Our Programs

Dream Program

“I have no words. Everything was just…I don’t even know how to explain it. I just want to say, to everyone, thank you for making this happen and for supporting me no matter what, what I have been through, and I really appreciate you all doing that. And making my Dream come true!”

— Kellirae, Dream recipient

Dream Foundation’s Dream program fulfills Dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. A nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors helped us give life to 583 Dreams in 2023.

Dreams by Age

Type of Dreams

Dreams by Condition

Dream recipients with children in the home

22%

Dreams using In-Kind donations

69%

Emergency Dreams served

14%

Dream deliveries

56%

Dream Videos

Kellirae’s Dream

Kim’s Dream

Volunteer Hours

dream host

1,550

flower empower

6,096

toy program

421

total hours

8,067

total value of hours*

$303,561

*Based on California Independent Sector’s value of volunteer time at $37.63/hour

DREAMS FOR VETERANS

“There are no words to describe how this trip has made me feel. Thank you for all that you do for Veterans who have been diagnosed like me.”

— Patricia, U.S. Army Veteran & Dream recipient

Officially launched in Washington, D.C., in 2015, Dreams for Veterans tailors the Dream experience to veterans and their families. Dream recipients are U.S. military veterans, active service members, and members of the Reserve and National Guard. Dreams for Veterans acknowledges veterans and honors their service by fulfilling their final Dream, providing them, their families and caregivers inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. In 2023, Dreams for Veterans served 62 Dreams for those who selflessly served our nation.

On Veterans Day in 2016, Dream Foundation, the only national Dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, was honored to enter into a new strategic partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve the lives of veterans with life-limiting illnesses.

Through our Dreams for Veterans program, Dream Foundation and VA are working closely together to facilitate positive events, provide motivational support and fulfill final dreams for Veterans and their families. In addition, we are connecting to VA hospice care providers and palliative care social workers to offer resources to address some of the unique needs of veterans.

Percentage of Dreams for Veterans that have been served.

Flower Empower

“The flowers we received each week were so powerful, I often cried. Volunteers dedicate time out of their lives to create and deliver each bouquet. It is so generous and so kind. I was so thankful for this extra layer of support.”

— Flower Empower recipient Pam

Flower Empower is a Santa Barbara-based, volunteer-driven program. Since its inception in 1994, Flower Empower has served thousands of community members by providing more than 120,000 bouquets, fresh baked cookies, artisanal chocolates and cards to people in hospices, cancer centers and private homes. Each week, roughly 25 volunteers assemble between 180 and 240 bouquets using donated flowers. In 2023, the Flower Empower program logged 6,096 volunteer hours and arranged 10,473 bouquets. Flower delivery referrals come from cancer centers, nurses, social workers, hospices, elder support organizations and the community at large.

Dream Toy Program

“We received the toy box. We were all crying and are very grateful. It’s so nice that you think about the kids too.”

— Dream Toy Program recipient Julio

Dream Foundation Dreams touch not only the lives of Dream recipients, but also those of their families. About 22% percent of Dream recipients have young children living at home. Each year, Dream Foundation’s Dream Toy Program reaches hundreds of children who are losing a loved one. With each unexpected gift, we provide an opportunity to create happy memories and smiles. In 2023 our dedicated volunteers logged over 421 hours to fill boxes with 685 gift wrapped toys, and these were delivered to 220 children in 117 families across the country.