Fund Details
Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance

Brief Description:

Introduction: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) welcomes qualified applicants to be considered for the Hope Fund for Critical Assistance Program. Applicants must demonstrate an urgent need for financial support. All awarded funds will be paid directly to vendor if request is approved by EDF.

Goal: The Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance provides financial relief to all eras of military and Veteran caregivers through a grant that aims to put you and your family on the path to financial wellness. These grants aim to provide high-impact financial assistance to prevent or address a significant crisis or to improve the quality of life of the caregiver family. These grants fill the gaps that other programs may not cover.  


Eligibility:

  • Adult caregiver, (18 years and older), for a military service member or veteran
  • Demonstrates financial assistance need
  • Vendor (company or individual) is legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S. (citizen, green card holder, and/or permanent resident who can provide a W9 that includes their SSN, TIN, or EIN. To learn more about the W9 form, please click here


Description:

Introduction: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) welcomes qualified applicants to be considered for the Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance Program. Applicants must demonstrate an urgent need for critical financial support. All awarded funds will be paid directly to vendor if request is approved by EDF. All approved vendors (the company we are making the payment for on your behalf), must provide a W-9 form. A Form W-9 is a form available from the IRS. It is a commonly used form and provides information to EDF about the company (vendor) EDF will be paying. It includes Name of company, address, and their EIN, which is like a social security number for companies. 

Goal: The Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance provides financial relief to all eras of military and Veteran caregivers through a grant that aims to put you and your family on the path to financial wellness. These grants aim to provide high-impact financial assistance to prevent or address a significant crisis or to improve the quality of life of the caregiver family. These grants fill the gaps that other programs may not cover. 

How was the Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance Program developed?

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

Who is eligible for the grant program?
  • Adult caregiver, (18 years and older), for a military service member or veteran
  • Demonstrates financial assistance need
  • Vendor or name of Company is legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S., this includes they're being a citizen, green card holder, and/or permanent resident who can provide a W9 and SSN or (TIN)
Amount: Depending on need, grants will be made on a case-by-case review at the discretion of EDF staff. These are grants that aim to assist with larger needs to put you on a path of financial wellness.

How do you define “financial assistance needs”?

If you are experiencing an unforeseen emergency with life-changing consequences, we encourage you to apply.

Examples of grants: 

Natural Disaster Assistance 

Medical/Dental bills not covered by insurance 

Home repairs/additions due to safety of Veteran 

Car modifications needed for the Veteran 

Certificate program to build job readiness skills for caregiver 

Transportation 

Am I eligible if I have already received funds from another relief effort?

Yes, depending on the need. EDF staff will review and determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Application and Selection

How will EDF select which applicants to fund?

A panel of 3 reviewers from EDF staff will review applications to determine which applicants receive the funds utilizing a rubric aligned with the goals of the program.

Are there cycles to the funding?

Applications will be reviewed for the first 10 business days of each month. Applications received after the 10th business day will be rolled over to the next month and reviewed in order of submission date. The fund will be available to provide financial assistance until the yearly budgeted amount is exhausted. 

Am I able to get this grant more than once?

This will be decided on availability of funds and on a case-by-case basis.

Can I re-apply if I’m not approved for funding? 

You are eligible to re-apply if not approved. Please contact EDF staff member before starting a new application.

Why do you require demographic data? Who can see it?

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

Frequency and Speed of Disbursements? 

A one-time check to be distributed ASAP (First come First Funded) until program funding runs out. Our intent is to get funding out as quickly as possible. Payments are made by check and mailed; U.S. Post Office delays may delay the timing of the check. This will depend upon receiving completed application and any follow up information needed from applicant as well as vendor to be paid. Critical financial assistance funds are dispensed at the discretion of EDF on a case-by-case basis. Screeners of applicants and of the application form are not acting the capacity of mental health professionals. EDF is not responsible for any implications of taxes or otherwise resulting from the acceptance of these funds.

Will you be publishing a list of recipients?

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

Will I need to provide a report if I receive funding?

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.

What will I need to get my check?

For EDF to process the grant we will need a W-9 that will include one of the following: Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) of the vendor (e.g., landlord, car repair shop, childcare vendor), or EIN (employer identification number). 

Will I need to pay taxes on the grant?

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




Begin Accepting Applications Date:
4/01/2022
Deadline Date (EST Time Zone):
12/31/2024 12:00 AM