Accepting applications March 1st for DVNF’s New Program, Grants to Provide Stability (GPS). | "Call to Action" Please give your talents to support the care of America's veterans by volunteering at your nearest Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) hospitals, nursing homes, or clinic. | Our occupation translator tool to connect veterans and leading employers is now live! | Join our Force Multiplier Monthly giving program. Your monthly donation will help us to multiply the number of veterans we can serve. | Disabled Veterans National Foundation awards $20,000 in grants to SALUTE, INC., which offers direct financial aid to post-9/11 veterans and their families as they adjust to civilian life.

Accepting applications for DVNF’s New Program, Grants to Provide Stability (GPS)

OUR NATIONWIDE IMPACT

DVNF NEWS

DISABLED VETERANS NATIONAL FOUNDATION

Grants to Provide Stability (GPS) Program

 

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation’s GPS (Grants to Provide Stability) Program is a grant program for veterans who find themselves in temporary financial setback. DVNF will provide up to $1,000 (not guaranteed) to help eligible veterans pay for rent or mortgage and essential utilities such as water or electricity.

Applications are open on a monthly basis. After final decisions have been made, the checks are mailed to vendors twice a month. Checks are mailed to vendors no later than one week after decisions are approved. Promissory letters to vendors are available upon request if awarded. Please note that each veteran can only be approved once per fiscal year (October – September).

Application Requirements

 

  1. A completed copy of DVNF’s GPS Application Form, along with all required accompanying forms included in application.
  2. The applying Veteran’s Form DD-214 Record of Military Service, which must contain the character of the veteran’s discharge, and the document must be certified by the state or if unable to obtain stamp under extenuating circumstances beyond the veteran’s control, as approved by DVNF on a case-by-case basis, evidence of veteran status as verified through the VA or VSO. If the DD-214 is not available, the veteran may provide a copy of state issued veteran ID, a Veteran Status Verification Form or Veteran Status on state issued Driver’s license.
  3. A cover letter containing an overview of the problem, rationale for the need, plan to continue services after support is rendered, and amount of request.
  4. A copy of the bill(s) for payment, issued within the past 30 days and includes a payment address
  5. A completed budget sheet that details how the veteran’s money is spent monthly and how budget issues will be addressed in future months.

 

GPS Frequently Asked Questions

1How long does it take to process a grant?
DVNF strives to process grants twice a month. However, applications are accepted all month.
2 Can I apply for GPS, VFAP, and H2H?
Yes, however, you can only be approved for VFAP and GPS or VFAP and H2H per fiscal year. If you are eligible for GPS you would not be eligible for H2H.
3What changes in your budget have you made that will help you get closer to economic security?
Once DVNF provides a grant to help you through your current hardship, how will you get by next month? If we help with rent or utilities this month, what will be different about your situation next month? If you are starting a new job, or will discontinue your cable service to cut costs, this is the type of information we need to know. Please note that “waiting for a claim to process” is not a valid response.
4Why does DVNF request a case worker or Veteran Service Officer contact or letter? What do they need to say in the letter?
DVNF utilizes local Case Workers and Veteran Service Officers to verify each Veteran’s situation. Since DVNF has one office location in Lanham, MD, we do this to serve as a reference and verify that the Veteran’s need is legitimate. Should the Veteran choose to submit a letter from their case worker, the applicant must also provide the contact information for the Case Worker or Service Officer and the Veteran must also sign the HIPAA consent form, so that DVNF can communicate with the Case Worker. The letter from a Case Worker or Service Officer should explain the Veteran’s hardship and a description of how they are assisting the Veteran with their situation, as well as any additional information that the case worker thinks might be relevant to the Veteran’s application.
5What do you need on the bill when submitting the document?
A copy of the bill(s) for payment, issued within the past 30 days, that includes a payment address, such as a complete billing statement.
6Who will receive the payment sent by DVNF?
DVNF will mail checks directly to the landlord, mortgage company, or utility provider. In no circumstances does DVNF provide a check made payable to the Veteran.
7Can you cover a deposit for my new housing arrangement?
No, under the GPS Program DVNF does not cover deposits. However, you can apply for security deposit assistance for a new housing arrangement under our Homeless to Housing (H2H) program. All documentation must be submitted showing the need for the deposit. Please make sure to read the eligibility requirements before applying to H2H.
8Does DVNF pay for car payments or repairs?
Our individual grant program does not cover car repairs or insurance. The Foundation will consider paying car payments on a case by case basis, provided that the vehicle is required for maintaining employment. Eligible expenses include housing payments (rent or mortgage), and utilities ESSENTIAL to maintaining a home, such as electric, gas, water and waste.
9Can DVNF help me with my credit card debt?
DVNF does not pay for credit card debts.
10I’m getting an error when I try to submit my application. What should I do?
Typically, an error message shows when an application cannot be submitted. This error message typically illustrates that a required question remains unanswered, or a document remains incomplete. Ensure all required fields are filled out and that all necessary documents have been uploaded before attempting to submit again.
11How can I increase the chances of receiving a grant?
DVNF accepts assistance requests from all 50 states, and funding is limited. To help increase the odds that your request will be approved, please do not assume anything in your application. For example, if you have enrolled in an education program or a trade program, please provide documentation. If you are seeking employment assistance with another organization, please include documentation. While the letter from the VA case worker is not required, it will help to increase the chances of application approval.
12How can I increase the chances of receiving a grant?
For questions about the grant process or assistance in completing the request form, please email the DVNF program department at gps@dvnf.org or call at (202) 737-0522 ext.3. For more information about our grant program, visit our website at www.dvnf.org