Veterans Legacy Grants Program

The Veterans Legacy Grants Program (VLGP) offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), is a funding opportunity that supports educational projects focused on preserving and sharing the stories of Veterans interred in national, state, territorial, or Tribal Veterans cemeteries. The grant aims to foster public understanding and appreciation of Veterans’ histories through research and educational tools that engage both students and the broader community. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches and emphasizes local community connections in the stories of Veterans. The primary purpose of the VLGP is to commemorate Veterans by promoting educational and commemorative projects. These include conducting historical research, developing educational materials, creating biographies for the Veterans Legacy Memorial, and facilitating community engagement through public events or interpretive programs. Projects may include grade-appropriate lesson plans, teacher professional development programs, and student-led research initiatives. Special priority is given to Veterans who have a significant connection to their local community and to projects in areas where a Veterans Legacy Program has not been fully developed. The VLGP will provide up to $2.2 million in funding for FY 2025, with expected individual awards ranging between $250,000 and $400,000. An estimated 6 to 9 grants will be awarded. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds, although applicants are encouraged to use other resources to enhance sustainability. Funds may be used for a variety of project components including personnel, travel, supplies, educational materials, digital content development, and cemetery visits. All materials must be developed in accordance with state K–12 standards where applicable and should involve students and educators in meaningful research and educational experiences. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, educational institutions, local educational agencies, nonprofit organizations chartered under 501(c)(3), and other entities deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Each organization may submit only one application. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and should include a detailed project narrative, budget, and supporting attachments. Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers are not required. Applications will be reviewed through a multi-step process including an initial eligibility check, merit review based on technical factors, selection, and a risk assessment. The technical review evaluates educational materials, integration with the Veterans Legacy Memorial, outreach and community engagement, team qualifications, and budget justification. Successful projects are expected to last 12 months, and award notifications will occur approximately 90 days after the application deadline. The application deadline is April 21, 2025, at 5:00 pm ET. Pre-application virtual workshops will take place between January and February 2025 to guide potential applicants. The project period must begin in FY 2025, which spans October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Interested applicants should register early in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, as these processes can take several weeks. For questions, contact Mr. John Williams, Senior Grants Management Specialist, at VLGP@va.gov.