Veterans Nonprofit Improvement Grant

The Veterans Nonprofit Improvement Grant (VNIG), administered by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), offers a one-time funding opportunity designed to enhance infrastructure supporting veteran services across the state. Aimed at 501(c)(19) tax-exempt veterans’ organizations, the program seeks to fund significant capital improvement projects that extend the usable life of facilities, improve safety, and bolster the capacity of veteran-serving spaces. This initiative reflects the State of Michigan's commitment to ensuring veterans have access to secure, compliant, and functional environments in which they can receive support and services. VNIG funding supports large-scale, one-time capital projects, including new construction, structural upgrades, major renovations, and critical systems improvements. Projects may include repairs to foundations and roofs, installation or replacement of plumbing and HVAC systems, fire suppression systems, accessibility enhancements, and exterior improvements such as parking lots or security installations. However, routine maintenance and operational costs are explicitly excluded from funding eligibility. The program emphasizes structural and safety-focused investments that add long-term value and functionality to veterans’ facilities. To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit veterans’ organizations with confirmed 501(c)(19) status and must own the facility in question. The application process requires extensive documentation of facility deterioration and liability risks. Supporting evidence may include inspection reports, code violation notices, deferred maintenance records, and incident or insurance reports. The program also prioritizes applicants that demonstrate a high level of veteran service engagement, verified through service logs or membership records. Applicants are required to indicate service volume using predefined categories ranging from 100 to over 400 members. All grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis and are considered funds of last resort. Applicants must demonstrate that other funding options have been pursued and exhausted before submitting reimbursement requests. Award amounts will not exceed $300,000, and all expenses must be incurred within the official project period, which begins upon award issuance and ends August 31, 2026. Final reports documenting outcomes and financial records are due no later than September 15, 2026. Grantees must also attend one of two mandatory post-award training sessions scheduled for May 18 and May 21, 2026. The submission process requires electronic delivery of the full application package to [email protected]. Required components include a completed application form, IRS documentation of nonprofit status, proof of facility ownership, property insurance, the most recent IRS Form 990, a one-page project proposal narrative, detailed project budget, contractor bids, and supporting documentation for design or engineering costs. All submitted applications are subject to evaluation based on the clarity of the project scope, documented need, veteran population served, and alignment with program goals. Applicants are also required to submit their organization’s conflict of interest policy and provide disclosures within 14 days of application execution. No affiliated individual—including employees or board members—may financially benefit from the award. Grant recipients will be subject to program monitoring and audit. Noncompliance with reporting requirements or misallocation of funds may result in withholding or recoupment of awarded amounts. This grant represents a significant opportunity for Michigan-based veterans' organizations to modernize and safeguard their facilities while enhancing the delivery of services to those who have served.

Ensure all documentation clearly supports need and scope. Expenses must match approved budget and occur within project period.