The Submarine Officers’ Spouses’ Charitable Association (SOSCA-WA) is a nonprofit organization recognized under IRS Code 501(c)(3). Its primary purpose is fundraising in support of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation and other local charitable organizations.
SOSCA-WA operates as the charitable arm of SOSA-WA. The Submarine Officers’ Spouses’ Association of Washington (SOSA-WA) is a nonprofit social organization recognized under IRS Code 501(c)(4). It is dedicated to fostering morale, friendship, and community among submarine officers’ spouses in Washington State, operating as a private, non-federal entity—“by your own, for your own.” Its mission includes promoting social and cultural engagement among its members, as well as supporting charitable efforts that benefit both the local community and the broader submarine family.
Through its strong community relationships, including collaboration with the submarine community and the submarine spouses apart of Kitsap Chief Petty Officers’ Spouse’s Association (Kitsap CPOSA), SOSCA-WA organizes the annual Silver & Gold Charity Auction each spring. The purpose of the Silver & Gold Charity Auction is simple: to provide meaningful support to military dependents pursuing higher education through DSF while also investing in local organizations making a direct impact within our community. This event raises funds for the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation and a variety of local charities, helping to strengthen support for both the local community and the national submarine family. In our 2026 auction alone, we donated more than $40,000 to DSF and three local nonprofit organizations: Central Kitsap Food Bank, Gather Pax Mantis, and Permission to Start Dreaming. Historically, 100% of net proceeds from the event are directed to these charitable causes.
EIN 27-0519790
How can I support SOSCA-WA?
You can support SOSCA-WA by volunteering to help plan and organize our upcoming auction, attending the event, and supporting our mission through auction purchases and donations. Community involvement is what makes this event successful each year.
If you own a business — or know of one — that may be interested in donating items, services, or experiences for our upcoming auction, we would love to connect. Please reach out to us at our auction planning email: silverandgoldauction@gmail.com.
What is the dolphin scholarship?
The Dolphin Scholarship Foundation (DSF) was established in 1960 with the first scholarship of $350 awarded to John L. Haines, in June 1961. Funds were raised primarily through the tireless efforts of submarine officersʼ wivesʼ organizations throughout the United States. As the cost of college education continued to skyrocket, so did the need for the Foundation to assist children of the Submariners. Today the DSF receives individual, corporate, memorial, and Combined Federal Campaign donations, as well as continued strong support from the submarine community and spouse organizations. Donations go directly to support the scholarships; income from the DSF investments supplement these contributions for scholarships and operating expenses.
DSF provides substantial financial aid through recurring annual scholarships that support both 2- and 4-year degree programs, as well as vocational and trade certifications. The foundation also supports military spouses pursuing their first undergraduate degree or certification, recognizing the sacrifices many make in support of their families and the Navy mission. The DSF currently awards 127 annual scholarships in varied amounts up to $4,000 to each Dolphin Scholar. Each recipient may potentially receive a total of $16,000 for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. The DSF is proud to have awarded over $15,000,000 to over 1,500 college-bound students.
The DSF grants are available, on a competitive basis, to high school or college aged children/stepchildren/spouses of members or former members of the Submarine Force who have qualified in submarines and have served in the Submarine Force for at least eight years; or of Navy members who have served in submarine support activities (e.g. submarine bases, tenders, and rescue vessels) for a minimum of ten years.
In addition, DSF maintains a fully blind selection process in which applications are redacted of identifying information, resulting in a long-standing balance of support across enlisted and officer families. Beyond financial assistance, DSF fosters a lasting community that recognizes the resilience, strength, and commitment of submarine families.
To learn more about the DSF and qualifying applicants, please visit the Foundationʼs website: www.dolphinscholarship.org or email: info@dolphinscholarship.org