Jobs for Veterans State Grants - FY 2026

The Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program for Fiscal Year 2026 is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS). The primary aim of VETS is to prepare America’s veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses for meaningful careers, provide them with employment resources and expertise, and protect their employment rights. Through the JVSG initiative, VETS supports job-focused efforts to help veterans overcome employment barriers, particularly those who are disabled, economically disadvantaged, or face educational challenges. The JVSG program funds state workforce agencies to hire and support three types of personnel: Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists, Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs), and consolidated DVOP/LVER staff (CODL). DVOP specialists provide individualized career services to veterans who have significant barriers to employment. These specialists work closely with veterans to prepare them for the civilian labor market through tailored employment services. LVERs, on the other hand, conduct outreach to local employers, advocate for hiring veterans, and build employer networks to facilitate job opportunities. CODL staff combine the roles of DVOPs and LVERs, providing flexibility in service delivery at the state level. The grant’s primary focus is on employment, labor, and training. The estimated total program funding available under this opportunity is approximately $173.9 million, and an estimated 54 awards are expected to be distributed. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds, making this grant fully federally funded. However, specific award ceilings or floors are not provided in the notice and should be confirmed during the application process or through direct contact with the grant administrator. The assistance listing associated with this opportunity is 17.801, which corresponds to the Jobs for Veterans State Grants. Eligibility for the JVSG program is limited to state governments, which aligns with the grant’s intent to support state-level workforce development efforts targeting veterans. The opportunity is offered nationwide, with all U.S. states eligible to apply. No limitations are indicated in terms of geographic or regional targeting beyond this statewide eligibility. The application window opens as of the posting date, July 29, 2025, and closes officially on November 1, 2025. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by the effective due date of August 1, 2025, to allow for possible revisions and corrections. This suggests a two-stage review process where initial submissions may be refined before the final deadline. There is no indication that this grant is offered on a rolling basis. However, the grant is recurring, meaning states can expect similar funding opportunities in future fiscal years. For applicants needing assistance, support is available through the GrantSolutions Help Desk. They can be reached by phone at 1.866.577.0771 or via email at help@grantsolutions.gov. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. Additional information, guidance, and electronic application packages are available through Grants.gov.