Newman's Own Awards gave a total of $200,000 to five programs dedicated to helping servicemembers, veterans and their families.
The award money doubled from last year's prize of $100,000 thanks to an increased donation from The Fisher House Foundation, an organization committed to helping armed forces families.
According to Military Times, the winners were selected from 288 entries. Awards will be given to a program that teaches veterans entrepreneurship, two organizations devoted to helping military children, a veteran dental care program and a group that helps struggling veterans find housing. The housing program, Operation Warm Embrace, received the highest award at $50,000, while the other programs received $37,500 each.
The awards were presented in a ceremony held at the Pentagon. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, presented the donations and gave a speech.
"There is power in what you do. It can be big or small, but there's power in it," he remarked, according to Military Times.
The Fisher House Foundation noted that the entries are judged by seven officials who look for innovation, creativity and how much of a positive impact the organizations have had on their respective communities. The contest began in 1999 and has since honored 158 programs, giving out $1,125,000.