Investing in the Future: True North’s Nonprofit partner MCSF and Dakota Meyer Team Up for the “If You Can, You Must” Scholarship
by Leslie Parsons
Dakota Meyer receives the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama.
At the core of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) is the belief that the best way to honor the service and sacrifice of United State Marines is to give their children every opportunity to thrive. And thanks to an inspiring partnership with Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Dakota Meyer USMC, they are one step closer to making that vision a reality for even more students.
In October 2024, MCSF and Meyer launched the “If You Can, You Must” Scholarship, a bold initiative aimed at raising $2 million by November 10, 2025—the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. This scholarship fund represents more than just financial support; it’s a call to action, a challenge to every American who believes in service, sacrifice, and the power of education to transform lives.
“It is extremely important to me that we invest in the families of those that have served our country,” said Meyer. “The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation clearly shares this belief.”
Meyer’s own life is a testament to resilience, courage, and service. He joined the Marine Corps in 2006, and by 2007 had become one of the Corps’ youngest school-trained snipers. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he repeatedly risked his life to save fellow Marines under fire. In 2010, he became the first living Marine in over 40 years to receive the Medal of Honor, recognizing his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Ganjgal in Afghanistan.
After leaving active duty, Meyer didn’t slow down. He worked as a firefighter and EMT, launched his own leadership and lifestyle company—Own the Dash—and became a New York Times bestselling author. His third book, Why to What: The One-Word Answer to Taking Back Control of Your Life, was released in November 2024 and reflects his deep commitment to helping others live with purpose and impact.
Sergeant Dakota Meyer USMC
MCSF is proud to call Dakota Meyer not only a partner but a long-time member of our extended family. Shortly after receiving the Medal of Honor, Meyer worked with MCSF to launch a scholarship program for the children of Marines who had received the Purple Heart. His efforts raised over $1 million, resulting in more than ten fully endowed scholarships that continue to support students each year in perpetuity.
Now, with the launch of the “If You Can, You Must” Scholarship, Meyer is setting his sights even higher. The fund is open to any student who qualifies for MCSF support, and the goal is to ensure that every child of a Marine or Navy Corpsman has the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of financial barriers.
As of today, $700,000 has already been raised—a remarkable milestone that speaks to the generosity and shared commitment of our community. But there is still more work to do. To meet the $2 million goal by November 2025, MCSF needs the help of donors, advocates, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of education.
“If you can help, you must,” Meyer says. It’s a mantra that has guided his life, and it’s the heartbeat of this campaign. It’s a saying that became particularly appropriate to Meyer’s own life in April, 2025 when he decided to re-enlist in the Marines, becoming one of a small group of veterans who choose to return to military service.
If you would like to learn more about the scholarship, please be sure to watch this video. To learn more or make a donation, please visit MCSF’s website.
The True North Foundation is proud to honor the sacrifices of Marine families by investing in their future and sharing information about MCSF and the “If You Can, You Must” Scholarship with our friends and patrons. To learn more about the nonprofits we support or to subscribe to our newsletter, please be sure to visit our website.