Call of Duty, published by Activision Blizzard, is one of the world’s largest entertainment brands, engaging millions of players globally. (Photo: Eskarynna)
Activision Blizzard, the publisher of the popular video game series, Call of Duty, is intensifying its support for Veterans through its Call of Duty Endowment, coinciding with Military Appreciation Month in May.
Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and Griffin Catalyst, made a donation of $2.5 million to the endowment, the largest single private contribution in its 15-year history. The purpose of this donation is to help place over 4,000 Veterans into well-paying jobs.
Helene Imperiale, senior director of the Call of Duty Endowment, stated the organization’s mission to assist Veterans in finding high-quality careers. The endowment funds the most efficient and effective Veteran support groups, ensuring that unemployed and underemployed Veterans receive the necessary preparation for the job market. This effort is backed by an accountability-based donation model known as the Seal of Distinction Program, which ensures support is given only to top-performing nonprofits that successfully place Veterans in good jobs.
Call of Duty, one of the world’s largest entertainment brands, has contributed over $40 million to the endowment, successfully helping to place more than 125,000 Veterans into high-quality jobs through more than $73 million in grants. Activision Blizzard covers all the endowment’s operating costs, allowing every cent raised to go directly towards job placement for Veterans, a rare advantage for a nonprofit organization.
The Call of Duty Endowment strives to raise awareness and funds to help Veterans secure deserving jobs, reflecting true appreciation for their service. Activision Blizzard integrates its mission into the game by providing new in-game content that educates and entertains the Call of Duty community about the endowment’s goals.
This year, the endowment is launching the U Assist Veterans Challenge, inspired by the in-game UAV feature that helps players by revealing enemy locations. Similarly, the endowment assists Veterans in navigating their career search. Additionally, two new in-game bundles, the Call of Duty Endowment, C.O.D.E., Knight Recon: Tracer Pack and C.O.D.E. Regulator Pack, have been introduced, with proceeds dedicated to Veteran job placements.
Imperiale emphasized the importance of professional support for Veterans re-entering civilian life, stating that Veterans are three times more likely to secure meaningful employment if they receive help with resume writing and interview skills. These services are provided for free through the endowment’s grantees. Through the in-game packs and the UAV Challenge, the endowment aims to raise millions of dollars to place thousands of Veterans into high-quality jobs, furthering its mission to honor and support those who have served.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.