Veterans Cemetery Grants

The Veterans Cemetery Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through the National Cemetery Administration to support the development and maintenance of veterans cemeteries across the United States. This federal program is designed to complement the national cemetery system by extending burial access to veterans and their eligible family members in areas where national cemeteries cannot fully meet demand. The program aligns with the VA’s mission to ensure that at least 95 percent of veterans have access to a burial option within 75 miles of their residence. The funding opportunity described in this notice reflects the federal government’s continued investment in honoring veterans through dignified burial services and maintaining national shrine standards. The purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to states, territories, eligible counties, and tribal organizations to establish new cemeteries, expand existing ones, improve infrastructure, or support operations and maintenance. Funding may be used for construction-related activities, including site development, expansion of gravesites, and improvements to facilities such as roads, irrigation systems, and buildings. Additionally, funds may support operational needs and maintenance activities that ensure cemeteries meet federal standards. The program allows reimbursement of allowable architectural and engineering costs and may cover up to 100 percent of total project costs, although certain administrative and support costs are capped at 17.5 percent of the total project cost. Projects must also comply with domestic sourcing requirements under federal law. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and submission requirements. Eligible entities include states, U.S. territories, certain counties under defined conditions, and tribal organizations. Applicants must obtain an Employer Identification Number, a Unique Entity Identifier, and maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management. The application process includes a mandatory pre-application phase submitted through Grants.gov, followed by an invitation-only full application phase. Pre-applications must include required forms, assurances, and documentation as specified in federal regulations. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early due to administrative requirements that may take several weeks to complete. The program includes a structured evaluation and prioritization system. Projects are categorized into four priority groups, with the highest priority given to projects that prevent disruptions in burial services at existing cemeteries. Additional priority is given based on the number of veterans served in a geographic area and the urgency of need. Pre-applications are reviewed for completeness and compliance, and conforming submissions are ranked and published annually in a priority list by October 1. Only projects that meet regulatory requirements, achieve sufficient ranking, and have approved plans and specifications may advance to the full application stage and receive funding consideration. The timeline for this funding opportunity requires that pre-applications be submitted by July 1, 2026. Submissions received after this deadline are not rejected but are retained for consideration in future program years. The program operates on an annual cycle, with funding decisions and grant awards occurring within the fiscal year based on available appropriations and project readiness. The VA may issue notices of grant opportunity to selected applicants following publication of the priority list, and final awards are contingent upon approval of detailed project plans and cost estimates. Program administration includes strict compliance with federal regulations and reporting requirements. Grant recipients must submit periodic progress reports, financial documentation, and reimbursement requests. Following project completion, recipients are responsible for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the cemetery, including providing adequate staffing and financial support. The VA retains oversight authority, including the ability to conduct inspections and audits. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program’s Deputy Director via email or phone as provided in the notice.

Submit early due to complex federal requirements; ensure SAM registration is active; prioritize projects addressing urgent burial capacity needs; align with priority group criteria