Our Programs

Dream Program

“This has been an amazing experience. Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity. This experience has given me great peace!”

— Kim, 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

20%

Dreams using In-Kind donations

87%

Emergency Dreams served

13%

Dream deliveries

49%

Dream Videos

Volunteer Hours

dream host

1,095

flower empower

6,750

office and cards

3,000

toy program

296

total hours

11,141

total value of hours*

$430,154

*Based on California Independent Sector’s value of volunteer time at $38.61/hour

DREAMS FOR VETERANS

“My family and I have been truly blessed with all the wonderful gifts from Dream Foundation. What they have given us is a wonderful priceless moment. Hawaii is the land of beautiful everything, and for me … a second to forget about my cancer. Our days and hearts were full for the entirety of our trip. Thank you so very much for your generosity and everything you have done for my family.”

— Michele, 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

“I didn’t realize it would have such a profound impact. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

— Flower Empower recipient John

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 125,000 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 2024, the Flower Empower program logged 6,750 volunteer hours and arranged 12,771 bouquets. Flower delivery referrals come from cancer centers, nurses, social workers, hospices, elder support organizations and the community at large.

Dream Toy Program

“These gifts couldn’t have come at a better time. Our granddaughter, Sofia, was so excited and loved them. Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It brought joy to Jodi’s heart to see Sofia so happy.”

— Dream Toy program recipient Jodi & husband, David

Dream Foundation Dreams touch not only the lives of Dream recipients, but also those of their families. Around one in five Dream recipients has young children living at home. Dream Foundation’s Dream Toy Program sends gift-wrapped toys to hundreds of children who are losing a loved one each year. With each unexpected gift, we provide an opportunity to create happy memories and smiles. Since the program was introduced in 1997, dedicated volunteers have logged over 7948 hours to fill boxes with 33,450 toys, delivered to 11,150 children in 5025 families across the country.