Veterans Microgrant Program

The Dutchess County Veterans Microgrant Program is a locally administered initiative spearheaded by the Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services. It was created to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and municipalities that directly serve or recognize veterans in the county. This program reflects the County's ongoing commitment to acknowledging and enhancing the well-being of local veterans by investing in the organizations that support them. Funding for the program is allocated through the county's annual budget, with $100,000 designated in the 2024 fiscal year. Designed as a competitive grant opportunity, the Veterans Microgrant Program provides one-time grants of up to $15,000 per recipient. These funds are intended to bolster specific activities or infrastructure improvements that benefit veterans, such as program enhancements, event hosting, new equipment purchases, or facility upgrades directly related to veteran services. Examples of prior funding include kitchen renovations and appliance purchases for VFW Post 666, which improved their capacity to provide meal services and host veteran group events. Eligibility is limited to nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) designation and municipalities that currently operate programs for the benefit of veterans in Dutchess County. Notably, applicants that previously received microgrants in 2022 or 2023 are ineligible, and preference is given to organizations not already under contract with the County for veterans' services. Applicants must also demonstrate that their projects or expenditures are directly tied to enhancing services or recognition efforts for veterans. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, beginning May 6, 2024, and will remain open until all funds are disbursed. Each organization is allowed to submit only one application. Awarded funds must be used within one year of grant execution, and compliance with Dutchess County’s procurement and insurance policies is required. An initial 25% of the award is provided upon grant execution, with the remaining balance reimbursed quarterly upon submission of invoices and receipts. Reimbursement does not cover sales tax for tax-exempt organizations unless incurred out-of-state. While the application process is streamlined through Dutchess County’s online grant portal, applicants must first create an organization-level account to begin their submission. Only authorized representatives such as Executive Directors or Board Chairs may submit applications. Once awarded, recipients must also provide photographic documentation of purchases or funded activities to the Division of Veterans Services. Additionally, the program stipulates that incomplete or undocumented expenses may be subject to fund recapture. For questions or further information, applicants can contact the Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services via email at [email protected] or by mail at 1335 Route 44, Suite #2, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569. The program does not provide staff support for drafting applications or developing program concepts. Applicants are encouraged to review all compliance and insurance requirements in detail before submission to ensure full adherence to County policies.

Submit one application only; invoices and photos mandatory; incomplete documentation may trigger recapture.