Many Veterans and their dependents are not aware that there are different types of pensions
available no matter how old you are!
Parents DIC: A monthly benefit paid to parents of Veterans who die in service or as a result of
a service-connected disability. There are qualifying income limits and the amount available is
based on the parent's monthly income.
Death Pension: A monthly benefit paid to unmarried surviving spouses and dependent children
of wartime Veterans whose death is not due to a service-connected disability.There are qualifying
income limits and the amount payable varies based on the amount of other income.
There is no age limit!
Veteran Pension: Dependent on the Veteran's monthly income...designed to bring Veterans up
to a basic standard of living.
There is no age limit!
Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit: Wartime Veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home
care or you live in nursing homes or assisted-living situations and are incapable of self-support
and in need of regular personal assistance.
Project VetAssist (www.vetassist.org) a free online service, guides Vets or their survivors applying
NEW!! TIME SENSITIVE GRANT! July 2020
The Wayne County Veterans Service Fund has received a grant for Veterans who have served in PEACETIME, newly eligible to benefit!
Of the grant money, $50,000 will go toward credit vouchers and gift cards to be given to Veterans
in need for food & household essentials. The remaining $469,736 will be provided on a reimburse-
ment basis for Veteran's rent, mortgage, property taxes, transportation, medical, food and clothing,
as well as parking & transportation fees associated with visiting the Veterans Services offices.
To learn about eligibility and to apply for a gift card, voucher or reimbursement, Veterans are
encouraged to call the Veterans Services office at 313-224-5045 OR google Wayne County Veterans
Services.
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS
For Emergency Travel, please look on this website under
Medical Reimbursement Pension
Veterans Construction Communities Foundation
27735 Jefferson Ave.
St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
Phone: 586-777-2115
Phone: 313-398-9308 Bill White
Email: contact@vcc.foundation
Website: www.vcc.foundation
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for a "Non-Service" related "Medical Reimbursement
Pension" through the Department of Veterans Affairs.This pension allows eligible Veterans and their
spouses with:
- Help with bathing & dressing
- Medication reminders
- Transportation
- Meal Preparation
- Transferring to & from bed
- Personal care
- Respite care
- Light housekeeping
- Laundry
- Companionship
Call for more information on the qualifications & process!
Wayne County Soldiers & Sailors Relief Service Group
&
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant Fund
Grand Park Centre
28 West Adams, Suite #1710
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-224-5045
Website: www.waynecounty.com
Veterans can obtain financial assistance from the Soldiers & Sailors Relief and the Michigan Veterans
Trust Funds. Assistance may be granted to an indigent veteran, or a spouse, widow/widower, or minor
children of a veteran.
To be eligible you must:
- Have recognized wartime service (including women's auxiliaries)
- or an expeditionary medal
- Be honorably discharged
- Be unable to provide the basic necessities of life
Recognized War Periods:
Persian Gulf 8/2/1990 to Present
Vietnam 2/28/1961 to 5/7/1975
Korea 6/27/1950 to 1/31/1955
Word War II 12/7/1941 to 12/31/1946
WWII & Russian Service also recognized
Please bring the following documents:
- DD-214 (Military discharge) or Service Letter (MUST BE LEGIBLE)
- Valid State of Michigan Photo ID
- Verification of Income and Expenses
- Utility Shut-off Notice
- Foreclosure Notice
- Eviction Notice (Court Ordered Judgment)
- Tax Notice of Property being taken for Delinquent Taxes
- Marriage License
- Birth Certificate or Proof of Legal Guardianship for Minor Children
For Deceased Veterans, also bring:
- Death Certificate
- Itemized funeral bill, if apply for burial reimbursement
If you do not have the required documents, we will provide you with a checklist and ask that
you return when you have the missing documentation.
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Monroe County:
29 Washington
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: 734-240-7359
Email:
Website: www.michigan.gov/dmva
Soldiers Relief Commission
In some counties, emergency relief grants are available to MI veterans who do not meet MI Veterans
Trust Fund criteria. Funds are limited, so the commission makes an effort to refer veterans who are
eligible to other sources of financial assistance. Contact your county Veterans Affairs office.
Michigan Military Family Relief Fund
Dept. of Military & Veteran Affairs
P.O. Box 30261
Lansing, MI 48909
Website: www.michigan.gov/dmva
The M.F.R. Fund provides financial assistance to families of soldiers suffering financial hardships
as a result of active-duty or a line-of-duty related injury or illness. The M.F.R.F. enables the Dept.
of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide grants of up to $2,000 in a calendar year to qualifying
military families of Michigan's active-duty Army National Guard, Air National Guard and military
reserve members.The funds can be spent on clothing, housing, medical, services, utilities, or any
other related necessities of daily living. The need would have to occur while a family member is on
active duty, or be the result of a line-of-duty related injury or illness. Download an application from
the site.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF)
Phone: 1-800-MICH-VET
Michigan’s most popular state benefit for emergency needs is the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund
(MVTF). The MVTF provides emergency grants to help combat-era veterans and their families
weather unforeseen, temporary financial emergencies. Emergency grants cover expenses such
as utility bills, home repairs, transportation and mortgage assistance.
Families United for Our Troops
P.O. Box 930073
Wixom, MI 48393
Phone: 248-669-3312
Military Families United is a national coalition of Blue Star, Gold Star, Next of Kin, Veterans, and Patriotic American Families whose mission is to Honor The Fallen, Support Those Who Fight, and
Serve Their Families.This is a WONDERFUL website filled with resources!
Operation First Response Inc.
20037 Dove Hill
Culpeper, VA 22701
Phone: 888-289-0280
We serve all branches of our nation’s Wounded Heroes and their families with personal and financial
needs. Services are provided from the onset of injury or illness, throughout their recovery period and
along their journey from military life to the civilian world. Financial aid varies as each case is based on individual needs ranging from:
- rent
- utilities
- vehicle payments
- groceries
- clothing
- travel expenses to and from major medical facilities
Military Warriors Support Foundation
211 N Loop 1604 E #250
San Antonio, TX 78232
Phone: 210-615-8973
Website: https://militarywarriors.org/contact
Military Warriors Support Foundation awards payment-free vehicles to combat wounded veterans
and to unmarried Gold Star spouses whose loved ones were Killed-In-Action.
Requirements to Apply:
Military Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, founded by LTG. Leroy Sisco
(Ret), In 2007. Our mission is to provide support and programs that facilitate a smooth and successful
transition for our nation’s combat wounded heroes and Gold Star families. Our programs focus on
housing and home ownership, recreational activities, transportation assistance and leadership development.Through our programs, we award mortgage-free homes and payment-free vehicles to combat wounded heroes and Gold Star spouses. In addition to the home or vehicle, the families receive
family and financial mentoring.
1. Must be a combat wounded veteran from any American military conflict or be an unmarried spouse
of a veteran who was KIA during combat or combat training (Purple Heart recipients given priority)
2. Must be honorably retired or separated from the military or within 90 days of discharging
3. Must be able to obtain vehicle insurance
4. Must not have more than 1 vehicle loan/lease per household
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Services Provided by our Programs
Homes4WoundedHeroes & Homes4GoldStars program awards mortgage-free homes to combat
wounded heroes injured while in service to our country. In addition to the home, the recipient will
receive 3 years of family and financial mentoring.
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Apartments4Heroes provides a payment-free 1 year lease, in an apartment complex. In addition to
the apartment, the recipient will receive 1 year of family and financial mentoring.
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Transportation4Heroes Awards payment-free vehicles to combat wounded heroes injured while
in service to our country & Gold Star spouses who’s loved one made the ultimate sacrifice for our
country. In addition to the vehicle, the recipient will receive 1 year of family and financial mentoring.
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Skills4Life provides recreational outings and peer-to-peer mentorship with hunting, fishing and
golfing adventures.
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Leadership4Life program provides a 2-year program to help veterans transition the skills they
acquired in the military into the leadership skills for the civilian workforce.
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WellnessRides4Heroes provides no-cost transportation to get veterans to and from their medical
appointments. (Only available in Bexar County).
AIR FORCE SOCIETY (AFAC)
Phone: 800-769-8951
The “official charity of the US Air Force”, the AFAC provides emergency assistance, sponsors
education assistance programs and offers an array of base community enhancement programs
that improve quality of life for Airmen and their families.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Phone: 800-REDCROSS
The Red Cross provides emergency communications that link them with their families back home,
access to financial assistance in partnership with the military aid societies, information and referral
and assistance to veterans.
ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER)
Phone: 866-878-6378
Army Emergency Relief provides Soldiers and their Families financial assistance in a time of need.
COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
Phone: 800-881-2462
Assists during a time of financial need. Assistance is provided through counseling, short-term interest-
free loans, financial grants, referrals, and other related means.
NAVY / MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY (NMCRS)
875 N. Randolph #225
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 800-654-8364 703-606-4901
Website: www.mmcrs.org
The NMCRS provides financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services
of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need.
The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund
P.O. Box 33099
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0003
Phone: 800-FWSF-729
Website: https://www.fwsf.org
FWSF, a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization, is committed to stewardship of the monies entrusted to
us by donations to provide supplemental assistance to the military and their families with assist-
ance that helps with immediate financial needs.
VETERANS RETURNING HOME
17955 E 11 Mile
Roseville, MI 48066
Phone: 586-285-5606
Email: info@vetsreturninghome.org
Website: https://www.vetsreturninghome.org
The goal of Vets Returning Home is simple: to end chronic homelessness among veterans in our
communities. Our mission is complex, requiring more than putting a roof over the veterans’ heads.
It requires an approach that address the “total veteran” and his needs and making sure they succeed
after they are transitioned. We are a volunteer operated 11,000 square foot facility with 43 beds and
commercial kitchen. 6 of the 43 beds are dedicated to females only. We provide a stable and sober
living environment to veterans in crisis. Onsite services including employment readiness training,
aid with job placement, disability benefit connection, legal support and life skills training. Community
support both physical and financial has been vital to our ability to continue our mission. Vets Returning
home receives NO government funding. We have successfully transitioned on average 250 veterans a
year back into society as a fully functioning community member.
The Michigan National Guard Family Fund was created to assist Air and Army National Guard families
who experience financial difficulties with temporary emergency financial assistance, and to fund pro-
grams and training to maintain and improve the quality of life of our Michigan National Guard families.
The fund provides for up to a $500 grant to soldiers and airmen and their family members who encounter financial hardships. An application must be submitted with the necessary documentation. For an appli-
cation form, go to http://www.guardfamily.org
Duskin & Stephens Foundation (U.S. Special Operations Community)
Website: https://www.duskinandstephens.org
The mission of the Duskin & Stephens Foundation is to support the United States Special Operations Community through direct support to families of fallen operators, healing programs designed to combat
the effects of PTS, TBI and loss of a loved one, and youth scholarships for children of active duty mem-
bers of our community.
Faces of Valor USA
Website: http://www.facesofvalorusa.org
Faces Of Valor USA is a non-profit organization with a mission to raise money for scholarships and
financial aid for men and women in the military, fire, police and EMS services who have been injured
or killed in the line of duty as they have protected us and provided safety and security for our American
way of life.
Michigan Bikers Helping Veterans (Michigan)
Website: http://www.supportmiveterans.org
The Michigan Bikers Helping Veterans (MBHV) is a registered non-profit charity that receives donated
funds to distribute in Michigan to provide assistance to deserving families of the fallen and/or wounded
service personnel, or veterans in critical financial need.
Operation Family Fund
Website: http://www.operationfamilyfund.org
Our mission is to assist the injured and families of the those who have been injured or killed as a part
of the Global War on Terrorism, whether domestic or abroad, military or civilian,with financial grants
for transitioning to their new circumstances and achieving financial self-sufficiency.
Operation One Voice
Operation One Voice provides emergency and/or immediate support to wounded or fallen SOF families
on a case-by-case basis working directly with the United States Special Operations Command Care
Coalition.
Special Ops Survivors
Emergency Financial Aid
There are times in life when the unexpected occurs and surviving spouses might find themselves in
a difficult financial situation. Special Ops Survivors can provide a small amount of money to help sur-
vivors who find themselves in these situations. These funds are intended to cover critical expenses
such as insurance deductibles and car repair bills.
Salute American Heroes
100 Broadway
Ossining, NY 10562
Phone: 914-432-5400
Website: www.saluteheroes.org
Offers several programs such as Homes For the Wounded, Kids Camps, Family Support Network, and Emergency Financial Aid (pays for utilities, mortgage & rent, groceries, car payments including deposits
and repairs, home repairs, air travel & lodging, school supplies & clothing, medical bills & co-pays and
loans).
USA Cares
P.O. Box 759
Radcliff, KY 40159
Phone: 800-773-0387
Email: info@USACares.org
Website: www.USACares.org
The mission of USA Cares is to help service members and their families around the globe by helping
with emergency expenses. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has assisted more than 3,010
families and resources more than $1.2 million in grants for emergency needs like clothing, travel, food, auto repair, and other expenses.Service members and their families can make a request for funds through
the organization's website.
UNMET NEEDS PROGRAM
VFW National Headquarters
406 W. 34th
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-756-3390
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VFW Washington Office
200 Maryland Ave., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone: 202-543-2239
The VFW offers a wide range of assistance programs aimed at helping veterans of every generation. Whether that means providing free, professional help filing or appealing a VA claim, offering scholar-
ships for post-secondary education or providing emergency financial relief when times get tough, the
VFW is there for America's veterans.
VFW Auxillary National Chapter
406 W. 34th St.
Kansas City, Missouri 64111-2721
Phone: 816-561-8655
Website: www.vfwauxiliary.org
The VFW Auxiliary offers cancer grants to members who are battling cancer.
Eligibility requirements:
1. Applicant must be a member of the VFW Auxiliary for one (1) full year
2. Current dues must be paid before applying for a cancer grant
3. After twelve (12) months have passed from date of diagnosis or last treatment, application
will not be accepted.
4. A member is allowed two (2) grants during lifetime. Twelve (12) months must elapse between
new diagnosis and/or treatment from date of first grant for a second application to be considered. Continuous treatment which lasts beyond the twelve (12) month period will qualify for a second
grant.
5. Application will be rejected if member has been deceased for longer than 30 days.
SOLDIER'S ANGELS
2895 NE Loop 410 Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78218
Phone: 210-629-0020
Soldiers' Angels has programs to support military families, deployed service members, wounded
heroes, and veterans of all eras. Our programs are broken into categories based on the population
they serve. Most of our programs could not be possible without the support of our wonderful Angel
volunteers who dedicate their time, money, and talents to the organization.
The National Association of Atomic Veterans
Phone: 1-800-729-7327
Website: www.naav.com
This group is searching for about 195,000 vets who were exposed to radiation from atmospheric
nuclear tests between 1945 and 1962 OR as part of the occupation forces at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
These men and women could receive a one-time $75,000 benefit from the U.S. government under the
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 or a monthly disability payment of up to $2,673 from
the Dept. of Veteran Affairs if they contracted any of 21 different cancers traced to radiation exposure.
Few veterans have applied for these benefits.Their widows and children are eligible too, if their family
member died before receiving a benefit. Applicants need medical records and location of exposure.
Once the application is filed, government lawyers ask the Defense Threat Reduction Agency for help
in verifying the claim.
Wounded Warrior Project
7020 AC Skinner Pkwy. #100
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Phone: 877-832-6997 904-296-7350
Website: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Provides the following programs:
Grants to VA Hospitals to purchase life-enhancing and life-saving equipment (Healthcare for Heroes)
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Provides money to organizations dedicated to providing affordable housing to Veterans
(Housing for Heroes)
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Provides used adapted vans donated to or purchased directly by the organization. Additionally, they
may assist in adapting a vehicle for a veteran who meets certain financial guidelines (Vans 4 Vets)
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Wounded Warrior Project starts at the beds of the severely injured as they undergo treatment and
rehabilitation at the Dept. of Defense facilities and throughout their rehabilitation. To be eligible the
veteran must be an honorably discharged veteran of the United States military and have a severe
physical disability which leaves him/her in a wheelchair. Also, the veteran's income must fall within
the poverty guidelines established by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs for a single person or family.
Patriot Express Pilot Loan
Phone: 313-226-6075
Website: www.sba.gov/patriotexpress
Available to active-duty service members as well as veterans and their spouses. The Small Business Association is making the Patriot Express loan available through its network of participating lenders
across the country. These loans, which are available in amounts up to $500,000 can be used for most
business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory
or business-occupied real estate purchases.
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Military Reserve Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Up to $1.5 million that can be used to help reservists prepare their businesses before they leave. They
can also be used to help manage their businesses while they are gone.
COALITION TO SALUTE AMERICAN HEROES
552 Fort Evans Suite 300
Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone: 703-291-4605 Toll-Free: 888-447-2588
Email: info@saluteheroes.org
Website: www.saluteheroes.org
For the thousands of seriously wounded veterans in Afghanistan and Iraq, the struggle to overcome
the challenges in their lives caused by the injuries and illnesses they sustained in combat is one that
must be endured every day. The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes was established to ensure that
in return for the sacrifices they made for us, these wounded veterans and their families receive all the
support needed to restore their hope and rebuild their lives. Founded in 2004 as a non-profit, non-
partisan 501(c) (3) organization, the Coalition is among the nation’s leading charities whose donors
provide the wounded veterans and families of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom,
and Operation New Dawn the aid and assistance needed for their long roads to recovery.
MARINE CORPS LAW ENFORCEMENT FOUNDATION
273 Columbus Ave. Suite 10
Tuckahoe, NY 10707
Phone: 877-606-1775 Toll Free
Email: info@mc-lef.org
Website: https://www.mc-lef.org
OUR MISSION:
Thanks to our generous donors, MC-LEF currently establishes a $35,000 educational account for every
child who loses a parent serving in the United States Marine Corps or any Federal Law Enforcement
Agency. Since our founding in 1995, MC-LEF has awarded over $78 million in educational accounts and
other humanitarian assistance to over 4100 recipients. We have only one paid employee and, therefore,
the vast majority of our efforts are performed by a dedicated group of volunteers who run our various
events. Additionally, all officers and board members are also volunteers and together, we are extremely
efficient in running our organization so that donor funds are predominantly used to accomplish our mis-
sion of Educating the Children of Those Who Sacrificed All.
AMERICAN LEGION CHARITIES
P.O. Box 361626
Indianapolis, IN 46236
Phone: 317-860-3009
Website: www.legion.org
PROGRAMS:
National Emergency Fund:
Directs immediate cash grants to Legionnaires who are recovering from natural disasters.
Endowment Fund:
Funds Temporary Financial Assistance grants to Veterans with children in need and Department
Service Officer Schools so service officers can provide quality assistance to Veterans.
Legacy Scholarship Fund:
Provides scholarship money for children whose parents have died on active-duty since Sept. 11th,
2001.
Soldier's Wish:
Identifies the unmet needs of U.S. military personnel, Veterans and their families, and provides the
necessary resources to meet those needs.
The PenFed Foundation
P.O. Box 1432
Alexandria, VA 22313-1432
Phone: 703-838-1200
Email: militaryheroes@penfed.org
The Emergency Financial Assistance program will be removing the combat related service
requirement, and will be accepting all Post-911 veterans under a pilot program from Nov.
20, 2020 to March 20, 2021. To be eligible for this program you must:
- Have served post 9-11
- Have a VA disability rating of 10% or more
- Have been honorably discharged
- Financial setback must be at least 30 days and no more than 90 days
FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR GOLD STAR FAMILIES! Click on the Yellow Star!
MILITARY FAMILIES!
Soldier's Angels Baby Brigade
Soldiers’ Angels Baby Brigade provides virtual baby showers for expectant families of the
military community, including:
- Spouses of deployed service members
- Spouses of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans
- Expectant post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans
Expectant mothers will receive virtual baby showers from Angel volunteers across the country.
Our dedicated volunteers not only shop for baby items to help the military family prepare for
their new little bundle of joy but many also put their personal sewing and crafting talents to use
and lovingly create handmade baby gifts, including blankets and booties. In addition, mothers
will receive a special gift basket from Soldiers’ Angels.
FREE HELP FOR FAMILIES WITH AUTISTIC CHILDREN
ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today) for Military Families
ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), is a national non-profit organization whose mission
is to raise awareness and provide treatment services to families that cannot afford the treatments and
services their children require. Recognizing the extra-ordinary challenges military families experience
(waging a battle on two fronts...one for their country and another for their children), ACT Today! for
Military Families is a dedicated fund to assist military families impacted by autism. ACT Today! for
Military Families works to improve awareness and delivery of effective autism services, and provides financial assistance to military families to help defray out-of-pocket costs associated with autism treat-
ments and other quality of life programs.
FREE COMPUTERS, ETC.
OPERATION WE ARE HERE
Email: opwearehere@gmail.com
Website: http://www.operationwearehere.com
Operation We Are Here is a one-stop HUB of resources for the military community and military supporters
that offers:
- A clearinghouse of resources for the military community
- Practical insights in caring for the military community
- The ONLY interest-based list for military supporters
- Free Thank You cards to download, print and share
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With the generosity of our supporters, our Operation Reconnect programs provides computers to military families, providing them the means to stay in touch across the miles.
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- Adopt a military family programs (deployment, Thanksgiving, Christmas)
- Air travel assistance
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Financial assistance for:
- Wounded warrior families
- Families of the fallen (Gold Star families)
- Financial guidance
- Homelessness (or at risk)
- Military discounts and more
- Transportation assistance
- Wishes granted
FREE HELP FOR VEHICLES
Be sure to check on this website under
Keys to Progress
Since 2013, Progressive has been honoring veterans with vehicle donations through the Keys To
Progress® program. So far, we’ve donated more than 600 vehicles to veterans and veteran organi-
zations.The one-day vehicle giveaway event happens every November and is a strong source of
pride for everyone who works here.
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Every November, we host a one-day vehicle giveaway event for veterans at various Progressive
offices and authorized vehicle repair facility locations across the United States. Counting this
year, we will have donated more than 600 vehicles to veterans and veteran organizations since 2013. Applications are reviewed starting in May of each program year and recipients are typically
selected and contacted by September 30th per year.
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If you are a veteran and have interest in being a Keys to Progress program vehicle recipient you
need to apply through a non-profit organization (e.g., charity, military association like a Veterans
of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, Veterans Administration (VA) hospital, etc.) and meet specific criteria.
(Visit the website for more detailed information.)
FREE VACATIONS FOR VETS!
CHALLENGE ASPEN
P.O. Box 6639
Snowmass Village, CO 81615
Phone: 970-923-3004
Email: info@challengeaspen.com
Website: www.challengeaspen.com
Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities (CAMO) provides adaptive therapeutic recreation and wellness experiences for military personnel diagnosed with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. CAMO offers
an opportunity for veterans, their spouses/partners and caregivers to reconnect with outdoor recreation activities through professional adaptive instruction for summer and winter sports. CAMO encourages participants to attend one summer and one winter retreat so they can be exposed to one or more activities
that may open the door to continued health and wellness.
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If you are interested in attending a CAMO retreat,
please follow these steps:
1. Please refer to our eligibility guidelines to make sure you qualify.
2. Fill out the online application.
3. Read, sign and submit the Drug and Alcohol Policy form.
GARY SINESE FOUNDATION
PO Box 368
Woodland Hills, CA 91365
Phone: 888-708-7757
At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first
responders, their families, and those in need. We do this by creating and supporting unique
programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.
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HOME MODIFICATIONS, MOBILITY DEVICES & ADAPTED VEHICLES
First Responders Outreach, we provide help to critical funding for emergency relief, training, and
essential equipment to ensure these heroes perform to the best of their abilities.heroes next door.
We also help those that are severely wounded in the line of duty by building 100% mortgage-free,
specially adapted smart homes, as well as home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted
vehicles to restore their mobility and independence.strengthen our defenders. Through the Gary
Sinise Foundation’s First Responders Outreach, we provide help to critical funding for emergency
relief, training, and essential equipment to ensure these heroes perform to the best of their abilities.
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R.I.S.E. SPECIALLY ADAPTED SMART HOMES
We’re constructing one-of-a-kind specially adapted smart homes for our nation’s most severely
wounded heroes. This initiative predominantly supports our Post 9/11 defenders, that were injured
in combat operations or during training while performing their duties. These 100% mortgage-free
homes ease the daily challenges faced by these heroes and their families who sacrifice alongside
them. We’re also providing home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to our inj-
ured, wounded, ill, and/or aging heroes. Many wounded heroes lack the means to update their homes
and customize their transportation to suit their individual needs. We’re providing our injured, wounded,
ill and/or aging heroes with the resources they need to regain their mobility and independence.
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SNOWBALL EXPRESS!
Website: www.SnowballExpress.org
Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express serves the children of fallen military heroes. In 2017,
Snowball Express became an official Gary Sinise Foundation initiative. We are committed to
maintaining the wonderful traditions while finding new and exciting ways to serve our families
of the fallen.
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H.O.P.E.
Heal, Overcome, Persevere & Excel. Our H.O.P.E. initiative provides complete support to those who
have experienced trauma, illness, injury, or loss during their times of urgent need, sometimes with
assistance as simple as help paying bills or buying groceries.
Vacations for Veterans LLC
9435 Lorton Market St. #105
Lorton, VA 22079
Website: www.vacationsforveterans.org
Vacations For Veterans seeks to provide a week of free lodgings to veterans who have been awarded
the Purple Heart Medal for action in any military campaign after 2001.Though it would be our honor to
help all veterans, due to the small size of our organization, Vacations For Veterans has a very limited
mission to help only Purple Heart Medal recipients during this time period in an effort to help our youn-
ger veterans, most of whom cannot afford vacations.
National Military Family Association
2800 Eisenhower Ave. Suite 250
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-931-6632
Email: info@MilitaryFamily.org
Military Spouse Scholarships
NMFA can help fund education, career, or business goals for military spouses.The mission of this
scholarship program is to help prepare military spouses for meaningful employment and to better
contribute to their family’s financial security. Our scholarships are awarded to spouses of members
of all Uniformed Services. NMFA awards an average of $500 for career funding and $1000 for degrees.
Up to $2500 is available for clinical supervision towards licensure in the mental health profession.
Spouses are also eligible for funding, typically $1000, to build their own businesses.
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At Operation Purple Camp we embrace being “purple” and bring together military kids from all ranks
and services, including National Guard and Reserve components, to a unique and memorable summer
camp experience.
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Operation Purple Family Retreats provide military families with the opportunity to reconnect as a family.
We are bringing families to beautiful outdoor locations in order to provide fun family-oriented activities
and the ability to spend quality time together. We’ve tailored a special retreat program that is designed
to support wounded service members and their families.The Operation Purple Healing Adventures
program celebrates rediscovering family-fun and togetherness after an injury.
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Operation Purple Buddy Camp gives younger military kids, ages 5-8, the experience of Operation Purple
Camp, combined with one-on-one bonding and resiliency-strengthening experience with their adult
“buddy.” The adult can be mom or dad, grandparent or guardian.
Dream Foundation
1528 Chapala Suite 304
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 888-4DREAMS 888-437-3267
Website: https://www.dreamfoundation.org
Dream Foundation’s Dreams touch lives, meet essential needs and provide inspiration, comfort and
closure at the end of life. Over the past two decades, our Dreams have provided psycho-social and
emotional support tailored to thousands of terminally-ill adults and their families. Our work plays a
critical role in the special end-of-life care that focuses on improving quality of life for patients and
their families. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organi-
zations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to more than 32,000 Dreams over
the past 25 years.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Dream recipients live in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, are 18 and older, are diagnosed
with a life limiting illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less, and lack the resources to fulfill the
Dream themselves.
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Dreams for Veterans
Dream recipients live in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, are U.S. military veterans 18
and older diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of 12 months or less, can provide
proof of U.S. military service* and lack the resources to fulfill the Dream themselves. If the applicant
is currently serving on active duty, in the Reserve or National Guard, proof of service is required.
FREE FEDERAL PARK PASSES FOR VETERANS!
Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal recreation lands and
national parks for free with an America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Lifetime Access Pass through an inter-agency partnership between the U.S. Dept. of the Interior,
National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Army
Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. Good for entry into thousands of federally managed
recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says
thank you for the service and sacrifices of U.S. Veterans with disabilities.The Access Pass admits the
pass-owner and any passengers in a single, private vehicle (non-commercial) at per-vehicle entrance
and day use fee areas; or, the pass owner plus three additional adults where per-person fees are char-
ged. In addition to free entry at participating sites, the Access Pass includes discounts on some ex-
panded amenity fees such as camping. Sites recommend that pass owners check with each site before
visiting for details about Access Pass entry and discounts.
Veterans who have been medically determined to have a disability are eligible for the Lifetime Access
Pass—with three options for obtaining the pass:
First, Veterans with disability documentation can order the Access Pass online for a $10 processing
fee which includes standard shipping.
Documentation required includes:
1. Proof of residency
2. VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income
Second, the Inter-agency Access Pass may be obtained through the mail. Download a paper application from https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass. Follow the instructions on the website and pay the document processing fee of $10. Once the application package is received by USGS, the documentation will be
verified and a pass imprinted with the pass owner’s name will be mailed to the applicant.
Passes ordered online or through the mail will be delivered 3 to 4 weeks after receipt of documentation
and processing payment.
Third, an option is for disabled Veterans to visit a participating federal recreation site where inter-agency
passes are issued, present photo identification (e.g., Driver’s license, State ID, birth certificate, Passport,
or permanent resident card), provide documentation of permanent disability, or read and sign a Statement
of Permanent Disability affidavit. That’s It. The Pass is free and issued at the time of entry.
Make sure to have photo ID available when using your Lifetime Access Pass and enjoy the majestic
scenery and abundant recreational opportunities our National Parks provide many Veterans, with a
service connected disability rating, are entering Federal recreation lands and national parks for free
with an America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands lifetime Access Pass
through an inter-agency partnership between the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service,
Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers and
the Bureau of Reclamation. Good for entry into thousands of federally managed recreation sites across
the country,the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of U. S. Veterans with disabilities.
GENERAL FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR
VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILIES
This page was last updated: April 7, 2021
