There are so many incredible veterans wish programs, that can provide everything from adaptive equipment to dream vacations. Some even help with emergency financial assistance! These programs are basically like Make-A-Wish for veterans, helping service members and veterans experience something extraordinary.
In this guide, you’ll find seven charities that help veterans’ dreams come true. Whether you want to travel, meet a celebrity, reunite with old friends, or get special equipment, there’s a program here for you.
If you’re interested in other wish-granting opportunities, we have separate lists for organizations that grant wishes for children, adults and seniors.
How Veteran Wish Programs Work
Veteran wish programs are nonprofit initiatives that provide life-changing experiences, items, or support to service members and veterans. They often operate like the well-known Make-A-Wish program, but are tailored to the needs and interests of adults who have served in the military.
Each organization sets its own eligibility criteria, which may be based on factors like age, service era, discharge status, health condition, or current duty status. Some focus on combat-wounded veterans, others on seniors, and some on active-duty military only.
The process usually follows a similar pattern:
- Application or Nomination: The veteran, a family member, or a medical professional submits a request through the organization’s website.
- Verification: The nonprofit confirms service records, medical information, and other eligibility requirements.
- Planning: Staff or volunteers work with the veteran to coordinate the wish, whether it’s a trip, a special event, adaptive equipment, or reconnecting with loved ones.
- Fulfillment: The wish is granted, often at no cost to the veteran, thanks to donations and volunteer support.
Because most veteran wish programs can only grant one request per person in their lifetime, it’s important to think carefully about what experience or assistance would mean the most before applying.
Veterans Wish Programs
These organizations help veterans fulfill once-in-a-lifetime dreams, from travel and concerts to reconnecting with old comrades.
Operation Once in a Lifetime
This nonprofit helps service members and veterans (regardless of branch, rank, or deployment history) with experiences like visiting memorials, attending sporting events, or traveling to bucket-list destinations. They also offer emergency financial help.
In the past, they’ve helped veterans take trips to New York, Hawaii and other destinations. They also have other operations that have provided baby showers, school supplies, and other support as well!
If you are interested in requesting a wish from this organization, you’ll need to use their website contact form.
Wish of Honor
Wish of Honor is a program that grants wishes for senior veterans. This organization focuses on two main categories: requests related to military service and final wishes for veterans who are nearing the end of their lives.
This organization has granted a variety of wishes, including hunting trips, MLB pitches, and reconnecting old war buddies. They’ve also helped veterans replace dentures, reconnect with lost loves, and enjoy flights on certain planes.
You can request one for yourself or for a veteran you know using the Wish of Honor website.
Dreams for Veterans
The Dream Foundation grants wishes for veterans who are facing a short life expectancy. They don’t provide hunting trips, cruises or home repair, but there a wide range of dreams they can provide.
In order to be eligible, you must be a veteran over the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. You must have a life expectancy of 12 months or less.
Apply online with the Dream Foundation.
Trip of Honor
The Trip of Honor program helps veterans visit their former battlegrounds to view the monuments that stand in their honor.
In order to be eligible, you must be at least 65 years old and a veteran with an honorable discharge.
This organization takes senior veterans to monuments in Belgium, England, Germany, Italy, France, Hawaii, South Korea, Vietam, and Washington DC. You can see a list of upcoming trips on the Forever Young Veterans website.
Trips that are not yet fully booked can be requested by clicking “Apply for this Trip” on the Forever Young Vets website.
Hero’s Wish
Hero’s Wish by Veteran Tickets Foundation provides a once-in-a-lifetime experiences for eligible military personnel, veterans and families of veterans. This program has helped people go to Disneyland, Disney World, skiing and more.
In order to be eligible for a Hero’s Wish, you must meet these requirements:
- You must be an Active Duty military member who returned from a deployment within the last six months; OR
- You must be a severely wounded veteran with a Purple Heart award; OR
- You must be the immediate family member of someone who was killed in action.
You can only request one wish in your lifetime. You cannot apply more than once, so make sure that you think through it carefully!
Warrior’s Wish (Post 9/11 Only)
Veterans who have been severely injured in the service may be able to receive a wish from Warrior’s Wish. This program provides adaptive equipment, tools, trips, and other things that improve the quality of life for veterans who have sacrificed.
In order to be eligible for this program, you must meet these requirements:
- You must be a military veteran who sustained injuries in the line of duty after 9/11.
- You must have at least one single service-connected disability that is rated 70% or higher.
- You must be willing to submit your monthly budget.
If you would like to be considered for a Warrior’s Wish, then you will need to register on their website to begin the process.
Do It For the Love
Do It for the Love is a very specific type of veteran wish program. They provide up to four concert or music festival tickets to events in the United States or Canada. Some events are limited to two tickets. In addition to your concert tickets, the organization also tries to coordinate a meet-and-greet with the artist.
The organization prefers that you choose an event reasonably close to your home, as they can only provide up to $150 in travel reimbursement for ground transportation and only up to $350 for hotel accomodations.
In order to be eligible for tickets from Do It For the Love, you must have been wounded in the line of duty. A PTSD diagnosis also counts. Adults with life-threatening medical conditions and children with severe challenges are also eligible.
Veterans can nominate themselves. You can also have a family member or medical professional apply on your behalf. Regardless of who completes the nomination form, a medical professional will need to complete the diagnosis form. You can find the application on the Do It For The Love website.
You can only receive tickets once from this organization. It is a once-in-a-lifetime offer.
Denis V. Cooper Foundation (FL Only)
The Denis V. Cooper Foundation fulfills wishes for veterans. This organization aims to fulfill lifelong dreams like sailing, attending sporting events, visiting distant family members or taking a vacation.
In order to be eligible, you must meet these requirements:
- You must be a veteran who served honorably.
- You must have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- You must live within Manatee or Sarasota Counties in Florida.
This organization as created after Sgt. Denis V Cooper was unable to take a final fishing trip with his family. This program aims to ensure that no veterans in their area experience that same heartbreak.
You can apply for a wish on their website.
Wishes For Our Heroes
If you are an active-duty military member, then you may be able to get extra support from Wishes For Our Heroes! This group focuses on basic needs like car repairs, home repairs, baby supplies, clothing, and sometimes recreational wishes (vacations, sports events).
This program only supports people on active military status. If that’s you, you can request a wish using their online form!
FAQs about Veteran Wish Programs
If you’re new to the idea of veteran wish programs, you probably have a few questions about how they work, who can apply, and what’s covered. These programs vary in their requirements and processes, but they all share the same mission: honoring veterans by helping them experience something meaningful and memorable.
Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you get started.
Most veteran wish programs have an application form on their official website. You’ll usually need to provide proof of military service, such as a DD-214 or active-duty orders, and in some cases, medical documentation. Some programs also allow family members or medical professionals to nominate a veteran.
Yes. These programs are typically funded through donations and sponsorships, so the wish itself — whether it’s a trip, event, or piece of equipment — is granted at no cost to the veteran. Travel, lodging, and other expenses are often covered, but this can vary by organization.
Eligibility depends on the specific nonprofit. Common requirements include an honorable discharge, service during a specific era, a certain age (often 65+ for senior-focused programs), or a medical condition such as a combat injury or terminal illness. Some programs only serve active-duty military.
The timeline varies. Some wishes can be granted within a few weeks, while others — especially international trips — may take several months to plan and coordinate. Applying early increases the chances of getting your wish fulfilled.
Generally, no. Most veteran wish programs have a “once in a lifetime” rule to ensure they can help as many veterans as possible.
Relief Recap
There are at least 7 different organizations that grant wishes for veterans! If you have been honorably discharged, you may be able to make your dreams come true by requesting help from one of the organizations in this list. Don’t delay; apply today!