Grants for Transportation in Highly Rural Areas

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering funding through the Fiscal Year 2025 Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas Program. This program is established under 38 CFR 17.700-17.730 and is authorized by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010. The objective of the grant is to increase access to VA care for Veterans residing in highly rural areas, defined as counties or contiguous counties with fewer than seven persons per square mile. The program aims to address the challenge of limited transportation options by enabling eligible organizations to provide transportation services for Veterans to VA-authorized medical facilities. Approximately $8 million is allocated for this funding opportunity in FY 2025, with anticipated awards ranging from $100,000 to $1.5 million. On average, 3 to 4 new awards are expected, totaling about $3 million. A single grant will not exceed $500,000 per highly rural area, and only one award may be issued per eligible highly rural area. Grants awarded under this opportunity will cover a one-year period and are contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds. Grant funds may be used for direct transportation services, procurement of ADA-compliant vans, and innovative transportation models, but must not be used for services where VA funds are already being charged. Only Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and State Veterans Service Agencies are eligible to apply. These entities must be recognized under 38 U.S.C. 5902 by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Grantees must demonstrate fiscal integrity and the ability to manage the funds responsibly. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov no later than 4:00 p.m. EDT on August 18, 2025. Only one application per applicant will be accepted, and the last application submitted (based on timestamp) will be reviewed if multiple are received. Application requirements include submission of the SF-424 cover sheet, a detailed program narrative describing innovative transportation methods, and a budget detail worksheet aligned with the program's objectives. Applicants must also provide information regarding ADA vehicle acquisitions and ensure tribal resolutions are submitted if applicable. A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and registration with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) are required prior to application submission. The VA’s Veterans Transportation Program (VTP) Office will evaluate applications based on program implementation (up to 40 points), evaluation plans (up to 30 points), past partnerships (up to 10 points), and innovative aspects (up to 10 points). A minimum score of 50 points is required for consideration. The VTP will rank applicants and recommend awards to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who will make final determinations. Selected applicants must comply with all federal requirements and reporting obligations, including the submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual performance and financial reports. Required data include veteran transport details, distances traveled, services delivered, and expenditure of funds. Reports must also comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) and related federal audit and financial reporting standards.

Applicants should submit at least 72 hours early to resolve validation issues. Only final submission reviewed.