Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the requirements to stay at a Fisher House? How do I reserve a room?

  Fisher Houses are given to the military services and Department of Veterans Affairs as a gift, and the commander or director of each medical center where the houses are located are responsible for establishing the eligibility, priorities, and selection criteria. Please communicate directly with a Fisher House manager for the requirements at a specific house from the "Current Houses" section of our web site.

• Is there a charge to stay at a Fisher House?

  No. Fisher Houses at VA medical centers do not charge a room fee; all room fees for guest families at all Army, Navy, and Air Force Fisher Houses are paid by Fisher House Foundation.

• Are Fisher Houses open to all veterans?

  Fisher Houses are open to all veterans of all eras. Eligibility varies by location based on criteria established by the medical center, so it is best to reach out to the specific house for more information. Fisher House Foundation is committed to building sustainable, inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities.

• I have seen statements that no government funds are used for the program. Is this true?

  Fisher House Foundation has received some Congressionally appropriated funds for the construction of new houses. Once an individual house is gifted to the military, it is supported by two sources of funds: (1) from the income generated by a Congressionally approved trust fund maintained by each military service (these funds are referred to as "nonappropriated funds") and (2) from voluntary donations, given by individuals and organizations. Houses located at VA medical centers do receive support from U.S. tax dollars.

• If government funds are utilized, why are donations needed?

  The government pays only a portion of the costs. Ours is a "unique private - public partnership," and in many instances, because the funds benefit a specific individual or family, laws and regulations prohibit the expenditure of government funds but do permit the expenditure of privately donated funds.

• What is Fisher House Foundation’s overhead rate?

  When nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt file their annual federal tax return (IRS Form 990), they are required to categorize each expenditure in three categories: program expense, administration, and fundraising.

• Do Fisher Houses need volunteers? What skills or background are needed?

  Volunteering is done at the local Fisher Houses, and not through the Fisher House Foundation. We suggest you contact the manager of a Fisher House directly - either by telephone or email. The manager is in a better position to know what is needed at his or her house. The names, phone numbers, and email addresses for the managers is at the "Current Houses" section of our web site.

• May I stop by to visit a Fisher House?

  In almost all cases, yes, but please have the courtesy to arrange your visit through the manager of the house you wish to visit in advance. Individuals or groups wishing to visit a Fisher House should do so during the week, and not over the weekend.

• Are there going to be more Fisher Houses? Where will they be built?

  We highlight future Fisher Houses - those under construction, and in the planning or design phase - on our web site. The decision where to build is based on need, and Fisher House Foundation board approval. Normally, a need and justification is submitted from the medical center to either the service Surgeon General (Army, Navy, or Air Force) or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Fisher Houses at VA medical centers. The requesting medical center commander or director must demonstrate that the medical center's mission attracts patients from far distances (at least 50 miles) for long periods of time. While the number of beds at a medical center is a consideration, the center must normally be a "center of excellence" or referral center for other smaller medical centers or hospitals.

• Who pays to build a Fisher House?

  Fisher House Foundation pays for the construction costs and furnishings of each Fisher House. The Foundation also engages the local community to raise half the money for a new house.

• What is Fisher House Foundation’s privacy policy?

  Fisher House Foundation’s full privacy policy can be found here.

• How do I apply for a scholarship?

  There is a separate "Frequently Asked Questions" section for the Scholarships for Military Children Program. This question and others are included. Please go to www.militaryscholar.org and click on the FAQ section.

• I am a military spouse. Is there a scholarship program for me?

  Fisher House Foundation sponsors a separate scholarship program for military spouses. The program is called the Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program and is administered by the National Military Family Association in partnership with Fisher House Foundation. Find out more.

• Does Fisher House Foundation offer or provide grants?

  Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Foundation partnered to create the Fisher Service Award. This annual program will award a total of $250,000 to be divided among the top applying nonprofits with innovative programs improving the life of active duty and veteran communities. Since the program began in 1999, it has distributed more than $2.75M across 200 nonprofit programs.

• My college will start early so our first term is completed by Thanksgiving. Will my check arrive before classes are scheduled to begin?

  Normally, scholarship grants are mailed in late July. Please remember that the check will be made payable to the college or university but mailed to the recipient. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure the check is sent to the college or university and credited to the correct account.

• I just received notification that I will receive a $2,000 scholarship grant for school year 2023-24, but I now plan to take a year off and not start college until school year 2024-25. Do I send the grant check to the college now? Can the grant be held for year and applied to next year?"

  If you will not be attending college this year, please notify Scholarship Managers, and they will defer sending out your check until next year.

• If you will not be attending college this year, please notify Scholarship Managers, and they will defer sending out your check until next year.

  No, it does not.

• Can I use the funds to purchase a computer since it is now a requirement to attend classes?

  Yes, as long as it is purchased through the school and can be charged to your student account.

• I cannot get to a Post Office in order to mail the form back.

  Please scan the form and send it to Scholarship Managers at: militaryscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com

• Why was the "Scholarships For Military Children" Program created?         

  Commissaries are an integral part of the quality of life offered to service members and their families. The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) worldwide.

• Why is Fisher House Foundation involved?

  Fisher House Foundation provides a "Home Away from Home" near military medical centers for families experiencing a personal medical crisis and is one of the premier quality-of-life organizations supporting military families. The Foundation was looking for a way to expand its service to military families and has volunteered to underwrite the administration of the scholarship program.

• How many scholarships will be awarded and what is the award amount?

  The goal of the scholarship program is to award a minimum of one $2,000 scholarship at each commissary location that receives applications from students who meet all of the eligibility requirements. Based on the number of applications received, more than one scholarship may be awarded at some commissaries.

• Who is eligible to apply to the Scholarships for Military Children Program?

  Only students that possess a valid U.S. Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card may apply for a scholarship. In addition, a student's parent(s) must be one of the following: active duty, Selected Reserve (reserve/guard), deceased, or retired from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force.

  Dependent children of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), Public Health Service, other federal or military-related agencies or activities, or DoD civilian employees are not eligible unless they meet the above requirement. Applicants must ensure they have a current ID card as they must enter on the application the "benefits number" found on the reverse of the card.

  Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll, in a full-time undergraduate program of study leading to a bachelor's degree at an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall term of 2024. High school applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 basis). College applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50. College freshmen must submit a first-semester college transcript.

  Applicants attending a community or junior college must be enrolled in a program of study designed to allow them to transfer directly into a four-year program. No scholarships will be awarded to those pursuing an associate's degree as their final degree, second undergraduate, or graduate school degree.

  The scholarship awards will be given for a maximum of 4 years. Exceptions can be considered if the student is enrolled in an undergraduate program of study that normally requires more than 4 years. All exceptions will be handled on an individual basis. Except in very unusual circumstances, the scholarship award cannot be deferred for future use -- it must be used during the upcoming academic year.

  Applicants who receive an appointment to one of the U.S. Service Academies (or affiliated preparatory schools) or are awarded a full scholarship at any accredited U.S. post-secondary institution of higher education are not eligible to receive funds from this program.

• My parent is not on active duty, in the Selected Reserve or retired from the military but is authorized to shop in military commissaries as a Purple Heart recipient, a former prisoner of war, or a service-connected disabled veteran. Can I apply for the Scholarships for Military Children Program?

   Unfortunately, no. The new legislation expands the number of patrons authorized to shop in military commissaries but does not authorize any privileges for family members. To be eligible for the Scholarships for Military Children Program, the applicant must include the "benefits number" that is on the reverse of the US Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card, and dependent children of the new categories of authorized patrons do not qualify for the privilege card.

• Can I receive a scholarship grant if I plan to attend a two-year community or junior college?

  Yes, if your program of studies is designed to allow you to transfer directly into a four-year program.

• I do not qualify for a DoD ID card because I am older than 21 and not a full-time college student, but plan on attending college as a full-time student. Can I apply for a scholarship grant?

  Yes, with the stipulations that you can provide proof that you did qualify for an ID card until you reached your 21st birthday; and if you are selected, you must provide proof from an accredited college or university that you will be enrolled as a full-time student in order to receive the scholarship grant.

• I understand that children are now considered dependents through age 26. Why can't a child over 23 but younger than 26 apply?

  A child is a military dependent through age 21, or through age 23, if enrolled as a full-time college student. Some laws permit parents to extend their medical insurance coverage, including through Tricare, to their children through the child's 26th birthday, but only if they or their parents pay the full premium for that coverage. The law did not extend military dependency status to age 26 for any other purpose. Therefore, it would be unfair to revise the eligibility for a scholarship grant through the Scholarships for Military Children Program, based solely upon the payment of premiums to extend medical insurance coverage to an individual under age 26.

• I will turn 23 this year and will no longer be eligible for a military-dependent ID card. Can I still apply for this scholarship?

  Yes. You may apply if you are under 23 years of age and in possession of a valid ID card on your first scheduled day of classes of the fall semester of the academic year in which the scholarship will be applied.

• What commissary should I choose on the online application?

  Applicants, or their sponsors, need not live at or near an installation that has a commissary. When completing the online application, select the commissary where your sponsor normally shops or the commissary nearest to where your sponsor is stationed or resides.

• Which transcripts should I submit?

  Current high school seniors and college students who have not completed their first semester must submit high school transcripts. College students who have completed at least one semester must submit a college transcript (unweighted). Official transcripts are preferred but unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

• My high school will not release my official transcript to me. Is there another way to get the information required for the scholarship?

  The preferred course of action is to ask the school if they will put the transcript in a sealed envelope, which can be included with the application (be sure your name is on the envelope). If the school will not agree to this, the student or parent should contact the school guidance department and inform them that schools are required by law to release "unofficial" transcripts to parents (if the child is under the age of 18) or to the student (if the child is 18 or older). We will accept an "unofficial" transcript as a last resort.

• Are home-schooled children eligible to apply, and if so, what are the requirements for their transcript submissions?

   Yes. They should submit the same transcripts that they submit to colleges and universities when applying for admission.

• I am a DoD Civilian in Europe and have an ID card and commissary privileges. Can my son or daughter apply?

  The key factor in eligibility is "children of military active duty, reserve/guard, retired, or deceased." Many civilians work for/with the military overseas and they are permitted many of the same privileges military members enjoy (such as commissary, exchange and medical). But this program is intended to focus on "military family and quality of life" initiatives. The intent of "Scholarships for Military Children" is certainly not to exclude civilians who are also making valuable contributions, but to honor and recognize those who serve their country through the U.S. military, guard or reserve forces.

• My parent is in the reserves and I do not have a military dependent ID card nor am I registered in DEERS? What do I do?

  You and your sponsor should contact the personnel office that services his or her unit or the local military installation Pass and ID Office.

• I am the dependent spouse and also the son or daughter of an active or retired service member. Can I apply?

  This program is open to dependent military children only. There are other programs available to military spouses, such as the Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Scholarship Program, administered by the National Military Family Association. The installation education center normally has information on these programs. Once a dependent child marries, he or she loses eligibility.

• Who manages the application and selection process?

  The entire application and selection process is independently managed by Scholarship Managers (SM), an international, not-for-profit, scholarship service organization. All decisions reached by SM are final. Questions must be sent via email to SM at militaryscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com. It is very important to note that DeCA and the Fisher House Foundation are NOT involved in any aspect of the selection and notification process and should not be contacted for these matters.

• Is a child restricted from applying if a parent works on the installation or at the commissary?

  Since neither DeCA nor the federal government is administering the scholarship program, anyone who is a qualified ID card holder, enrolled in DEERS and meets the scholarship criteria may apply. A parent's place of employment is not a factor in the selection process.

• Are manufacturers raising prices to fund the scholarship program?

  Funding of the scholarship program is provided by commissary business partners such as manufacturers, suppliers or vendors who normally provide gifts or prizes for patrons through various promotional programs. Those funds instead are being donated to this unified cause through the Fisher House Foundation, program administrator for Scholarships for Military Children. Product pricing is not affected by donations to the Scholarships for Military Children Program.

• When will the recipients and non-recipients be notified?

  A personal letter will be sent to the recipients' home addresses (as given on the application) in early May of each year. Due to the large volume of applications received, and to minimize administrative costs, non-recipients will not be notified personally. The names and commissary locations of all the recipients will be posted at www.militaryscholar.org in July of each year.

• When and where will the scholarship checks be mailed?

  Scholarship Managers will mail the checks to the recipients' home addresses in early August of each year.

• Who are the scholarship checks made payable to?

  Scholarship checks issued by Scholarship Managers are made payable to the school the recipients will attend, not to the student. SM will issue a "Stop Payment" order on checks that are not cashed within 90 days of issuance and your scholarship will be forfeited.

• How much is the scholarship award?

  The Scholarship for Military Children Program will award a minimum of one $2,000 scholarship at each commissary that has qualified applicants. The awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, religious belief, national origin, rank or service of the sponsor.

• How may the scholarships be used?

  IRS Publication 970 states that scholarships may be used to pay for qualified expenses, which include tuition, fees, lab fees and books. Other degree-related costs (like supplies or equipment required for specific classes) that are purchased from, and paid directly, to the school are also allowed.

  IRS Publication 970 specifically states that scholarship money used to pay for room, board and travel is not tax-exempt, and as such, is beyond the desired purpose of this program.

• Is this scholarship need-based?

  This is a merit-based program that does not consider need. That said, the scholarship funds are to be used for undergraduate tuition only (and specific course fees that meet IRS standards mentioned above). It is not intended for room and board if tuition is already covered.

  If a student receives other scholarships (e.g. GI-Bill, 9/11 Fry Scholarship or other resources) that when combined fully meet or exceed the cost of tuition, we ask the student to consider declining this scholarship so that it is available for others. Fisher House Foundation has a limited amount of funds for scholarships and would like to help those with unmet needs.

• If I was a previous "Scholarships for Military Children" recipient, can I apply again?

  Yes!

• Where do I go if I have other questions?

  Questions concerning eligibility to apply, special circumstances that might preclude having a parent sign the application, or a request to submit the application by email rather than mail, and other similar subjects should be addressed to Fisher House Foundation by sending an email to mbanks@fisherhouse.org. Include "Scholarships for Military Children" in the subject line.

  Questions concerning the application, transcripts, grade point averages, and similar subjects should be addressed to Scholarship Managers by sending an email to militaryscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com.

  If you are having technical difficulties using the online application system, creating an account or logging in, send an email to: support@militaryscholar.org.

• Question 1

  Bold text test
  Italicized Text

  Test Link text

  1. Bullet one
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  • Bullet one
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  • Wounded, injured, and ill service members on ordinary leave may be given a round-trip airline ticket for a trip from the medical center to their home or to attend an authorized event, if they are not eligible for government funded airfare.
  • Wounded, injured and ill service members may be given a round-trip airline ticket to enable their family or close friends to visit them while they are undergoing treatment at an authorized medical center.

  Question 1

  Bold text test
  Italicized Text

  Test Link text

  1. Bullet one
  2. Bullet two
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  • Bullet one
  • Bullet two
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  • Wounded, injured, and ill service members on ordinary leave may be given a round-trip airline ticket for a trip from the medical center to their home or to attend an authorized event, if they are not eligible for government funded airfare.
  • Wounded, injured and ill service members may be given a round-trip airline ticket to enable their family or close friends to visit them while they are undergoing treatment at an authorized medical center.

• When will the 2025 award applications open? When will applications close?

  Award applications for the 2025 cycle will open on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM EDT.

  Applications will close promptly on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 9:00 PM EDT.

  There are no extensions or exemptions to this deadline.

• I am unsure if my program/organization qualifies. What are the eligibility requirements?

  Your program and/or organization must:

  • Be defined as a Section 501(c) nonprofit of the Internal Revenue Service Code
  • Have an innovative program
  • Improve the quality of life for active duty, reserve, National Guard, veterans and/or their families

  Please note: Award winners will be required to provide IRS Form 990 proving their 501(c) status, and most recent form W-9.

• How may we utilize The Fisher Service Award funding?

  Award funding may be used to execute any necessary program expense. This includes wages/salaries, supplies, capital campaigns, building repair, and professional fees (ex. Mental health counselors, physical therapist etc.).

• If I applied in previous years, can I use those same login credentials?

  No. Each award cycle, our application portal resets, erasing all information.

  With that said, all applicants MUST create a new account. You may use the same email address and password used in previous years.

• Can an organization submit entries for more than one program?

  Absolutely. However, each submission must have its own email address/log in credentials.

• Can previous winners apply?

  Yes. Previous winners with new and innovative programs (which meet the eligibility requirements) are encouraged to apply!

  If you want to resubmit a winning program, your application must explain the innovative changes since you last won. In addition, you must clearly and concisely articulate why your program should be considered again.

• Is this award program by invitation only?

  No! We encourage any eligible program to apply!

• What are the funding priorities this year?

  We do not have any funding priorities. We encourage all eligible programs to apply.

• Can we complete a hard copy of the application and submit it by mail or email? Can we request blank copies of the application?

  No. The application must be completed online. We cannot provide blank copies of the application. However, you can access the questions online through the application portal.

• Can we submit additional information, such as photos, brochures, news articles, etc., with our application?

  Yes. The application allows you to attach up to three supporting documents (up to ten pages each) to your application. We are unable to accept additional information emailed separately; it must be attached to your online application.

• Are we required to add attachments to our application? Will this disqualify our application?

  No. Attachments are not required, but we highly recommend you add them to enhance your application! Please do not attach IRS forms, and/or W-9’s. We will request those documents from the applicants who make it to the final round of judging.

• Who will judge the competition?

  Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Foundation will select individuals to serve as judges.

  Award recipients are selected by this esteemed judging panel based on the program’s innovation and the impact on the community they serve.

• What is the timeline when applicants will know if they won, and when will award recipients receive funding?

  Applicants will be informed whether they were awarded funding or not by the end of August. Funds will be distributed to awarded organizations around the time of the ceremony, which is typically in the Fall (October).

  Updates will not be provided before that time.

• If our program wins, can we use the funding to travel to the awards ceremony in the fall?

  No. Organizations may send a representative to receive their award. However, awarded funds cannot be used to cover travel expenses and must be used for the program in which they were awarded.

  We will provide one (1) airline ticket, and one (1) hotel room to each winning program so they may attend the ceremony.

• If my program is not selected for an award, can I find out why we were not selected?

  Unfortunately, no we do not provide feedback on submissions. Due to time constraints, we ask the judges to score each submission based on the criteria listed on the application. We do not require the judges to submit any notes or records to the Fisher House Foundation other than the score they award to each submission.

• What commitments, if any, will the winners have after the ceremony?

  All award winners will be required to submit 6-month and 12-month video clips that will be used for marketing materials on our social media platforms (you will be required to sign a photo and video release). You may also be asked to submit a simple budget narrative detailing how funding was expended.

• Can you share any tips to help my application?

  Yes. All applicants should:

  • Proofread your application and ensure that you do not copy and paste long paragraphs from your website. Unfortunately, words may be cut off, making the application difficult to read/or leaving the judges with incomplete sentences.
  • Clearly and concisely answer the questions, keeping in mind we are looking for innovative programs.
  • Provide attachments that help us better understand your program. We are looking for information that help paint the innovative picture making your program stand out against other applicants.
  • We will reach out to the top fifteen applicants requesting additional information; please make sure you check your email regularly, including your spam folder, as there is a short window for responses during this time.

  Please note: Once you submit your application, you will receive emails with status updates during the application process. Though you can unsubscribe from these emails, we do not recommend it. Unsubscribing may result in you missing important details about the program, including issues with your application.

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• Where can I obtain more information?

  Fisher House Foundation, Inc. is the program administrator. This webpage includes a summary of Previous Years’ Winners, including the winners' program descriptions and email addresses.

  Further questions should be directed to Shannon "Shay" Spencer-Watson:

  1-888-294-8560 or sspencer-watson@fisherhouse.org

• Who is eligible to receive tickets?

  There are two categories of eligible recipients:

  • Wounded, injured, and ill service members on ordinary leave may be given a round-trip airline ticket for a trip from the medical center to their home or to attend an authorized event, if they are not eligible for government funded airfare.
  • Wounded, injured and ill service members may be given a round-trip airline ticket to enable their family or close friends to visit them while they are undergoing treatment at an authorized medical center.

  Fisher House Foundation has administered the Hero Miles program since 2005, in accordance with the 2005 Defense Authorization Act. The program is specific in that wounded, injured, and ill service members and their families are eligible. One exception to this is the provision of airline tickets to family members attending the funeral or dignified transfer of remains of a service member killed in overseas post 9/11 contingency operations, when coordinated with the casualty assistance officer.

  “Service member” is defined as: An active duty member of the military, to include activated National Guard and reservists receiving treatment at an authorized medical treatment facility.

• How do I request a Hero Miles ticket?

  The service member will submit a request through a case worker, social work staff, or service casualty offices. At some medical centers, there are established offices to assist families, such as the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, the Warrior Transition Unit, the Warrior Family Assistance Center at SAMMC, or Marine Liaisons at Naval medical centers.

• Can a child (unaccompanied minor) travel on a Hero Miles ticket?

  Yes, however the service member is responsible for any unaccompanied minor fees.

• Does Hero Miles pay baggage fees?

  No, the service member is responsible for all fees; including but not limited to: unauthorized change fees, seat upgrades, and baggage fees.

• Do I get a paper ticket? What if I have to make a change to my itinerary once I receive my ticket?

  All tickets are electronic. The passenger will need the record locator and confirmation number along with a government issued photo ID at the airport. Fisher House Foundation does not permit any changes that would result in the Foundation paying a change fee unless the reason is a medical necessity, and beyond the ability of the passenger to anticipate. Seats set aside for award tickets are carefully controlled by the airlines and it is not always possible to make last minute changes.

• I have a three day pass; can I use a Hero Miles ticket to go home?

  You must be on ordinary leave to be eligible for a Hero Miles ticket.

• How many Hero Miles tickets can a family have and how often?

  Generally, Fisher House Foundation does not place limits on the number or frequency of the travel as long as it is reasonable and in the best interest of the wounded, injured or ill service member. While we do what we can, please be mindful that we have many eligible service members, and our resources are limited.

• Some service members will be hospitalized for extensive periods. When does the program terminate?

  Generally, when the service member enters the Medical Evaluation Board process, or when permanently assigned to a duty location.

• Can we use Hero Miles to attend an award ceremony for our loved one? Can the patient fly home on a Hero Miles Ticket for attend a ceremony in his or her honor?

  Hero Miles was established to reunite families. It is not a program for leisure travel or to reward a service member who has been wounded or injured.

• I received a Red Cross notification. Am I eligible for a Hero Miles ticket?

  Unfortunately, no. Hero Miles can only provide assistance relating to the medical treatment of a service member.

• Who are your airline partners?

  Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines.