Governor Hochul Announces $5 Million Available Through Newly Created Veterans' Nonprofit Capital Program

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $5 million through the state's newly created Veterans' Nonprofit Capital Program. Beginning today, eligible nonprofit veterans' organizations may apply for reimbursement for costs related to capital improvements designed to expand and enhance quality services available to the state's veterans, service members and their families. Funding for projects will range between $25,000 and $75,000 and be administered by the New York State Division of Veterans' Services.

"The work done to support our veterans and their families extends to the entire community through Veterans' organizations which provide critical services," Governor Hochul said. "The $5 million available today ensures these critical resources have the infrastructure to safely and effectively continue their work of serving those who have protected our democracy and freedoms."

Funding through the Veterans' Nonprofit Capital Program is limited to the following: design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or expansion of an eligible facility; purchase of furnishings or equipment for an eligible facility, provided the furnishings or equipment have a useful life of 10 years or more; and certain construction soft costs including architectural, engineering and design. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, replacing a roof, paving a parking lot, or making a building ADA compliant.

New York State Division of Veterans' Services Director Viviana DeCohen said, "We are grateful to our partners in communities throughout New York State who do the work daily to continue supporting our veterans, service members and their families. This opportunity provides a crucial financial lifeline to organizations to continue their life-changing work in an environment that is inclusive and accessible to those they serve."

For the purposes of this program, veterans' organizations are defined as any not-for-profit organization doing business in the state, the membership of which consists of individuals who were members of the United States Armed Forces and/or which the main purpose of the organization is to benefit members of the country's Armed Forces.

The Division of Veterans' Services will host a webinar for potential applicants on Thursday, January 12, 2023, to outline the program and application process. Applicants are encouraged to attend the webinar and/or submit questions about the Veterans' Nonprofit Capital Program to [email protected]. Applicants also can find more information on the New York State Grants Gateway website, which must be used to submit the application for funding. The deadline for applications is 4 p.m. March 31, 2023.

About the Division of Veterans' Services
The New York State Division of Veterans' Services, which has served as the state's advocacy agency for veterans, service members, and military families since 1945, maintains an agencywide commitment of serving all veterans, service members, and military families in a wide range of practice areas, including claims and appeals for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, discharge upgrade appeals to the United States Department of Defense, and claims for New York State benefits. Veterans, service members, and military families are encouraged to contact the Division at 888-838-7697 or its website to meet — in person or virtually — with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to address their needs and gain the full measure of benefits that they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagramand Twitter.