government’s $330 billion veteran-focused budget. This imbalance inspired Kotick and Activision Blizzard to take action and launch the Endowment as a direct way to invest in veterans’ futures—not just in word, but in deed.
Since its founding, Activision Blizzard has donated over $52 million to the Endowment, which in turn has awarded over $84 million in grants to carefully vetted nonprofit organizations that help veterans transition to the civilian workforce. Thanks to this support and a laser focus on results, the Endowment has placed more than 150,000 veterans into quality jobs as of November 2024.
Unlike traditional philanthropic approaches, the Call of Duty Endowment is performance-driven. Grantee organizations are held to rigorous quarterly metrics, including:
Cost per job placement
Average starting salary
6-month and 12-month retention rates
Full-time vs. part-time employment outcomes
This strategy pays off. In 2024, the Endowment’s grantees placed veterans in jobs at an average cost of just $628 per person—roughly 1/15th of the cost of similar U.S. government programs. This exceptional efficiency reflects not only smart funding but also strong partnerships with high-performing, impact-driven nonprofits.
The Endowment doesn’t just fund these organizations—it actively supports and elevates them. In 2013, the team launched the Seal of Distinction, a grant and recognition program that awards $30,000 and national visibility to top-performing nonprofits that excel at veteran job placement. This program reflects the Endowment’s core belief: that success should be measured, celebrated, and scaled.
Led by President Dan Goldenberg, a retired U.S. Navy captain and accomplished executive, and co-chaired by General James L. Jones, former National Security Advisor and Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Endowment benefits from deep expertise in both military and civilian leadership. Their vision has guided the Endowment’s expansion and international reach.
In 2017, the Endowment extended its support to the United Kingdom, bringing its model of data-driven impact across the Atlantic. And in 2022, it met its ambitious goal of placing 100,000 veterans—two years ahead of schedule. With the bar raised once again, the Endowment is now committed to placing the next 100,000 veterans into careers that match their talents, discipline, and service.
More than a nonprofit, the Call of Duty Endowment is a movement—one rooted in respect, responsibility, and results. It is a powerful example of how focused Philanthropy, smart strategy, and a deep commitment to those who served can deliver real, lasting impact.
