Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Hidden Heroes
Caregiver Journey Map Campaign for Inclusive Care

The Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance

Now, hope is never lost.

Too many caregivers are on the brink of homelessness and hunger or struggle to pay bills, due to joblessness, underemployment, unexpected care costs, and unpredictable benefits.

We’ve teamed with Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation to provide military caregivers with financial relief grants to get them back on track.

Beginning January 1, 2023, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation will review applications during the first 10 days of each month. Any applications received after the 10th day of each month will be reviewed the following month in the order received. 
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Critical financial assistance for military and veteran caregivers

The Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance will provide financial relief to all eras of military and veteran caregivers through grants that aim to put military families on the path to financial wellness. These grants provide high-impact financial assistance to prevent or address a significant crisis or to improve the quality of life of the caregiver family. This financial relief fills the gaps that other programs may not cover, such as medical bills, natural disaster assistance, transportation for appointments, or loss of income.

Caregivers who would benefit from assistance are strongly encouraged to apply. Please do not suffer through hardship when help is available.

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify to apply for the fund, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. You provide care to a wounded, ill, or injured veteran or service member (and submit proof of service).
  2. You are an adult caregiver (18 years and older).
  3. You demonstrate financial assistance need.
  4. You must seek financial support for services completed within the 50 U.S. states and territories.
  5. The vendor is legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S. (Citizen, green card holder, and/or permanent resident who can provide a W9 and SSN or ITIN).
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS

If you’ve applied to receive financial assistance, thank you for taking the necessary steps to help you and your family. Our goal is to provide this critical help to as many military and veteran families as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

The average financial assistance grant provided is $2,500.

The fund is made possible by the generosity of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. 

Eligibility

Applicants who are unable to financially fulfill needs in three categories are eligible: 

1) General – including utilities, bills, childcare, transportation, and minor car repair.

2) Housing – including rent, mortgage, minor repairs, or appliance purchase. 

3) Healthcare – including medical bills. 

Yes. We review each application and make determinations on a case-by-case basis.

Application & Selection

A panel of three reviewers from EDF’s staff will review applications to determine which applicants receive the funds utilizing a rubric aligned with the goals of the program. 

No. The process is ongoing and open until funding is no longer available. Beginning January 1, 2023, EDF will review applications during the first 10 days of each month. Any applications received after the 10th day of each month will be reviewed the following month in the order received.

No. Our expectation is that need will be greater than the funds available.

Yes. You are welcome to submit another request for funding.

Data is necessary to pursue and be accountable in the pursuit of equity and inclusion. This information does not impact an applicant’s eligibility or selection. The demographic information will not be used by the review panel during the review process. Aggregated data will be summarized and shared in reports with funders and/or the public without any personal information of the applicants.

Disbursement

No. We will not be making a list of recipients available.

A report is not required. EDF will request each funded applicant to respond to a survey once approved for funding and then 30 days post receipt of funding. EDF may request a brief anecdote about the impact on your family that would be shared on social media and/or the funder.

For EDF to process the grant we will need a Form W9 and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) of the vendor (e.g., landlord, car repair shop, childcare vendor). You can learn more about the W9 form here. We will only collect this information if you are selected for funding. EDF will not request this information from the applicant.

Please note that EDF requires at least 10 business days to process requests and make payments to the vendor / company. 

No, funds are being directly paid to the vendor providing the service.

This fund is intended to help caregivers experiencing financial crises that are either directly related or severely impact your ability to provide caregiving support.

A Path Toward Financial Wellness

The Hope Fund provides much-needed aid for the caregiver, the care receiver, and their family. Life happens and unexpected costs come up. The uncertainty of a sound financial future should not add to the stress of being a caregiver.

Every caregiver who applies for this program, regardless of whether or not you receive a grant, will be offered additional support, referrals, and access to other benefits available through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s holistic financial wellness program. It’s our mission to propel caregivers like you on a well-supported path to financial wellness.

START YOUR PATH

Additional Information

Questions? Email [email protected].

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Special thanks to the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation for joining with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to launch this program.