Veterans Cemetery Grants

The Veterans Cemetery Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically the VA National Cemetery Administration (NCA). This program has a long-standing record of investment in the development and maintenance of veterans' cemeteries across the United States, with over $1 billion awarded to date. Its goal is to support the establishment, expansion, and improvement of cemeteries dedicated to veterans in states, U.S. territories, and tribal lands. The NCA ensures that these cemeteries offer dignified and respectful resting places for veterans and eligible family members, particularly in areas not served by an existing VA national cemetery. The purpose of the program is to provide funding assistance to state governments, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribal governments. Funding is designated for projects that establish, expand, or improve veterans cemeteries that are state-owned and operated. The program does not extend eligibility to private entities, cities, counties, or other governmental bodies outside of the specified eligible categories. Funds can be used to cover up to 100 percent of the development cost of approved projects. For new cemeteries, the purchase of operational equipment may also be covered, though land acquisition is not an allowable cost. Cemeteries supported by this grant must conform to the standards set forth by the VA, including regulations concerning site selection, design, and construction. Additionally, compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) is mandatory. This includes ensuring that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in the projects are sourced domestically. The BABAA requirements mandate that the cost of U.S.-produced components must comprise more than 55 percent of a manufactured product’s total component costs. Grantee cemeteries are designated exclusively for the interment of veterans, as defined under federal law, and their eligible family members. Recently, eligibility has expanded to include additional individuals specified under 38 U.S.C. 2408(i)(2), even if they are not eligible for burial in a VA National Cemetery. Ongoing operation and maintenance responsibilities fall solely on the managing state, territory, or tribal entity. Additionally, the VA offers a plot allowance reimbursement of up to $828 for burial expenses of certain qualified veterans. The funding opportunity has a current closing date of July 1, 2024, and pre-applications must be submitted no later than July 1, 2025, in accordance with federal regulations. The estimated total program funding is $60 million, with individual awards varying up to this amount depending on the scope and nature of the project. Approximately 30 awards are expected to be distributed under this funding cycle. For application submission, all applicants must use the Grants.gov platform. Those experiencing difficulty accessing the full announcement are encouraged to contact Jon Muckey, the Deputy Director and Grantor, at 202-461-1593. More program details and updates, including information about changes to burial eligibility, can be accessed through the NCA Notices webpage.