The Lucky Foundation
Honoring those who served. Standing with the families they left behind. When a Hero falls, a family should never stand alone.
Visit The Lucky Foundation
The Lucky Foundation provides direct financial assistance and educational scholarships to the families of fallen and seriously injured Military and First Responders. Founded by Kristina Manuel in 2021, it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on a single promise.
Let United Compassion Keep You℠
The Mission
The Lucky Foundation raises money for the families of the fallen or seriously injured Military and First Responders, as well as funds toward scholarships for the children of those Heroes. At its events, adventure enthusiasts from all around the country set out on guided expeditions exploring this beautiful country we call home.
Since 2021, The Lucky Foundation continues to evolve, striving to be a leading organization in diversity, equity, and inclusion. It seeks to create a culture where volunteers and constituents are empowered to share their voices and perspectives, building an environment of inclusion, growth, positivity, belonging, and change, embraced by all parts of the foundation.
Support That Reaches the Whole Family
Direct Financial Assistance
When the worst happens, the bills do not wait. The Lucky Foundation delivers direct financial relief to families of fallen and seriously injured Military and First Responders, so they can grieve, heal, and hold their family together without a financial crisis on top of their loss.
Educational Scholarships
The foundation funds scholarships for the children of Heroes. A parent’s sacrifice should open doors for their children, not close them, helping the next generation reach the future their parent dreamed for them.
Adventure Expeditions
Guided adventure expeditions are how this work is funded. Supporters take on the trail, the climb, and the open country, and every mile raises real support for these families.
Who We Serve
The Lucky Foundation was born from a singular vision: to empower the youth and families of those who gave everything in the line of duty. We believe in a “Total Force” approach to support, wrapping our wings around all service branches and support roles, including:
Military & Federal
All branches of the U.S. Military, Federal Agents, Border Patrol, Park Rangers, and Wildlife Officers.
First Responders
Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Fire Service, Paramedics, EMTs, and Medical Personnel.
The Backbone of Service
Dispatchers, Search and Rescue teams, Correctional Officers, and Tow Truck Drivers.
Direct Support
Contractors providing essential material support to deployed forces and First Responders in the performance of their duties.
Every Family. Every Voice.
The Lucky Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Every family is met with dignity. Every voice has a place at the table. The strength of this mission comes from the range of people who carry it forward together. These values define who we are, what we do, and how we serve.
Inclusivity
We seek out different and diverse viewpoints and build through collaboration.
Community
We invite all people and organizations to join the cause and grow a shared purpose.
Accountability
We take responsibility for results and expect the same from ourselves and others.
Agility
We lead and embrace change with courage.
Integrity
We act ethically, with honesty, transparency, and compassion.
A Message from Kristina Manuel
Kristina Manuel
Founder, The Lucky Foundation
“The call to serve was written in my history long before it became my mission.”
These words are not merely a reflection; they are the blueprint of my life’s work. While many find their passion through experience, mine was inherited, a bloodline commitment forged by generations of sacrifice. I can personally trace my family’s roots back to every military and service branch we honor, from the front lines of global conflict to the courageous first responders in our local neighborhoods. This foundation is the strategic culmination of a life shaped by those who serve, standing as a living testament to the legacies that built our nation and the unbreakable bond of “United Compassion” that sustains us today.
A Legacy of Honor: Wrapping Our Wings Around Every Hero
The Lucky Foundation was born from a singular vision: to empower the youth and families of those who gave everything in the line of duty. We believe in a “Total Force” approach to support, wrapping our wings around all service branches and support roles, from the U.S. Military and federal agents to law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, search and rescue teams, and the contractors who provide essential support to deployed forces.
The Power of “United Compassion”
Each new day brings significant challenges to the operations of nonprofit organizations. Without question, our team of trailblazers rises to these challenges with ingenuity, compassion, resilience, fortitude, and integrity. It is a blessing to work hand-in-hand with our founding members, board of directors, advisory board, sponsors, donors, and volunteers. In times like these, leadership requires the masses to stand shoulder-to-shoulder. I encourage you to stand with us, to take action.
Our Debt of Gratitude
There are so many ways we can honor our fallen heroes, their families, and their sacrifice. From volunteering to donating, we can individually pay our respects to those who fight for our rights and our freedom, protect our families from harm, and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. For that, we owe them our lives.
As we extend our campaigns toward ongoing remembrance, grievance support, and the celebration of holidays and birthdays, we carry a simple truth with us:
“We grieve because we love. How lucky we are to have experienced that love.”
Community involvement is essential. It does more than recognize a sacrifice, it allows us to pass down the message of commitment to our country, as well as lessons in honor, integrity, and sacrifice to younger generations. Together, with an unstoppable mindset, we can and will accomplish amazing things.
In service and gratitude,
Kristina Manuel
Founder, The Lucky Foundation
Full Accountability for Every Dollar
The Lucky Foundation holds itself to the same standard it asks of every supporter. It is a GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Nonprofit, a Charity Navigator Four-Star organization, and has earned Candid (GuideStar) Platinum Transparency, reflecting a deep commitment to integrity and stewardship of every contribution.
“Let United Compassion Keep You℠”