The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Cemetery Grants Program was established in 1978 to complement VA’s national cemeteries. The program assists states, territories, and tribal governments in providing gravesites for Veterans in those areas where NCA cannot fully satisfy their burial needs.
VA has awarded grants totaling more than $959 million to establish, expand, improve, operate and maintain 121 Veterans cemeteries in 48 states and territories including tribal trust lands, Guam, and Saipan. In fiscal year 2021, NCA grant funded state cemeteries provided more than 45,000 interments.
Grants may be used only to establish, expand or improve Veterans cemeteries that are owned and operated by a state, territory or tribal government on trust land. Aid is granted only to states, U.S. territories and federally recognized tribal governments, not to private organizations, counties, cities or other government agencies.
VA can provide up to 100 percent of the development cost for an approved project. For establishment of new cemeteries, VA can provide for operating equipment as well. VA cannot pay for acquisition of land.
Cemeteries funded under the grant program must conform to the standards and guidelines pertaining to site selection, planning and construction prescribed by VA.
Cemeteries must be operated solely for the interment of Veterans (as defined in 38 CFR part 39.2), and their eligible family members (see 38 CFR part 39.10).
The administration, operation, and maintenance of a VA-supported state cemetery is solely the responsibility of the state, territory or tribal government.
VA is authorized to reimburse states “plot allowance” of up to $828.00 for expenses incurred in the burial of certain eligible Veteran.
Website link: https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/grants/
See also
Treasury Department Announces Inaugural Members of Formal Advisory Committee on Racial Equity
RAISE Discretionary Grants, USA
Employment and Training Administration Grants, USA
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
Save America’s Treasures Grant Opportunity, USA