The Salvation Army
Give WithJoy
2026 National Annual Report
Overview
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
About The Salvation Army
Every day, The Salvation Army brings hope to individuals and families facing life's greatest challenges. Across the country, we respond to immediate needs while investing in long-term solutions. Whether providing meals, shelter, and disaster relief or helping people build more stable futures, we are committed to offering compassionate, practical support that strengthens lives and communities. Because we believe every person is made in the image of God, we meet both physical and spiritual needs. By living out and sharing the Christian gospel, we offer hope that extends beyond tangible needs.
The Salvation Army operates nearly 7,600 centers in communities across the United States. These centers provide food, disaster relief, rent and utility assistance, rehabilitation services, anti-human trafficking programs, a wealth of youth activities, and more.
Our work is made possible by generous individual donors, corporate gifts, private and government grants, proceeds from goods sold in our Salvation Army thrift stores, and other public support.
Eighty-two cents of every dollar donated is dedicated to programs and services across the country. We are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent permitted under section 170(b)(2) for corporations.
Leadership Letters
Dear Friends,
This past year, The Salvation Army has been privileged to serve millions across the nation, meeting critical needs with compassion. Through our many programs, we provided meals for those facing hunger, shelter for people experiencing homelessness, financial assistance to help prevent evictions and utility shut-offs, and much more. These efforts reflect our commitment to preach the gospel and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Our purpose is found in every life touched through this ministry—in families finding shelter after a storm, in the relief of someone receiving a warm meal, and in the renewed hope of those supported through life's hardest moments. Together, we meet immediate needs while restoring hope and reflecting the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father.
We are deeply grateful for the support of our communities, partners, board members, donors, volunteers, and all who make this work possible through their generosity, prayers, and service. As we look ahead, The Salvation Army remains committed to meeting needs and sharing in the joy that comes from serving others.
Yours in faith,
Merle Heatwole
Commissioner Merle Heatwole
National Commander, The Salvation Army in the United States
Dear Friends,
As chairman of The Salvation Army's National Advisory Board, I am deeply committed to ensuring this incredible organization continues to uplift those in need. My heart has long been drawn to serving the least, the last, the lost, the lonely, and the left out.
It is through these acts of love that we shine the light of Christ most brightly. Jesus modeled this perfectly by meeting people where they are. That is what fuels my involvement and, I believe, the very essence of The Salvation Army's mission.
I invite each of you to reflect on your own calling. What stirs your heart to serve? When we anchor our purpose in Christ's love, our efforts become true expressions of His compassion. Every meal shared, shelter provided, or hand extended brings the unmistakable joy of partnering with God in His redemptive work.
Together, let us continue this sacred calling with renewed passion and unwavering commitment.
In His service,
Marc Belton
Marc Belton
Chairman, The Salvation Army National Advisory Board
Year At A Glance
In the past year, The Salvation Army brought hope and joy to over 28 million people across the United States, helping them overcome poverty, addiction, economic hardship, and more through Christ-centered ministries. People across the country received warm meals, nights of shelter, financial assistance for bills, disaster relief, rehabilitation, youth activities, and holiday support throughout 2025.
The generosity of our donors, volunteers, and employees has helped foster flourishing communities and bring safety and security to those in need. Operating from almost 7,600 centers nationwide, including corps community centers, shelters, food pantries, and service units, The Salvation Army relied on over 1.5 million dedicated volunteers and nearly 45,000 employees who embody the spirit of service to amplify impact in communities everywhere.
Each shelter service provided safe, emergency housing and transitional support to people experiencing homelessness, offering stability, joy, and a path to recovery.
Assistance programs delivered critical financial help with utilities, rent, and other essential expenses, preventing evictions and helping families maintain their homes and hope.
In hunger relief efforts, The Salvation Army supported neighbors in need through nutritious meals, groceries, and pantry staples through food shelves, mobile feeding units, and community kitchens.
Hunger
Joy of Nourishment
Diane, a 78-year-old retired senior from Apple Valley, Minnesota, faced severe food insecurity after a number of unexpected health challenges. Like so many other seniors, Diane lives on a fixed income, with a budget that becomes tighter by the day as essential everyday expenses continue to rise. "There are so many of us seniors who aren't making it," said Diane, who spent years working at Control Data — a former Minnesota-based computer company — and in child care before she retired. She lives on just $968 per month, most of which goes toward paying real estate taxes, utilities, car insurance, and other bills. At her lowest, she could only afford to eat twice per day and fill her car's gas tank once every two months. "I don't drive anywhere unless I have to — just doctor appointments and the food shelf," Diane added.
The food shelf she visits is The Salvation Army's food pantry in Burnsville. She comes once per month for enough groceries to get her through. "It's the best food shelf I've ever been to," Diane said. "I like it because I can shop for the food I want — other food pantries don't let you pick. Here, it's like going to the grocery store." During each visit, she fills a shopping cart full of fresh vegetables, frozen meats, canned goods, and pasta, along with staples including milk, bread, and eggs. She is an efficient shopper, selecting foods that she can use to create meals that last several days — such as casseroles.
"With casseroles, you can take almost any meat and mix it with rice or noodles for a meal that's warm, filling, and nutritious," she explained. "Thank you to all the people who donate," she said. In 2025, each generous donation made it possible for Diane and other people facing vulnerability to access food shelves and eat warm, nutritious meals.
Diane's story, like so many others, outlines just how The Salvation Army's food assistance programs transform hardship into hope and continue bringing renewed joy to people across the nation.
Shelter
Joy of Safety
After spending months hopping from hotel to hotel, Elijah and Odessa Ragland arrived at The Salvation Army Center of Hope shelter with their five children, exhausted but also safe and secure.
The Raglands experienced a series of setbacks while living in Wake County, North Carolina. Loss of one apartment, credit problems due to identity theft, and the unexpected loss of another apartment left them with just their car. In search of respite from their ongoing hardships, the Raglands turned to The Salvation Army for help. Without a home to return to or beds for their children to sleep in, the family was able to find hope and safety at one of The Salvation Army's shelters in Raleigh.
Elijah praised the team, saying, "The Salvation Army helped with everything possible you can think of. They stuck with us and believed in us." The Raglands admit a shelter isn't where they wanted to be, but their family was together, and they were determined to move forward.
Odessa added, "They didn't give up on us. These people will push you, motivate you. … They make sure you get done what you need to get done to move forward." Four months after arriving at the shelter, and with the help of Salvation Army caseworkers, the Raglands got the break they were hoping for. "I couldn't believe we were getting our own place," smiled Elijah. "A four-bedroom house. I couldn't stop smiling after I got off from work."
Elijah returned to his work in landscaping, while Odessa began a day care job. Elijah believes everything that happened, happened for a reason. "I tell people, 'Never give up. Don't ever say you can't do it. Keep the faith and always believe in the man upstairs. He's always going to pull you through.'" Thanks to the Raglands' unwavering faith and The Salvation Army's holistic assistance, families like theirs are able to transition from fear and homelessness to hope and safety under one roof.
Eviction Prevention
Joy of Stability
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, The Salvation Army is providing critical relief to families struggling with rising utility costs through regular Customer Assistance Events and ongoing bill support programs. Held three times a year, these events offer a compassionate, one-stop opportunity for neighbors in need facing financial hardship to receive direct help with their utility bills.
At an event held in the fall of 2025, dozens of Lackawanna County residents gathered at the Scranton Citadel Corps. They met face-to-face with assistance providers to explore payment options, enroll in available programs, apply for grants, and receive personalized guidance.
Many arrived feeling overwhelmed by mounting bills, delayed benefits such as SNAP and LIHEAP, and the added strain of summer air conditioning and back-to-school expenses.
Thanks to generous donations throughout 2025, these events allowed families to get immediate cost relief and practical tools to better manage their household budgets and prepare for the winter months ahead. Since the bill assistance program began three years ago, its impact has steadily grown. This past year, the program processed nearly 350 grants for households affected by the LIHEAP delay.
Captain Kirsten Childs of The Salvation Army in Bath-Brunswick, Maine, shared, "Our neighbors have already been struggling this year. The delays [in benefits] have compounded uncertainty and stress. We hope this event helps relieve some of the financial pressure our neighbors are feeling." Beyond one-time assistance, The Salvation Army has combined direct bill support with budgeting education and financial guidance to help people gain long-term financial stability. A well-rounded approach like this helps families reduce future stress, avoid utility shut-offs, and stay in their homes despite difficult seasons.
By creating a welcoming space for honest conversations and personalized solutions, The Salvation Army is helping turn anxiety and instability into hope and joy. Families leave this program with lighter financial burdens and a stronger sense of community support. As the program continues to expand, it remains a vital lifeline for neighbors in need.
Thanks to generous funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., The Salvation Army's Project IMPACT has transformed how quickly and effectively families devastated by disasters can receive help. This past year, we were able to purchase 62 new rapid response units, train 22,321 individuals, and approve five warehouse projects, increasing our footprint by 200,000 square feet.
Hope
Joy of Flourishing
Captains Raghel and Jose Santiago arrived at their Kauluwela Mission Corps assignment in Honolulu three years ago. Given The Salvation Army's mission to serve specific needs in every community, they sought opportunities to serve youth in high-risk neighborhoods. Together, they established a free music program that seamlessly blends The Salvation Army's rich musical heritage with local Hawaiian culture. There, kids and teens can train in ukulele, piano, brass instruments, and hula while receiving spiritual mentorship.
The program has grown to 25 dedicated students who receive free musical instruction plus accountability as they navigate the transition from adolescence into young adulthood. Captain Raghel highlights the impact: "It boosts their confidence knowing that they can do something that they can be proud of." Amid neighborhood hardships, this program and many others like it foster hope, spiritual development, and joy for years to come.
Thanks to the generous support of Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, The Salvation Army continues to provide transformative programs nationwide that are truly changing lives.
Most notably, the Pathway of Hope program represents a crucial shift from simply addressing the symptoms of poverty to targeting its root causes, enrolling approximately 750 families each year. Our goal is to bring best-in-class Pathway of Hope services to 20 major U.S. cities. By the end of 2025, over 2,540 families had already begun their journey toward lasting stability through this program.
2025 Impact Overview
In 2025, The Salvation Army's partnership with Walmart continued to make a meaningful difference in communities nationwide. Through shared values of service and generosity, this collaboration expanded support for individuals and families while creating accessible ways for customers and associates to give back.
Disaster Relief Response
Walmart's support strengthened The Salvation Army's ability to respond quickly in times of crisis. Following severe flooding in Texas, the partnership enabled the delivery of essential supplies, meals, and emotional and spiritual care to affected communities.
Volunteerism & Community Engagement
Walmart and Sam's Club associates actively supported Salvation Army programs through volunteer service and local initiatives, expanding outreach and deepening community impact nationwide.
Holiday Support
Red Kettle Campaign: raised $36.2 million nationwide.
Round-Up Campaign: everyday purchases turned into meaningful support.
Angel Tree: gifts for more than a million children and families.
Holiday Meal Campaign: Walmart matched donations to expand meal support.
National Partnerships
Give With Joy – Together
At The Salvation Army, partnership is a powerful force for good. Through collaboration with national corporate partners, donors, and communities, we invite the nation to give with joy—together, turning generosity into hope and compassion into action.
Our corporate partners advance mission-driven initiatives that reach millions each year through cause-marketing campaigns, employee engagement, and in-store and online giving opportunities. Together, we address critical needs—from hunger and housing to disaster relief and holiday assistance—while creating moments of dignity, connection, and joy. By aligning values, resources, and reach, these partnerships help ensure that hope is not only delivered—but felt—strengthening lives and communities nationwide.
Thank You To Our Partners!
Corporate partnerships play a vital role in advancing The Salvation Army's mission and expanding our ability to serve communities in need. Through financial support, volunteer engagement, in-kind donations, and cause-marketing initiatives, our corporate partners help bring hope and practical assistance to individuals and families facing life's challenges.
The Joy of Generosity
Influencers Leading The Way
Right to Left: Commissioner Merle Heatwole, Buddy Valastro, "Fox & Friends" Hosts Ainsley Earhardt and Will Cain.
The Salvation Army sparked joy throughout the 2025 giving season by teaming up with celebrated figures. In early Fall, Alexa and Carlos PenaVega made a tangible difference by delivering school supplies and backpacks to underserved families, fostering brighter futures. The excitement continued with Post Malone announcing his BIG halftime show at the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving game, which was an unforgettable night that set the tone for holiday donations.
On Giving Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders joined Haley Anderson, their special projects manager and current Salvation Army National Advisory Board member, on the TODAY show to shine a light on their community efforts during the holidays. Sweetening the message, Buddy Valastro appeared on "Fox & Friends" to share The Salvation Army's impactful work, promote donations, and unveil a special "Give With Joy" red velvet cake.
Financial Summary & Statistical Highlights | Joy Realized
This summary represents a combination of data from the Audited Financial Statements of the six separate Salvation Army corporations in the United States: National Headquarters (New Jersey corporation authorized to do business in Virginia), The Salvation Army World Service Office [SAWSO] (District of Columbia corporation authorized to do business in Virginia), Central Territory (Illinois corporation), Eastern Territory (New York corporation), Southern Territory (Georgia corporation), and Western Territory (California corporation).
The four territories comprise 7,599 units of operation throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. The National Corporation and the World Service Office serve an essential role in helping the territories fulfill their mission. Intercorporate transactions have been eliminated for presentation purposes.
The Salvation Army has successfully rendered service in the United States since 1880 while maintaining conservative financial policies, enabling us to fulfill our mission and serve those in need in your community. Our pledge is to maintain the highest standards of financial accountability to continue to deserve your trust.
Revenue
(Dollars in Thousands)
Total Revenue $4,743,537
Expenses
(Dollars in Thousands)
Total Expenses $4,308,454
Service Touchpoints
Ministry Activities
Service Highlights
Mission Centers
General Operations
Social Services
Community Service Centers
Personnel Engagement
Unaudited Combined Statement of Financial Position
For the Year Ended September 30, 2025 (Dollars in Thousands)
Assets20252024
Liabilities & Net Assets20252024
Support & Revenue20252024
Expenses20252024
National Advisory Board | Advocates of Joy
Chairman
Marc Belton
CMO, General Mills - Retired
Wisefellows Consulting
Members
Alva Adams-Mason
Group Manager, Multicultural Business Alliance & Strategy & Dealer Relations - Retired, Toyota Motor North America
Haley Anderson
Special Projects Manager, Dallas Cowboys
Tom Bolt, Esq.
President & CEO, BoltNagi PC
Dr. Mark Caner
President, W&S Financial Group Distributors
Allen Chan
CEO, Ankei Advisory
Ambassador Todd Chapman
U.S. Ambassador to Brazil - Retired
William Clyde, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics & Finance - Retired, Former Provost, Manhattan College
Meredith Counce
Vice President, Brand Marketing, Dallas Cowboys
Congressman Don Davis
U.S. Representative, North Carolina's 1st District
Hope Dmuchowski
CFO, Sr. Executive Vice President, First Horizon Corp.
Torrey Foster
Vice Chairman, Korn Ferry
Matthew Frauenshuh
CEO, Fourteen Foods
Stacey Grund
President, Tatley-Grund, Inc.
Randall Hultgren
CEO, Illinois Bankers Association
Fred Hunzeker
CEO - Retired, Tenaska Marketing Group
Carl Ice
President & CEO - Retired, BNSF Railway
Nona Jones
CEO, Inside Out Leadership
Anil Kapoor Jr.
Director, Region Executive-Central & Mid Atlantic MFSA Region, Merill Lynch
Dr. Walter Kim
President, National Association of Evangelicals
Marlene Klotz-Collins
Director of Community Relations - Retired, KTVK News Channel 3
Emmanuel Lelekis
Private Wealth Financial Advisor, Lelekis Private Wealth Management Group of Raymond James
Rev. Dr. Nicole Martin
CEO, Christianity Today
Jaime Meyers
Partner, Victory Search Group
Greg Milzcik
President & CEO - Retired, Barnes Group, Inc.
Laura Molnar
Senior Director of Brand Marketing, Expedia Group
Michael Nelson
President & CEO, Amway
Dorothy Nicholson
President, Nicholson Interests, LLC
Diane Paddison
Founder & President, 4word
Rick Piña
COO & CRO, Inspired Solutions, Inc.
Stephen Quinn
CMO - Retired, Walmart; Chair, Alliance for Family Entertainment
Michael Redd
President, 22 Ventures
Robert Rhea
Senior Vice President, Legal, FedEx Corporation
Mariska Rowell-Lehman
Independent Business & Risk Consultant
D'Juan Rudolph
Manager, Multicultural Business Alliance & Strategy, Toyota North America
Joseph Ruiz
Founder & CEO, Joe Ruiz Group
Steve Schrobilgen
COO, Sam's Club
Thomas Stumb
Chairman & CEO, Truxton Trust
H. Art Taylor
President and CEO, AFP Worldwide
Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs - Retired, Edison International
Layla Villaseñor
Founder & Principal, Social Matters, Inc.
Hon. Elbra Wedgeworth
Founder & President, Casel & Associates
Jackie Woodward
Interim & Fractional CMO, Chameleon Collective
Alex Zikakis
CEO, Capstone Advisors
Joey Zumaya
Communities Development Leader, LinkedIn
Past Chairs
Bill Burke
Sr. Vice President, Marketing - Retired, Nationwide Insurance
Mike Cassling
President & CEO, Cquence Health Group
Donald Fites
Chairman - Retired, Caterpillar Inc.
Edsel Ford II
Ford Motor Company
Charlotte Jones
Executive VP & Chief Brand Officer, Dallas Cowboys
Jonathon Killmer
Partner - Retired, PwC
Robert Pace
Advisory Director - Retired, Goldman Sachs
Steven Reinemund
Former CEO - Retired, Pepsico
Tony Thompson
President & CEO - Retired, Krispy Kreme
Life Members
Michael Ducker
President & CEO - Retired, FedEx Freight
Craig Matthews
Vice Chairman & COO - Retired, KeySpan
Margot Perot
Board of Directors, Dallas Museum of Art
Emeritus Members
Robert Alspaugh
CEO - Retired, KPMG International
Laura Bush
Former First Lady of the United States
David Frauenshuh
Founder & CEO, Frauenshuh, Inc.
Richard Hagerty
Real Estate Developer
F. Worth Hobbs
President - Retired, ALCOA Foundation
Jerry Jones
Owner & General Manager, Dallas Cowboys
Bobby Lyle
Chairman, President & CEO, Lyco Holdings, Inc.
Marilyn Quayle
Former Second Lady of the United States
William Raduchel
Independent Director, Angel Investor & Strategic Advisor
Richard Rathgeber
President, Southwest Constructors, Inc.
Edward Ruff
COO - Retired, Wachovia Securities, Inc.
Philip Russell
President & CEO, GMR, LLC
Timothy Swain, II
Partner, Swain, Hartshorn & Scott
Sheila Tate
Vice Chairman - Retired, Powell Tate
2026 National Advisory Board
National Leaderships
National Headquarters
Commissioner Merle Heatwole
National Commander
Commissioner Dawn Heatwole
National Secretary for Program
Colonel Ivan Rock
National Chief Secretary
Central Territory
Commissioner Evie Diaz
Territorial Commander
Colonel Thomas Louden
Territorial Chief Secretary
Eastern Territory
Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz
Territorial Commander
Commissioner Susan Bukiewicz
Territorial President of Women's Ministries
Colonel K. Stewart Dalrymple
Territorial Chief Secretary
Southern Territory
Commissioner Kelly Igleheart
Territorial Commander
Commissioner Donna Igleheart
Territorial President of Women's Ministries
Colonel Brian Saunders
Territorial Chief Secretary
Western Territory
Commissioner James Betts
Territorial Commander
Commissioner Sue Betts
Territorial President of Women's Ministries
Colonel Ivan Wild
Territorial Chief Secretary
Area of Operations
