FAQs

Eligibility & Application

  • Dream Makers fulfills Dreams for adults living with a terminal illness in San Luis Obispo County. If you or a loved one is facing a life-threatening condition and would find comfort or joy in a final wish, we invite you to apply.

  • Dreams don’t have to be big to be beautiful. We’ve helped people enjoy simple moments like a final beach day with loved ones, a favorite meal from a local restaurant, or a visit from faraway family. Each Dream is as unique as the person behind it — if it brings comfort, joy, or connection, we’ll do our best to make it happen.

  • We regret that we are unable to grant the following types of Dreams:

    • Requests for adults with chronic illnesses - with the exception of individuals with a clinical prognosis of 12 months or less

    • Surprise Dreams

    • Legal assistance

    • Hunting

    • Funeral arrangements or posthumous requests

    • Medical treatment/supplies/equipment/transportation

    • Any Dream request deemed offensive, inappropriate or inconsistent with the values of our foundation or our corporate partners

    • Requests from individuals living outside the USA

    • Cruises

    • Cash

    • Reimbursements for completed dreams

    • Automobiles, Lifts, Repairs and RV rentals

    • Property and home improvements or repairs

    • Travel outside the United States

  • Applying is easy and heartfelt. Simply submit our initial interest form or contact us at info@Dreammakersslo.com or (805) 500-3755.

    You will be asked to share a bit about the Dream you hope to fulfill and why it matters. We will connect with you to complete the full application which includes submitting a few key documents, such as medical verification.

  • Yes. Friends, family members, caregivers, or healthcare professionals are welcome to submit an interest form on behalf of a Dreamer. Just be sure to have their consent and include their contact information, relevant information about their medical condition and the Dream being requested. We will follow up with them directly to continue the process.

  • Yes. If you know someone who is eligible, you can refer them with their permission. You’ll find more details and the interest form on our Apply for a Dream page.

  • Every Dream is different, but we do our best to move quickly and thoughtfully. Some Dreams can be fulfilled within a few weeks, while others may take more coordination. Once we receive a completed application, someone from our team will be in touch to discuss next steps.

  • Of course. If you have questions or aren’t sure if you or a loved one qualifies, we’d be happy to talk things through. Just reach out to us at info@dreammakersslo.com or call (805) 500-3755.

Ready to apply?

What to Expect

  • Once we receive your Dream submission, our team will review it and contact you to learn more about the Dream, how we might bring it to life and to help complete the full application. From there, we’ll coordinate logistics, confirm availability of resources, and keep you informed every step of the way.

  • We consider each application carefully and prioritize based on medical urgency, feasibility, and alignment with our mission. We aim to say “yes” as often as we can, while remaining mindful of the resources we have available.

  • We focus on fulfilling modest, meaningful Dreams that bring joy and connection. While we aren’t able to grant extravagant or high-cost wishes (like international travel or luxury experiences), we do our best to creatively make each Dream feel special and personal.

  • We understand that needs and circumstances can shift. If your Dream changes, just let us know — we’ll work with you to adjust the plan and still create something memorable and heartfelt.

Support & Donations

  • You can make a secure, tax-deductible donation through our PayPal donation form. One-time and monthly gifts are both appreciated and directly support the fulfillment of local Dreams.

  • 100% of your donation goes toward making Dreams happen — from meals and travel expenses to small gifts, coordination, and logistics. We’re an all-volunteer nonprofit, so your support goes directly to the people we serve.

  • While we don’t offer direct sponsorships for individual Dreams, your donation supports the entire program and helps us say “yes” to as many requests as possible. If you'd like to support in a specific way, we’re happy to talk about meaningful giving options.

  • Yes! Monthly gifts provide ongoing support and help us plan ahead. You can set up a recurring donation through our PayPal form and change or cancel at any time.

  • Absolutely. Whether you’re planning a small gathering, offering a donation-based service, or launching a community campaign, your efforts make a big difference. Reach out to us at info@dreammakersslo.com and we’ll support you however we can.

  • Yes! Many Dreams are made possible through donated resources like airline miles, theme park passes, vacation stays, or unique experiences. To join our contributor list, fill out this short form or contact us directly.

Help make Dreams come true

Getting Involved

  • You can support Dream fulfillment by donating, fundraising, or offering goods or services. We also welcome volunteers who can help with planning, logistics, or day-of coordination. If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Definitely. From donating a portion of sales to offering in-kind services or sponsoring a specific need, we love partnering with local businesses that want to give back in meaningful ways. Contact us to explore how we can work together.

  • If you have something to offer—like airline miles, tickets, lodging, or a special service—you can join our contributor list. We’ll reach out if your resources align with an upcoming Dream. Join the list here or email us at info@dreammakersslo.com.