VA GPD Per Diem Only NOFO

The VA GPD Per Diem Only (PDO) Grant administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program is a competitive funding opportunity aimed at supporting community-based organizations in providing transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. The program’s core objective is to assist veterans in achieving housing stability and securing permanent housing, thus contributing to the federal goal of ending veteran homelessness. It aligns with federal initiatives including Executive Order 14296 and emphasizes equitable access to care and services. The GPD PDO NOFO supports two service models: transitional supportive housing (with five bed types) and service centers that provide on-demand services to unsheltered veterans. This grant opportunity anticipates awarding approximately 350 Per Diem Only grants to support around 10,500 transitional housing beds and 15 service centers across the U.S. Grantees may apply for either transitional beds or a service center in each application—combination applications are not permitted. Transitional housing projects may include one or more of the following models: Bridge Housing (BH), Clinical Treatment (CT), Hospital to Housing (HH), Low Demand (LD), and Service Intensive (SI). Each model targets a different veteran population and carries different expectations for services, outcomes, and staffing. For instance, Bridge Housing is intended for short-term stays averaging 90 days for veterans with pre-identified permanent housing solutions, while Clinical Treatment and Hospital to Housing models may support stays up to 24 months with a clinical or recuperative care focus. Allowable uses of funds include operating costs such as staff salaries, supportive services, minor dependent costs, outreach, and HMIS-related expenses. Indirect costs are permitted if the organization has a current Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) or uses the de minimis rate. However, capital expenditures, acquisition of property, or infrastructure-related costs are not permitted unless exceptional approval is granted under Made in America regulations. Importantly, funding under this NOFO must not duplicate other federal or local funding sources. VA reserves the right to fund all, part, or none of an application and may base funding levels on need and scope. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) nonprofit organizations, state and local government entities, public housing authorities, and federally recognized tribal governments. Faith-based organizations are eligible on equal terms. To qualify, entities must maintain active SAM.gov registration, have an EIN and UEI, and must not have unresolved compliance issues or failed prior GPD projects. Current grantees are eligible to reapply. Applicants must propose projects aligned with the scope of the NOFO, including conformance to bed models, minimum bed counts, and catchment area definitions. Projects must be operational within 180 days of award or risk termination. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. ET on February 18, 2026. The NOFO includes no pre-application requirements such as LOIs or concept papers, but organizations must ensure timely registration in SAM.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically through the VA GPD portal; late, incomplete, or mailed submissions will not be accepted. Required components include organizational information, site specifications, abstract, detailed narratives covering outreach, project design, staffing, coordination, and budget. Evaluation will be based on a 1,000-point scoring system, with criteria covering need, outreach, project plan, applicant ability, coordination, and project readiness. Notification of awards is anticipated around August 2026, with project start dates expected October 1, 2026. The period of performance is three years, ending September 30, 2029. Quarterly performance reviews and an annual SF-425 Federal Financial Report are required. Grantees will be monitored by VA medical center staff and are subject to annual inspections and compliance reviews. Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes such as discharge to permanent housing and employment gains for veterans. While this NOFO does not require cost sharing, financial documentation and reporting are critical to maintain compliance and funding eligibility.

Ensure responses address model-specific KPIs and emphasize coordination with VA and community services; prioritize rapid access and low-barrier intake models.