Exceptional Families Matter Grant

A year-round program providing up to $500 per enrolled EFM per fiscal year; multiple EFMs per family may receive up to $1,499 per fiscal year to help cover expenses not covered by TRICARE. (This cap is totalled with all grant programs rolled into a single number.) 

All awarded items will be shipped to the address provided in your application. Please make sure the address you enter is the one you would like to receive your item. 

Active-duty, retiree, veteran, or Guard/Reserve family members (must be a dependent) who are enrolled in EFMP, the Coast Guard Special Needs Program, or would be EFMP eligible if the service member were on active duty. Retiree and veteran families must be within 1 year of separation and provide a DD214 with the SM’s SSN redacted. Each enrolled EFM may receive up to $500 per enrolled EFM per fiscal year. Multiple EFMs per family may receive up to $ 1,499 per fiscal year (Jul 1–June 30). Applicants will not be considered if they have previously been notified that they are ineligible for a grant due to their responses on the application, or if they have received prior grants for their family but have not completed their required testimonial.

•  Assistive & Adaptive Equipment (sensory swings, orthotic-friendly shoes and socks).
• Therapy-Related Items (sensory tools, therapeutic accessories).
• Home Modifications & Safety (portable ramps, door alarms, accessibility tools). 

Not covered: medical co-pays, pharmacy co-pays, rent, utilities, debt,  equipment covered by TRICARE–even if you have been denied, or general household expenses.

 All applications will require:

• Completion of a testimonial after receiving a grant
  • By applying, you confirm that you understand and agree to share a brief testimonial about your experience with this grant. These stories help us show the real impact of our programs and secure funding so we can continue supporting families like yours. If you prefer, we can share your testimonial anonymously. Only one testimonial is needed per family member who receives a grant, even if that individual receives more than one grant. Please note that continued eligibility for future grant opportunities may depend on submitting this feedback.
• Verification of military affiliation: We must verify that you are a dependent of a US Service member. We are providing two options.
  • Examples of proof include (but are not limited to):
    • A copy of the ID card that can be downloaded as a PDF from the Humana and TriWest websites, with the name of the family member you are requesting a grant for.
    • A copy of a referral dated in the last 3 months for the family member you are requesting a grant for.
    • Please do not upload a military ID. For your protection and in accordance with federal regulations, we cannot accept uploads of military ID cards. Submitting a military ID will result in disqualification from this grant and any future grant opportunities.
• Supporting Documentation for grant requests for items
  • EFM requires a brief letter of medical necessity, with the patient's name, and the item recommended by their provider (PCM, Specialist, OT, PT, Speech, ABA, etc.) on office letterhead with a handwritten signature or a military digital signature to process applications. If you do not upload this within 30 days, we will archive this application.
    • A sample letter can be found linked on our website: https://exceptionalmilitaryfam.com/efm-grant

Most families receive a decision within 90 days. Approved items are shipped directly to the address provided on the application.  

The frequency is less important than the amount granted. Grants are provided up to $500 per EFM or $1,499 per family if there is more than one EFM in the household (totaling across all grant programs). 

Grants are provided up to $500 per EFM or $1,499 per family if there is more than one EFM in the household (totaling across all grant programs). 

Each application must be for a single item, unless the items would be used together, such as socks and shoes for orthotics.

Our grant management team and/or our executive team review each application based on urgency, impact, and fairness.

No. Grants are prioritized by need and urgency, not income level. 

No. This is a grant, not a loan.

Email: exceptional.families.matter.grant@exceptionalmilitaryfam.com