Build Your Sanctuary
Federal Housing & Independent Living Grants
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)
A major grant to build a new, fully accessible home or remodel an existing one for veterans with specific, significant service-connected disabilities.
Learn More & How to Apply
Details: For permanent disabilities like loss of limbs or severe burns. The 2025 maximum is over $117,000. Can be used up to 6 times.
How to Obtain:
1. Confirm your service-connected disability is eligible.
2. Submit VA Form 26-4555.
3. A VA agent will consult on plans to meet your medical needs.
Special Home Adaptation (SHA)
For adapting an *existing* home you own or will own. Intended for veterans with specific disabilities like loss of hands or severe respiratory illness.
Learn More & How to Apply
Details: Focuses on modifications rather than new construction. The 2025 maximum grant is over $23,000.
How to Obtain:
1. Confirm your qualifying service-connected disability.
2. Apply using the same VA Form 26-4555. The VA determines your grant type.
Home Improvements (HISA)
Provides medically necessary improvements to a veteran's primary residence, such as access ramps or grab bars. Has broader eligibility.
Learn More & How to Apply
Details: Lifetime grant of up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities, and up to $2,000 for non-service-connected conditions.
How to Obtain:
1. Get a prescription from a VA physician for the improvements.
2. Complete VA Form 10-0103.
3. Provide a written quote from a licensed contractor.
Get Moving
Federal Automobile & Vehicle Adaptation Grants
Automobile Allowance
A one-time payment to help purchase a new or used vehicle for veterans with specific service-connected disabilities that impair mobility.
Learn More & How to Apply
Details: A significant one-time sum (over $25,000 in 2025) paid directly to the vehicle seller.
How to Obtain:
1. Confirm your qualifying disability.
2. Complete and submit VA Form 21-4502.
Adaptive Equipment Grant
Helps pay for equipment to make your vehicle drivable and accessible, such as wheelchair lifts, power steering, or modified controls.
Learn More & How to Apply
Details: Covers equipment, installation, repair, and replacement. Can be received more than once.
How to Obtain:
Often applied for with the Automobile Allowance on VA Form 21-4502, or separately if you already own a vehicle.
Power Your Ambition
Federal Education & Career Support
Veteran Readiness (VR&E)
A comprehensive career program providing job training, education, and other readiness services if your disability limits your ability to work.
Learn More & How to Apply
Details: Covers full tuition, fees, books, and supplies, plus a monthly living stipend.
How to Obtain:
1. Apply online at VA.gov.
2. Meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to create a personalized career plan.
Launch Your Next Mission
Federal Entrepreneurship Support
SDVOSB Program
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program isn't a cash grant, but a "grant of opportunity" giving you a massive advantage in federal contracting.
Learn More & How to Apply
Details: The federal government is required to award a percentage of all contracts to certified SDVOSBs, creating exclusive opportunities.
How to Obtain:
1. Establish your legal business entity.
2. Get verified through the SBA's VetCert program using your DD-214 and VA rating letter.
Explore Your Home Base
State, County & City Grants
Property Tax Exemptions
Many states offer significant reductions or full exemptions on property taxes for disabled veterans. This is often one of the most valuable state-level benefits.
State Examples & How to Apply
Examples:
• Texas: Offers up to 100% exemption for veterans with a 100% disability rating.
• Florida: Provides a full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans.
• New York: Offers reductions based on combat service and disability rating.
How to Obtain:
Contact your county's tax assessor or appraisal district office. You will typically need your VA disability rating letter and proof of residency.
State Education Benefits
Go beyond the GI Bill. Many states offer tuition waivers at public colleges and universities for veterans and sometimes their dependents.
State Examples & How to Apply
Examples:
• Illinois: The Illinois Veterans' Grant pays tuition and fees at state-supported colleges.
• California: Offers tuition waivers for dependents of veterans with a service-connected disability.
How to Obtain:
Contact your State's Department of Veterans Affairs or the financial aid office of the specific public college you wish to attend.
City & County Services
Your most immediate support can come from your local community. Cities and counties often have funds for emergency financial assistance, utility bills, and transportation.
Learn More & How to Find
What to look for: Emergency financial aid, utility assistance programs, transportation vouchers, and connections to local non-profits.
How to Find:
Search for your "[Your County] Veteran Services Office". For example, the Bexar County (San Antonio, TX) Military and Veterans Services Center connects veterans to a wide network of local resources.
Fuel Your Venture
Grants from the Business Community
Warrior Rising
A non-profit, founded by veterans, that helps "vetrepreneurs" start or accelerate their businesses through mentorship, training, and grant competitions.
Program Details
What they offer: A comprehensive program that includes business coaching, networking, and opportunities to pitch for seed funding.
Who should apply: Veterans at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey, from idea to existing business.
Second Service Foundation
Formerly the StreetShares Foundation, this organization hosts the Military Entrepreneur Challenge, a grant program with pitch competitions for cash prizes.
Program Details
What they offer: A chance to hone your business pitch and compete for grants ranging from several thousand to over $15,000.
Who should apply: Veteran entrepreneurs with a solid business plan ready to present their idea.
Corporate & Microgrants
Major companies and foundations offer small business grants that veteran entrepreneurs are highly encouraged to apply for.
Examples & Where to Look
Examples:
• FedEx Small Business Grant Contest: An annual competition with significant cash prizes.
• Venmo Small Business Grant: Offers $10,000 grants to a diverse group of entrepreneurs.
• Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant: Provides $1,000 microgrants to 25 veteran-owned businesses annually.
How to Find:
Keep an eye on corporate newsrooms and small business resource websites for announcements of these annual contests.