our Programs
PATRIOT KIDS ACTIVITY GRANTS
A Lasting Investment in Every Child
Ages 3-18
When Kids Thrive, Caregivers & Families Breathe Easier. Hearts of Patriots proudly supports the children of combat-injured Veterans by funding extracurricular activities that spark joy, confidence, and connection.
“Our children participated in activities we otherwise couldn’t afford. Their participation provided a sense of purpose and accomplishment, boosting their confidence easing feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. The social interactions offered them a sense of stability and normalcy, particularly important given the challenges that come with having a family member with PTSD.”
— Spouse of a combat Veteran living with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury
Hearts of Patriots Supports Children of our Nation’s Heroes
Our Patriot Kids Activity Grants program supports participation in extracurricular activities that spark joy, confidence, and connection. From karate and theater to swimming lessons, art classes, robotics, tutoring, and team sports- we celebrate the full range of interests that help kids grow, discover their passions, and build lasting friendships.
HEARTS of PATRIOTS Supports Activities for Children of:
- Combat-injured Veterans
- Veterans facing temporary or unforeseen financial hardship
- Deployed National Guard and Reserves
HEARTS of PATRIOTS proudly supports these children by funding extracurricular activities that spark joy, confidence, and connection. From karate and theater to swimming lessons, art classes, robotics, tutoring, and team sports — we celebrate the full range of interests that help kids grow, discover their passions, and build lasting friendships.
ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
General Program Information
Hearts of Patriots has never denied a grant for an eligible child, all grants are subject to the availability of funds.
- Child or teen is between the ages of 3-18 (Not yet a High School graduate)
- Child has a Veteran Parent or Legal Guardian of who sustained combat-related injury or illness as a result of 9/11 while deployment overseas.
- HEARTS of PATRIOTS is not able to reimburse for payments already made to Activity Providers except when a deposit to hold the child’s spot is required.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION UPLOADS (to be uploaded with application Child’s Application)
- One of the Following: Birth Certificate if Child is biological child of Veteran OR Screenshot of a Benefits profile showing Veteran’s name and list of dependents
- Activity Cost including name of the activity provider and activity cost.
- One of the Following: Activity flyer, brochure or typed letter on organization letterhead clearly stating cost of activity.
- Requests for tutoring services or private lessons by an individual must include Instructor’s teaching certificate or license.
Combat Veteran Information & Program Eligibility
- Service Member/Veteran has sustained wounds, illness, or injuries in a combat zone while deployed in support of any post-9/11 overseas contingency operation.
- Service Member/Veteran has at least one individual disability rating of 30% or more (not combined) in one of the following categories: burns, amputation, mental health, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, PTSD or one of the presumptive conditions outlined in the PACT Act.
Deployed National Guard and Reserves Eligibility
- Service member parent/guardian is serving in the National Guard or Reserve and is deploying or being activated on a stateside mission for 90 days or more
- For Service member deployed overseas or stateside missions of 90-179 days (cumulative within 12 months) or stateside missions of 180+ days (cumulative within 12 months), each service member’s child is eligible for a grant to be paid to the activity provider during the period of deployment.
- The extracurricular activity must start before the service member returns home.
- The following are not eligible: activations for AGR or ADOS assignments, PCS orders, MANDAYS missions, training, and stateside activations for greater than two (2) years concurrently in the service member’s home state.
Veterans Facing Temporary or Unforeseen Financial Hardship
Go to application to see requirements for support
Once accepted, a child remains in our program through graduation. We partner with families year after year, knowing that growth takes time—not just one season. There’s no cap on how many children we support per household, and grants are customized to each family’s changing needs and available funding.
Random Acts of Caring
Moments That Matter - Because we recognize the quiet strength it takes to support a combat Veteran, keep children safely engaged or navigate the rhythms of deployment.
Our way of quietly showing up for those who rarely ask for help. No forms. No requests. Just quiet moments of kindness for caregivers who've been nominated by Veteran families, community partners, or our team. Each act is a reminder - You're not alone, and you are deeply valued
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CARING FOR VETERAN FAMILIES
Meeting Families Where They are Because Thriving Shouldn't Be a Luxury
Tickets to a ball game, a family movie night, or a quiet evening out, just for the Veteran and their spouse, Caring for Veteran Families responds to the everyday moments that bring comfort, joy, and connection. These are not large-scale programs, they’re simple acts of support, tailored for one household at a time. Because thriving means more than meeting basic needs; it means creating space for laughter, memory-making, and shared experiences that remind families they’re valued.
“I hadn’t seen my husband laugh like that in a long time. Just a night out at the game, but it was everything he needed.”
— Military Spouse, CFVF Grant Recipient
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COMPASSIONATE RESPONSE PROGRAM
Only available through referral – In partnership with trusted agencies like the Lorain County Veterans Service Commission, Hearts of Patriots provides emergency assistance to veterans who fall outside the guidelines of existing services. Our nonprofit flexibility allows us to respond quickly – without burdensome red tape – to meet urgent needs that might otherwise go unmet. These referrals ensure we do not duplicate support offered by organizations like United Way, NOME, MHARS, or LCVSC, but instead fill the gaps with care, dignity, and discretion.
Assistance is contingent on available funding and is designed to fill critical gaps-not duplicate existing available services. We remain committed to sustainable, targeted impact for families most in need.
“I can’t thank you enought for helping me secure the deposit for my new place, making sure “Rex” is up to date on his vaccines, and getting his emotional support cerification You’re making a huge difference in my life during a relly tough tie and I’ll always be greteful for that.”
— A combat Veteran and his Emotional Support Dog, “Rex”
