Why Veterans Have Access to Dedicated Grant Programs
Veterans represent one of the most targeted demographics in American grant-making. Federal law, executive orders, and decades of legislative priority have built a robust funding ecosystem specifically for former service members — whether they are starting businesses, pursuing education, dealing with service-related disabilities, or building nonprofits that serve veteran communities. The challenge is not whether the money exists; it is knowing where to look and how to position your application.
This guide covers the major federal programs, foundation grants, and state-level resources available to veterans in 2026, along with practical tips for strengthening your application.
Federal Grant Programs for Veterans
SBA Veterans Advantage and SBIR/STTR Set-Asides
The Small Business Administration does not offer direct cash grants to veteran-owned businesses, but it runs the Boots to Business entrepreneurship education program and connects veterans to funding through its resource partner network. More relevant are federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs, which set aside a portion of R&D funding for small businesses — veteran-owned firms can compete across all 11 participating agencies, including the Department of Defense (which alone distributes over $1 billion annually in SBIR/STTR awards).
To compete for SBIR/STTR funding, your business must be majority-owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, employ fewer than 500 people, and conduct a significant portion of proposed R&D in the United States. Awards in Phase I typically range from $50,000 to $300,000; Phase II awards can reach $2 million or more.
VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, which provides up to $117,014 (2026 figures) to veterans with service-connected disabilities that severely affect mobility. A related program, the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant, provides up to $23,444 for less severe mobility-related disabilities. These grants are for home purchase or modification — not business development — but represent substantial non-repayable federal support.
DOD Transition Assistance and SkillBridge
The Department of Defense SkillBridge program is not a grant in the traditional sense, but it allows transitioning service members to work for approved civilian employers or participate in approved training programs for up to 180 days before separation — while still receiving full military pay and benefits. For veterans planning to launch businesses post-service, SkillBridge apprenticeships with established companies provide both income and skills during transition.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) — Veteran Set-Aside
The USDA Rural Energy for America Program provides grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Veterans who own rural small businesses or farm operations are eligible, with grant awards covering up to 25% of eligible project costs, capped at $500,000 for energy efficiency projects and $1 million for renewable energy systems.
Foundation Grants for Veterans
Bob Woodruff Foundation
The Bob Woodruff Foundation funds organizations that support veterans, service members, and their families. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $200,000. The foundation focuses on programs that address employment, mental health, and reintegration challenges. It funds nonprofits with a track record of serving veterans — not individual veterans directly. Organizations must apply through the foundation's online portal and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
Gary Sinise Foundation
The Gary Sinise Foundation provides direct support to severely wounded veterans through its R.I.S.E. program, which builds specially adapted smart homes for veterans with catastrophic injuries. The foundation also funds programs supporting first responders and veteran families. Applications are invitation-only for smart home construction, but organizations serving veterans can apply for partnership through the foundation's website.
Newman's Own Foundation
Newman's Own Foundation awards grants to nonprofits that serve military families and veterans, with a particular focus on organizations that improve quality of life, educational outcomes, and employment for the veteran community. Past grants have ranged from $10,000 to $250,000. Applications open annually.
JPMorgan Chase Military and Veterans Affairs
JPMorgan Chase has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to veteran employment and small business programs through its JPMorgan Chase Foundation. Its Veteran Jobs Mission initiative has helped connect over one million veterans to jobs, and its small business grants for veteran entrepreneurs can reach $25,000 to $150,000 for qualifying businesses. Check their foundation website for current RFPs.
State-Level Veteran Business Grant Programs
Many states operate dedicated veteran business programs. Examples include:
- Texas: Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance awards up to $750,000 to nonprofits serving Texas veterans.
- California: CalVet manages the Veterans Home Loan Program and partners with CDFA for veteran-owned agricultural business grants.
- New York: Empire State Development offers the Veteran Entrepreneurship Initiative with grants up to $10,000 for business startups.
- Illinois: Illinois Department of Commerce administers the Veterans Business Assistance Program.
Search your state's veterans affairs agency website for current programs. Many states also pass through federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds specifically to organizations that serve veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Tips for Veteran Grant Applications
- Document your service clearly: Include DD-214 documentation where required, and clarify the nature of your service-connected eligibility up front.
- Leverage veteran-specific SIC codes: When registering on SAM.gov or the System for Award Management, ensure your veteran-owned business status is certified through the SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program.
- Partner with VSOs: Veterans Service Organizations like the VFW, American Legion, and DAV often have their own grant programs and can serve as fiscal sponsors or co-applicants on larger proposals.
- Show measurable impact: Whether you are a veteran-owned business or a nonprofit serving veterans, grant reviewers want to see quantifiable outcomes: jobs created, housing secured, veterans served.
Find Veteran Grant Opportunities Faster
Manually tracking every federal, state, and foundation grant program open to veterans is a full-time job. FindGrants.io indexes over 23,000 grants and lets you filter by veteran eligibility, organization type, award size, and deadline — so you spend less time searching and more time applying. Enter your profile once and get ranked matches across the full database.