VA GPD Special Need Renewal NOFO

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering renewal funding through the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Special Need (SN) program to support community-based organizations that provide transitional housing and supportive services to specific vulnerable populations of Veterans. This funding opportunity is designed to assist Veterans who are either experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless and belong to one of the five SN-targeted populations: chronically mentally ill, frail elderly, individuals who care for minor dependents, terminally ill, and women. The VA anticipates awarding approximately $5 million annually for three years, distributed across 13 renewal grants, with individual awards averaging $384,000. The award period is expected to begin on or around October 1, 2026, and run through September 30, 2029. Funding is contingent upon continued program priorities, availability of funds, and past grantee performance. The GPD SN program is a critical component of the VA's broader strategy to end Veteran homelessness. Since its inception in 1994, the GPD program has delivered transitional housing and essential supportive services to Veterans, helping them achieve stability and transition into permanent housing. This renewal NOFO specifically targets organizations currently receiving GPD SN funding for projects with start dates of October 1, 2024, under the FY 2025 SN NOFO. New applicants are not eligible. Applicants may not expand the scope of the population served, though adjustments to service models are permitted. All applications must continue serving the same SN population approved for the current cycle. Allowable use of funds under this NOFO includes operational expenses related to supportive housing projects, including staffing, per diem support, HMIS participation, outreach, indirect costs, and data and evaluation costs. However, the grant does not support capital improvements, real property acquisition, or vehicle purchases (though leases are permitted for transportation purposes). Importantly, all housing units supported through this program must consist of private rooms with private bathrooms and must meet strict facility standards concerning safety, privacy, and accessibility. Eligible Veterans must meet the federal definition of homelessness and choose to reside in a supportive transitional housing setting. Applicants are expected to ensure facilities are fully operational and inspected before or by the start of the award period. Applicants are required to submit complete applications electronically by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 17, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible. Prior to submission, all applicants must have an active registration in SAM.gov, a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The application must include required forms and narrative components as outlined in Appendix A of the NOFO, including descriptions of the facility, staffing, services, and the targeted SN population. Key personnel, specifically a Project Director, must be designated. Applications will be scored on a 1,000-point scale across criteria including need, outreach, project plan, ability, coordination, and completion confidence. Award notices are expected to be issued around August 2026. Projects must be fully operational no later than 180 days after the award start date. VA will provide post-award monitoring and oversight, including annual inspections and quarterly performance reviews. Key performance indicators include rates of discharge to permanent housing, employment status, and minimizing negative exits. Grant payments will be made through designated federal systems and are based on per diem reimbursement models. Regular reporting via SF-425 and performance metrics is required throughout the grant period. This NOFO reinforces the VA’s commitment to ending Veteran homelessness and emphasizes strong coordination with Continuums of Care (CoCs), local VA medical centers, and other community partners.

Focus on aligning with previously approved SN population; avoid scope changes; ensure all eligibility requirements are met.