FREE RESOURCES & SAVINGS

Finding support shouldn't always come with a price tag.

This page was created to help first responders, military members, veterans, survivors, and their families discover free opportunities, programs, retreats, camps, memberships, grants, and experiences available throughout the United States.

Whether you're looking for healing, connection, adventure, financial assistance, support after loss, or opportunities for your children, these resources were selected to help you access programs designed specifically for the communities that serve and sacrifice for others.

Programs change throughout the year, so we encourage you to visit each organization's website for current eligibility requirements, locations, and application deadlines.

If you know of a free resource that should be added, we'd love to hear about it.

Because support should be accessible to everyone.

FREE CAMPS, RETREATS & PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES

Whether you're seeking healing, connection, adventure, grief support, or simply a chance to step away and recharge, these organizations offer free opportunities for first responders, military members, veterans, survivors, and their families.

CAMP RESILIENCE

Website: https://www.camp-resilience.org

Provides free retreats focused on wellness, peer support, resilience, leadership development, and outdoor experiences. Best for first responders, veterans, active-duty military members, caregivers, and, in select programs, spouses. We recommend Camp Resilience because it combines healing, connection, and practical tools in an environment where participants are surrounded by people who understand the lifestyle.

CAMP CORRAL

Website: https://www.campcorral.org

Provides a free week-long summer camp experience for children ages 8–15 of wounded, injured, ill, fallen, retired, veteran, and active-duty military service members. Campers participate in outdoor adventures, leadership activities, team-building exercises, and confidence-building experiences while connecting with other military children. We recommend Camp Corral because military children often carry burdens that others don't understand.

CAMP ERIN

Website: https://elunanetwork.org/camp-erin/

Provides free bereavement camps for children and teens grieving the loss of a loved one, including military and first responder families. Camp activities are combined with grief education and emotional support. We recommend Camp Erin because children often process grief differently than adults and benefit from connecting with peers who understand loss.

COMFORT ZONE CAMP

Website: https://comfortzonecamp.org

Provides free grief camps, peer support programs, and healing experiences for children, teens, and young adults who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver, or significant loved one. We recommend Comfort Zone Camp because it creates a safe environment where children can connect with others who truly understand what they are experiencing.

OPERATION 300

Website: https://operation300.com

Provides adventure camps focused on mentorship, leadership development, healing, and outdoor experiences for children of fallen military service members and, in some locations, children of fallen first responders. We recommend Operation 300 because it was built around the belief that no child should walk through loss alone.

KIDS OF OUR HEROES

Website: https://kidsofourheroes.org

Provides free adventure camps and outdoor experiences for children of fallen or severely injured military members and first responders. We recommend this organization because it helps children build confidence, resilience, and connection while surrounded by peers who understand their journey.

FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

Website: https://1strcf.org

Provides scholarships, emergency financial assistance, resiliency programs, bereavement support, and seasonal family assistance for first responder children and families. We recommend this organization because it is one of the most comprehensive nonprofits dedicated specifically to supporting first responder families.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Many of these programs have age requirements, seasonal enrollment periods, geographic restrictions, and limited openings.

We recommend applying early whenever possible. If a program is full, ask to be placed on a waiting list or check back for future opportunities.

Life-changing opportunities shouldn't be limited to those who can afford them.

FREE VACATIONS, LODGING & TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

Whether you're recovering from a difficult season, spending time with family, honoring a fallen hero, or simply looking for a chance to reconnect, several organizations provide free or low-cost vacations, lodging, retreats, and travel experiences for military members, veterans, first responders, and surviving families.

Programs vary throughout the year and often have eligibility requirements, application periods, and waitlists.

HEROES VACATION CLUB

Website: https://www.heroesvacationclub.com

Provides discounted and occasional complimentary vacation opportunities through resort partnerships and special travel programs. Best for active-duty military members, veterans, retired military personnel, first responders, and government employees. We recommend Heroes Vacation Club because it is one of the largest travel programs specifically serving military and first responder communities.

OPERATION HOMEFRONT

Website: https://www.operationhomefront.org

Provides family support programs, retreats, transitional assistance, holiday programs, and special event opportunities for military families and wounded service members. Best for military families seeking support, connection, and family-focused experiences. We recommend Operation Homefront because they offer much more than financial assistance and frequently provide opportunities designed to strengthen families.

AMERICA'S MIGHTY WARRIORS

Website: https://www.americasmightywarriors.org

Provides retreats, healing programs, recovery-focused experiences, and family support for wounded warriors, veterans, Gold Star families, and military families. Best for families navigating grief, injury, recovery, or major life transitions. We recommend this organization because healing often happens when families have space to rest, reconnect, and process difficult experiences together.

FISHING, HUNTING & OUTDOOR RETREATS

Many nonprofit organizations provide free outdoor adventures and retreat experiences for veterans, first responders, wounded warriors, and Gold Star families. Programs often include guided hunting trips, fishing experiences, outdoor recreation, family retreats, and wilderness adventures.

Organizations worth exploring include:

Wishes for Warriors
Website: https://www.wishesforwarriorscorp.org

Freedom Hunters
Website: https://freedomhunters.org

We recommend these programs because many participants report that time outdoors provides healing, connection, purpose, and a renewed sense of hope.

GOLD STAR FAMILY RETREATS

Several organizations provide no-cost retreats, conferences, camps, and family experiences specifically for surviving spouses, children, and families of fallen military service members.

Organizations worth exploring include:

TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
Website: https://www.taps.org

Snowball Express
Website: https://www.snowballexpress.org

We recommend these programs because they create opportunities for families to connect with others who understand their unique journey and experiences.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Many programs have limited openings, operate seasonally, require an application process, or prioritize wounded, injured, ill, or surviving families.

If a program is currently full, join the waitlist and check back regularly. New opportunities are added throughout the year, and availability can change quickly.

REST IS NOT A LUXURY

Everyone deserves the opportunity to step away, reconnect, create memories, and spend meaningful time with the people they love.

Sometimes healing begins with a change of scenery.

Sometimes it begins with time together.

And sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply give yourself permission to rest.

FREE PASSES, MEMBERSHIPS & EVERYDAY BENEFITS

Some of the best resources available to first responders, military members, veterans, and their families aren't retreats or camps—they're benefits many people don't know exist.

These programs provide free access to parks, museums, educational resources, memberships, events, and experiences that can help families save money while creating meaningful memories together.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL MILITARY LIFETIME PASS

Website: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Provides free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management properties. Best for veterans, Gold Star families, active-duty military members, National Guard members, and reservists. We recommend this pass because it is one of the most valuable benefits available and can save families hundreds of dollars each year.

CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED VETERAN PASS

Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30958

Provides free day-use access and additional benefits at many California State Parks for eligible California veterans. Best for California veterans who enjoy outdoor recreation, camping, and exploring state parks. We recommend this benefit because it is one of the strongest state-level veteran benefits available in California.

BLUE STAR MUSEUMS

Website: https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums

Provides free admission to participating museums across the country during the summer season. Best for active-duty military members, National Guard members, reservists, and eligible family members. We recommend Blue Star Museums because it allows military families to enjoy art, science, history, and cultural experiences at little or no cost.

VET TIX

Website: https://www.vettix.org

Provides free and discounted tickets to concerts, sporting events, performing arts productions, and family attractions. Best for veterans, active-duty military members, National Guard members, reservists, and Gold Star families. We recommend Vet Tix because it is one of the most popular and widely used benefits in the military community.

1ST TIX

Website: https://www.1sttix.org

Provides free event tickets through donated ticket programs for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, corrections professionals, and healthcare workers. We recommend 1st Tix because many first responders are unaware that a program similar to Vet Tix exists specifically for them.

KHAN ACADEMY

Website: https://www.khanacademy.org

Provides completely free education covering math, science, personal finance, career skills, test preparation, and more. Best for students, adults, military families, first responder families, and lifelong learners. We recommend Khan Academy because it remains one of the best free educational resources available anywhere.

BEFORE YOU MISS OUT

Many free benefits go unused simply because people don't know they exist.

Take a few minutes to explore these programs. You may discover opportunities that save money, create family memories, encourage learning, and provide experiences you never knew were available.

Sometimes the best resources are the ones you've already earned.

SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Serving others often comes with sacrifices that extend far beyond the job.

Fortunately, many organizations provide scholarships, grants, emergency assistance, educational support, and financial resources for first responders, military members, veterans, survivors, and their families.

Whether you're pursuing higher education, facing financial hardship, recovering from an injury, or helping a child prepare for college, these programs may help lighten the load.

FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

Website: https://1strcf.org

Provides scholarships, emergency financial assistance, bereavement support, and family assistance programs for first responder families. Best for children of first responders, families of injured first responders, and families of fallen first responders. We recommend this organization because it is one of the most comprehensive nonprofits dedicated specifically to supporting first responder families.

TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION

Website: https://t2t.org

Provides mortgage payoff programs, smart homes, housing assistance, and family support for Gold Star families, families of fallen first responders, catastrophically injured veterans, and catastrophically injured first responders. We recommend Tunnel to Towers because it remains one of the most respected organizations serving families impacted by service-related loss or life-changing injury.

FOLDS OF HONOR

Website: https://foldsofhonor.org

Provides educational scholarships for spouses and children of military service members, disabled veterans, and eligible first responder families. Best for families seeking assistance with college, private school, and educational expenses. We recommend Folds of Honor because education can change the trajectory of an entire family, and the organization continues to expand opportunities for both military and first responder families.

CHILDREN OF FALLEN PATRIOTS FOUNDATION

Website: https://www.fallenpatriots.org

Provides college scholarships and educational assistance for children of fallen military service members. We recommend this organization because its mission is simple and powerful: ensuring every child of a fallen service member has access to a college education.

OPERATION HOMEFRONT

Website: https://www.operationhomefront.org

Provides emergency financial assistance, housing support, family assistance programs, holiday support, and transitional resources for military families facing hardship. We recommend Operation Homefront because it is one of the largest organizations providing practical, real-world support to military families.

NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION

Website: https://www.firehero.org

Provides scholarship opportunities, survivor programs, family support services, educational resources, and long-term assistance for families of fallen firefighters. We recommend this organization because it remains one of the most trusted resources supporting firefighter families after loss.

BEFORE YOU ASSUME YOU DON'T QUALIFY

Many families never apply because they assume they won't qualify.

Don't self-disqualify.

Requirements change. Programs expand. New opportunities become available every year.

If a resource seems relevant to your situation, apply.

The worst outcome is hearing "no."

The best outcome could change your family's future.

Sometimes help is available—you simply have to ask.

FREE THERAPY, COUNSELING & PEER SUPPORT

Mental health support can be expensive, but cost should never be the reason someone goes without help.

Many organizations provide free counseling, peer support, crisis intervention, workshops, retreats, and mental health resources specifically for first responders, military members, veterans, and their families.

Whether you're struggling with stress, burnout, trauma, grief, retirement, relationship challenges, or simply need someone to talk to, support is available.

FIRST RESPONDER SUPPORT NETWORK (FRSN)

Website: https://www.frsn.org

Provides peer support, workshops, family programs, trauma recovery resources, and education specifically designed for first responders and their loved ones. Best for active and retired first responders, spouses, significant others, and families seeking support. We recommend FRSN because it remains one of the most respected first responder-focused organizations in the country.

SAFE CALL NOW

Website: https://www.safecallnowusa.org
Call: 206-459-3020

Provides free, confidential support and referrals 24 hours a day for first responders, corrections personnel, military members, veterans, and family members. Best for stress, burnout, emotional struggles, family concerns, addiction issues, and finding the right next step. We recommend Safe Call Now because it is often an excellent starting point for those who don't know where to begin.

COPLINE

Website: https://www.copline.org
Call: 1-800-COPLINE

Provides free, confidential peer support from retired law enforcement officers. Best for active officers, retired officers, and law enforcement families seeking understanding and support. We recommend COPLINE because few things are more powerful than speaking with someone who truly understands the profession and its challenges.

VETERANS CRISIS LINE

Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
Call: 988 then Press 1
Text: 838255

Provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day for veterans, active-duty military members, National Guard members, reservists, and their families. Best for crisis situations, emotional struggles, suicide prevention, and connecting with local resources. We recommend this resource because trained responders can provide support even when someone is not in immediate crisis.

GIVE AN HOUR

Website: https://giveanhour.org

Connects individuals with mental health professionals who donate time and services to those in need. Best for military members, veterans, military families, and individuals seeking affordable or free mental health support. We recommend Give an Hour because it has become one of the most recognized organizations dedicated to expanding access to mental health care.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)

Website: https://www.nami.org

Provides free support groups, educational programs, family resources, crisis information, and mental health advocacy. Best for individuals facing mental health challenges, caregivers, family members, and those seeking education and support. We recommend NAMI because it offers some of the most accessible and widely available mental health resources in the country.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THINGS GET WORSE

Many people wait until a crisis before seeking help.

You don't have to.

Whether you're struggling with stress, burnout, grief, trauma, retirement, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed, support is available.

The strongest people aren't the ones who carry everything alone.

They're the ones willing to reach out when they need help.

FREE LEGAL, BENEFITS & ADVOCACY RESOURCES

Navigating benefits, disability claims, line-of-duty injuries, survivor benefits, pensions, employment issues, and legal concerns can feel overwhelming.

The good news is that many organizations exist specifically to help first responders, military members, veterans, survivors, and their families understand their rights and access the benefits they have earned through service.

THE WOUNDED BLUE

Website: https://www.thewoundedblue.org

Provides advocacy, peer support, benefit guidance, injury resources, and career transition assistance for injured, disabled, and medically retired law enforcement officers. Best for officers whose careers were impacted by injury, disability, or medical retirement. We recommend The Wounded Blue because it is one of the strongest organizations in the country supporting officers facing unexpected career-ending circumstances.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLICE ORGANIZATIONS (NAPO)

Website: https://www.napo.org

Provides information regarding retirement issues, benefits, legislative updates, and law enforcement advocacy. Best for active officers, retired officers, and police families seeking information that impacts the profession. We recommend NAPO because staying informed is an important part of protecting the benefits you've earned.

TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS (TAPS)

Website: https://www.taps.org

Provides survivor assistance, grief support, benefit navigation, peer mentoring, and family programs for surviving military families and Gold Star families. We recommend TAPS because it remains one of the most comprehensive organizations supporting military survivors through every stage of their journey.

VA ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVES

Website: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp

Provides access to accredited professionals who assist veterans and their families with disability claims, appeals, survivor benefits, and VA benefit navigation. We recommend working with accredited representatives because they help veterans avoid misinformation, mistakes, and potential scams during the claims process.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS' BENEFITS (PSOB) PROGRAM

Website: https://psob.bja.ojp.gov

Provides federal death, disability, and education benefits for eligible public safety officers and their families. Best for families of fallen first responders, catastrophically injured public safety officers, and surviving family members. We recommend reviewing PSOB eligibility because many families never realize these benefits exist.

NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION

Website: https://www.firehero.org

Provides survivor support, benefit information, educational resources, family programs, and long-term assistance for firefighter families. We recommend this organization because it remains one of the most trusted sources of guidance and support following a line-of-duty death.

KNOW YOUR BENEFITS

Many first responders, military members, veterans, and survivors miss out on valuable assistance simply because they do not know the programs exist.

Don't assume someone would have told you.

Don't assume you don't qualify.

Ask questions.

Explore your options.

Seek trusted guidance.

The benefits available to you were earned through service and sacrifice. Taking the time to understand them is not asking for a handout—it's accessing resources you have already earned.

FREE EDUCATION, TRAINING & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Whether you're preparing for a second career, advancing your current profession, pursuing higher education, starting a business, or simply learning something new, there are incredible free resources available to first responders, military members, veterans, and their families.

Many of these opportunities are underutilized simply because people don't know they exist.

AMERICAN CORPORATE PARTNERS (ACP)

Website: https://www.acp-usa.org

Provides free one-on-one mentorship with professionals from Fortune 500 companies and industries including technology, healthcare, finance, government, and entrepreneurship. Best for veterans, active-duty military members, and military spouses exploring career transitions or professional growth. We recommend ACP because it is one of the strongest mentorship programs available to the military community.

VETERATI

Website: https://www.veterati.com

Provides free career mentorship and networking opportunities with professionals from a wide variety of industries. Best for veterans, military members, and military spouses seeking guidance, networking, and career advice. We recommend Veterati because career transitions become easier when you can learn from someone who has already made the journey.

LINKEDIN PREMIUM FOR MILITARY

Website: https://socialimpact.linkedin.com/programs/veterans

Provides eligible veterans and transitioning service members with access to LinkedIn Premium features and professional development resources. Best for networking, job searching, resume development, and professional growth. We recommend this program because strong professional networks often open doors to new opportunities.

ONWARD TO OPPORTUNITY (O2O)

Website: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training

Provides free professional certification training in areas such as Information Technology, Project Management, Human Resources, Customer Service, and Business Operations. Best for veterans, service members, and military spouses seeking career advancement or new professional credentials. We recommend O2O because it remains one of the most respected career-training programs available to the military community.

SCORE

Website: https://www.score.org

Provides free business mentoring, educational webinars, startup guidance, and business-planning assistance. Best for entrepreneurs, small business owners, veterans, and first responders interested in starting or growing a business. We recommend SCORE because many people discover their next mission through entrepreneurship and self-employment.

KHAN ACADEMY

Website: https://www.khanacademy.org

Provides completely free education in math, science, finance, economics, computer programming, test preparation, and more. Best for students, adults, families, career changers, and lifelong learners. We recommend Khan Academy because it remains one of the most valuable free educational resources available anywhere.

COURSERA

Website: https://www.coursera.org

Provides access to thousands of free online courses from universities, industry leaders, and professional organizations. Best for career changers, lifelong learners, veterans, first responders, and anyone interested in developing new skills. We recommend Coursera because it allows people to explore new interests and gain knowledge without a significant financial commitment.

INVEST IN YOURSELF

Many first responders spend years investing in everyone else.

This chapter may be the perfect opportunity to invest in yourself.

A new certification.

A new skill.

A new career.

A new business.

A new purpose.

Learning doesn't end when service ends.

Sometimes that's exactly when the next chapter begins.

DISCOUNTS, DEALS & EVERYDAY SAVINGS

Serving others comes with sacrifices, but it also opens the door to benefits that can help stretch a family's budget.

From free event tickets and park passes to discounts on home improvement, travel, cell phone plans, and entertainment, these programs can help first responders, military members, veterans, and their families save money throughout the year.

1ST TIX

Website: https://www.1sttix.org

Provides free tickets to concerts, sporting events, family attractions, performing arts productions, and community events. Best for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, corrections professionals, and healthcare workers. We recommend 1st Tix because it remains one of the best benefits available that many first responders still don't know exists.

VET TIX

Website: https://www.vettix.org

Provides free and discounted tickets to concerts, sporting events, family attractions, and entertainment venues nationwide. Best for veterans, active-duty military members, National Guard members, reservists, and Gold Star families. We recommend Vet Tix because it helps families create experiences and memories that might otherwise be out of reach.

HOME DEPOT MILITARY DISCOUNT

Website: https://www.homedepot.com

Provides military discounts on eligible purchases for qualifying veterans, active-duty military members, and eligible military family members. We recommend this program because home improvement projects, repairs, and everyday purchases can add up quickly.

LOWE'S MILITARY DISCOUNT

Website: https://www.lowes.com

Provides military discounts on eligible purchases for veterans and active-duty military members. We recommend Lowe's because the savings can add up significantly on tools, appliances, home improvement projects, and household purchases.

CAESARS REWARDS SALUTE CARD

Website: https://www.caesars.com/myrewards/promotions/salute-card

Provides upgraded loyalty benefits, discounts, and special offers at participating Caesars properties. Best for veterans and active-duty military members. We recommend the Salute Card because it remains one of the most recognized military loyalty programs available nationwide.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL MILITARY PASS

Website: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Provides free access to thousands of federal recreation sites, including national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands. Best for veterans, active-duty military members, and Gold Star families. We recommend this benefit because it is one of the most valuable free programs available to military families.

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS

Most major wireless providers offer discounts and special plans for military members, veterans, and in some cases first responders.

AT&T Military & First Responder Programs
Website: https://www.att.com

Verizon Military & First Responder Discounts
Website: https://www.verizon.com

T-Mobile Military Plans
Website: https://www.t-mobile.com

We recommend reviewing these programs because small monthly savings can add up significantly over time.

ID.ME

Website: https://www.id.me

Provides secure verification for thousands of discounts offered by retailers, travel companies, entertainment providers, and service organizations. Best for military members, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, nurses, and teachers. We recommend ID.me because it is one of the easiest ways to discover discounts you may already qualify for.

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS

Many benefits go unused simply because people don't know they exist.

Take a few minutes to explore the programs available to you and your family.

You've earned them through service, sacrifice, and commitment.

Sometimes the best resource isn't a grant, scholarship, or retreat.

Sometimes it's simply knowing what's available.

And sometimes those small savings create opportunities for something much bigger.