The Senior Chief Scott DeCoste Memorial Scholarship Inc was created June 13, 2016, in honor of Senior Chief Scott DeCoste, who selflessly served his country for 23 years. Scott loved his family, country, and was the ultimate New England Patriots fan and season ticket member. Scott's favorite saying was "Go Big or Go Home", which has been incorporated in our mission statement. After his passing from a service-connected cancer in 2015, his wife turned her grief into purpose-creating a foundation built on love, service, and the belief in paying it forward.
Today, we continue Scott's legacy by supporting military and veteran families across Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Virginia. To date, we have awarded $86,000+ in scholarships.
In 2017, a Pay It Forward Initiative began on Scott's birthday, July 21. The ask is to do a good deed in Scott's memory and post your pictures to the Scott's Paying It Forward Facebook page.
In 2026, for our 10th anniversary, we rebranded to the DeCoste Memorial Foundation and have added grants and community programs.
At the DeCoste Memorial Foundation, we are committed to providing meaningful support to military, veteran, Gold Star, and service-connected families throughout Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Hampton Roads, Virginia.
What began as a scholarship program created in memory of Senior Chief Scott DeCoste has grown into a broader mission focused on ensuring that no military family is overlooked—no matter when the sacrifice came.
Through scholarships, grants, and community programs, we strive to make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of those who have served and the families who stand beside them.
Go Big or Go Home:
Honoring service. Supporting families.
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