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The Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation Fund for Critical Financial Assistance

Now, hope is never lost.

If you need financial assistance, help is here.

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

Apply Now!

Applications for support from the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation Fund for Critical Financial Assistance surged during the government shutdown, and we are still receiving a high volume of requests from caregivers like you. Those applying now should expect approximately 4–6 weeks before our team reaches out to schedule an intake call. During that call, we’ll learn more about your situation and begin gathering the documentation needed to determine the supports that are right for you.

For those eligible for financial assistance, please be aware that the full timeline—from submitting an application to payment being issued to your vendor—is currently estimated at 6–8 weeks.

We know how much is on your shoulders, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. Our team cares deeply about you and your family, and we are working tirelessly to review every request with the attention and compassion it deserves. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this high volume of need together.

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 are experiencing a critical and urgent need for financial assistance: facing eviction or foreclosure, a utility shutoff (gas/heat, electricity, or water), food insecurity, or an immediate threat to your physical safety (including domestic violence or homelessness)—please contact us directly by email at resourcenavigation@elizabethdolefoundation.org instead of completing the intake application. In the subject line, write “Emergency Assistance” and include your DD214 along with any documentation related to your situation. Our team will respond as quickly as possible, within 48 hours.
If you are in crisis, experiencing emotional distress, or worried about someone you know, call or text The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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.

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 can 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.

Special thanks to the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation

Questions?

Email financialsupport@elizabethdolefoundation.org.

APPLY NOW
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