Veteran Service Officer Grant Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) administers the Grants to Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) Programs to support the work of veterans service organizations in improving service delivery and access to benefits for veterans across the Commonwealth. Authorized under 51 Pa. C.S. § 9304, this funding opportunity targets organizations committed to enhancing coordination, efficiency, and access to federal, state, and local benefits programs for veterans residing in Pennsylvania. The program reflects the state's ongoing commitment to ensuring that veterans and their families receive timely, professional assistance in navigating complex systems of care and compensation. The VSO grant program focuses on improving the administration and delivery of services to Pennsylvania veterans. The program prioritizes increased interaction between service organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, boosting the number of benefits claims filed, expanding training for veterans service officers, and enhancing outreach efforts across counties. Performance goals for the FY26 cycle include measurable increases in veteran interactions, claims filed, benefits received, and healthcare enrollments. Organizations are also expected to track training completed by grant-funded staff and document referrals to state-level veterans' programs such as the Amputee and Paralyzed Veteran’s Pension, Veterans Temporary Assistance, and others. Eligible applicants are limited to four designated veterans service organizations named in statute—the American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans. However, other organizations may qualify if they are active members of the Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission and comply with all statutory rules and program guidelines. For FY26, approximately $5.02 million is expected to be available for distribution. Funds may be used primarily (80% or more) for wages, benefits, and related personnel expenses. Up to 10% may be allocated for training provided by accredited advocacy staff, and another 10% for durable equipment used by accredited veterans service officers. Ineligible uses include construction, rent, marketing, general administrative costs, vehicle-related expenses, and training from unaccredited sources. The application period for this grant opens on January 5, 2026, and applications must be received by DMVA by 2:00 PM on February 27, 2026. All applications must be digitally signed and submitted electronically to the official grant email inbox. Attendance at a mandatory webinar on January 7, 2026, is required for all applicants. Supporting documentation includes a project narrative, a spending plan, a W-9, and an audit of the prior year’s expenditures (for previous recipients). Applications are evaluated based on narrative strength, past performance, program goals, and alignment with required metrics. Scoring is out of 100 points, with 70 points dedicated to the current proposal’s strategy and 30 points based on past results. Award announcements are expected by April 1, 2026. The grant activity period begins on July 1, 2026, and ends June 30, 2027. Grant agreements must be executed before funding is released, and disbursements will occur via electronic funds transfer through the Commonwealth’s vendor system. Monthly and quarterly reporting is required, including activity tracking, financial reporting, and performance metric evaluation. All outreach events must be documented with an After-Action Review, and grantees are responsible for submitting a final audited report by October 1, 2027, to the DMVA and relevant legislative bodies. No extensions or renewals are available for this program cycle.

Applicants should address how they will meet the stated performance goals, including increases in veteran interactions and claims submissions. No unaccredited training costs are allowed.