VA accepting grant applications for a new program helping Veterans, their spouses transition from military service

WASHINGTON - Eligible organizations providing employment-based resources and tools to help recently separated members of the Armed Forces and their spouses may now apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Through this new program, VA is set to award approximately $4 million in grants through its Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program in 2024. Each grant will be in increments of up to $500,000 and is to be matched by the grantee organization.

Priority preference will be given to applicants that either provide multiple services or are in a state with any one of these criteria:

• A high rate of unemployment among Veterans.
• A high rate of usage of unemployment benefits for recently separated members of the Armed Forces.
• A labor force or economy that has been significantly impacted by a covered public health emergency.

Key services offered by grantee organizations may include resume assistance, interview training, job recruitment training, employment placement services, employment education and training, and referrals to employment. More information on grant eligibility can be found on the webpage.

"Organizations that provide transition services are critical to supporting our more than 200,000 men and women who leave U.S. military service every year. VA - in partnership with these organizations - aims to empower and provide Veterans and their spouses the necessary support to achieve their employment goals and build successful civilian lives following this critical transition period" said Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs. "The Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program underscores VA's commitment to honoring Veterans and their family's service and sacrifice, and we encourage eligible organizations to apply."

Supporting Veterans and their families is a core pillar of President Biden's Unity Agenda for the nation. Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has focused on supporting an effective transition from military service to civilian life for Veterans and their spouses, including through expanded job training assistance. The Biden-Harris Administration and First Lady Jill Biden, through her Joining Forces initiative, continue to work to eliminate barriers to employment and increase economic opportunity for Veteran and military families.

This new grant program - the first-ever to be extended to military spouses - builds on the historic Executive Order signed by President Biden in 2023, which announced a series of new actions aimed at enhancing career stability, expanding employment resources, and improving transition assistance support for military-connected spouses.

VA offers additional services to help Veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses find and keep jobs through programs such as Personalized Career Planning and Guidance and Veteran Readiness and Employment. These programs provide career counseling, assessment, and education planning tailored to Veteran needs.

Organizations may apply at www.grants.gov. Applications will be accepted for a minimum of 30 days.

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