Funder: VA National Cemetery Administration
Due Dates: July 1, 2025 (Pre-applications)
Funding Amounts: Up to $60,000,000 per award; covers up to 100% of development costs (excluding land acquisition)
Summary: Supports states, territories, and federally recognized tribes in establishing, expanding, or improving veterans cemeteries.
Key Information: Only state, territory, or tribal governments are eligible; projects must comply with Build America, Buy America Act requirements.
The Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP) provides federal funding to assist states, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribal governments in establishing, expanding, or improving veterans cemeteries. The program aims to ensure that burial options are available for veterans and their eligible family members in areas not fully served by national cemeteries. Since its inception, the program has funded over 120 cemeteries, significantly expanding access to burial benefits for veterans across the country.
Grants may be used for construction, expansion, or improvement of cemeteries, but not for land acquisition. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers up to 100% of the development costs for approved projects, including operating equipment for new cemeteries. All funded cemeteries must meet VA standards for site selection, planning, and construction, and must be operated solely for the interment of eligible veterans and their families.
Eligible applicants include:
Note: Private organizations, counties, cities, and other government agencies are not eligible. Cemeteries must be owned and operated by the applicant government on trust land.
Helpful resources:
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Muckey | Deputy Director | Jonny.Muckey@va.gov | 202-461-1593 |
| General Inquiries | - | - | (800)-535-1117 or 800-698-2411 |
For more information, visit the VCGP website.