GRANT REQUESTS

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE has established procedures and guidelines for the Grant Request application process. We strive to review ALL requests in a timely manner in order to address the urgent and immediate needs of our wounded heroes, their families and the families of the fatally wounded.

Please review the information below, select the appropriate questionnaire, and return it to us via fax at (858) 793-5357, or e-mail: info@FreedomIsNotFree.com with “Grant Request” in the subject line.

Who can apply for a FREEDOM IS NOT FREE grant?

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE will consider grant requests from active duty, honorably discharged and retired military personnel from all branches of the military -- as well as from parents, children and spouses of active duty, honorably discharged or retired military personnel -- who have been wounded, injured or killed IN COMBAT during their military service.

Download the grant request form as a PDF file HERE

What is involved in applying for a FREEDOM IS NOT FREE grant?

The grant process involves completing and returning an application detailing the circumstances of the injury or death of the service member, and a full explanation of the assistance needed. At this time FREEDOM IS NOT FREE will only consider applications from individuals who have earned the Purple Heart medal. Applicants should include with their paperwork all debts with which they need assistance.

All grant requests must be directly related to the injury or fatality (in combat) of a service member.

How Is the information provided on the application verified?

Following receipt of the application and confirmation that it has been completed as required, it is subject to a careful verification and vetting process. Applicants should provide point of contact information for their case worker at the VA Hospital, Wounded Warrior Battalion or Warrior Transition Unit, as well as a point of contact at their current/former military command.

Who will review and approve grant requests?

The FREEDOM IS NOT FREE Purple Heart Board, comprised of active duty and retired Purple Heart Recipients, their spouses or their survivors, reviews ALL verified applications. Decisions regarding grant appropriations are made following the Board’s careful consideration of the request, the level of funds available at the time of application, the urgency of the need, and an evaluation of the degree to which the request coincides with the FREEDOM IS NOT FREE mission.

What types of assistance does FREEDOM IS NOT FREE provide?

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE has developed a series of funds intended to reserve donations and provide assistance for specifically pre-defined uses deemed necessary, including:

The Purple Heart Emergency Fund Provides a rapid financial response to families’ immediate needs in cases of the tragic loss or severe injury of a servicemember.

Emergency Travel Fund Provides financial assistance to service members’ relatives and “non-conforming” relatives, enabling them to travel to their troop’s bedside for surgery, extensive physical therapy or extended hospital stays; or to a funeral, in the case of a fatal injury.

Homes for our Heroes Provides funding to assist with the expenses involved in adapting servicemembers’ homes (or their caregivers’ homes) to accommodate a disability resulting from a combat-related injury.

Youth Camps Special sports camps for the children of our wounded and fatally wounded service members geared specifically to this group’s unique needs. Freedom Is Not Free has held both all-around sports camps and surf camps.

American Heroes Circle The general fund from which the Purple Heart Board allocates funds to respond to the majority of grant requests.

Is there an application form?

Yes. We have two application forms: an application form for injured servicemembers requesting assistance; and a form for the surviving spouses of fatally wounded servicemembers.

What are the grant limits?

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE does not have any pre-determined limits. Each request is considered on the basis of its own merits and needs and weighed within the parameters of the Purple Heart Board's criteria.

How many times may a service member or relative apply?

A service member may apply as many times as he/or she feels is necessary. Each application will be considered by the Purple Heart Board on the basis of its merits and the Board’s criteria.