Funder: VA National Cemetery Administration
Due Dates: July 1, 2025 (Pre-applications)
Funding Amounts: $60,000,000 total program funding; up to 100% of development costs per project; no set minimum or maximum per award.
Summary: Supports state, territorial, and tribal governments in establishing, expanding, or improving veterans cemeteries, with strict requirements for U.S.-made materials and no funding for land acquisition.
Key Information: Projects must comply with Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) domestic content requirements.
Description
The Veterans Cemetery Grants Program assists states, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribal governments in providing gravesites for veterans and their eligible family members in areas where the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) cannot fully meet burial needs. Grants may be used to establish, expand, or improve veterans cemeteries that are owned and operated by eligible governments on trust land. The program covers up to 100% of development costs for approved projects, including operating equipment for new cemeteries, but does not fund land acquisition.
Funded cemeteries must adhere to VA standards for site selection, planning, and construction, and must be operated solely for the interment of eligible veterans and their families. The program also requires compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), mandating that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in projects are produced in the United States.
Due Dates
- Pre-applications are due no later than July 1, 2025.
- Applications received after this date will not be considered for the FY2025 funding cycle.
Funding Amount
- Total program funding: $60,000,000 (estimated for FY2025)
- Award amount: Up to 100% of the development cost for an approved project; no set minimum or maximum per award.
- Cost sharing: No match required for development costs; VA does not fund land acquisition.
- Additional support: For new cemeteries, operating equipment may be included.
- Plot allowance: VA may reimburse up to $828 per eligible veteran burial.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- State governments
- U.S. territories
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
Ineligible applicants: Private organizations, counties, cities, or other government agencies.
Project requirements:
- Cemeteries must be owned and operated by the applicant government on trust land.
- Projects must be for the establishment, expansion, or improvement of veterans cemeteries.
- Funded cemeteries must serve only eligible veterans and their families, as defined in 38 CFR part 39.2 and 39.10.
- Recent legal changes allow interment of certain individuals ineligible for VA National Cemetery burial (see NCA Notices).
Application Process
- Pre-application submission: Required by July 1, 2025.
- Conformance: Projects must meet VA standards for site selection, planning, and construction.
- BABAA compliance: Applicants must certify that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials are produced in the U.S. (with at least 55% U.S. content for manufactured products).
- Required documents and guidance:
- Review and award: Applications are prioritized and reviewed by the NCA; awards are made based on need, readiness, and compliance.
Additional Information
- Land acquisition is not funded. Applicants must already own or control the land.
- Operation and maintenance of the cemetery is the sole responsibility of the grantee government after project completion.
- BABAA requirements are strictly enforced; see Public Law 117-58, Title IX for details.
- Recent legal changes may affect eligibility for interment; see NCA Notices.
External Links
Contact Information
| Name | Title | Email | Phone |
|---|
| Jon Muckey | Deputy Director | Jonny.Muckey@va.gov | 202-461-1593 |
| NCA General Inquiries | — | — | (800)-535-1117 |
| NCA Main Line | — | — | (800)-698-2411 |
For more information, visit the VA National Cemetery Administration Grants page.