(Photo: Timur Weber)
The VA has announced a $112 million funding opportunity to expand suicide prevention services for Veterans across the country, supporting community organizations that are often the first to reach those in need.
The funding is available to nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, and other community-based groups with a demonstrated ability to serve Veterans. The grants are part of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, with applications set to open April 6 and close June 12 at 4:59 p.m. EST.
“These grants invest directly in communities that know Veterans best and are often the first to recognize when someone is struggling,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “They have been successful in connecting Veterans, Service Members, and their families, especially those not yet engaged with VA, to services that help reduce suicide risk and promote well-being.”
Organizations interested in applying can review eligibility details, priorities, and requirements on the federal government’s grants hub. The VA is also providing support through webinars, guidance materials, and other resources on its SSGFOX page.
According to the VA, the program continues to expand its reach. In 2025, grant recipients supported more than 17,000 Veterans, Service Members, and family members, a 31 percent increase from the previous year. Nearly 9,000 of those Veterans were identified as having an elevated risk for suicide, and almost 92 percent reported a decrease in risk factors after receiving services.
The grants have also helped connect more Veterans to VA care. More than 2,500 Veterans enrolled in VA health care for the first time in 2025 after working with grant-funded organizations, a nearly 44 percent increase from 2024.
Since launching in 2022, the program has distributed $210 million to 111 organizations across 46 states, U.S. territories, and tribal lands.
Data from the VA also points to a continued gap in care: 60 percent of Veterans who die by suicide were not receiving care through the Veterans Health Administration in the two years prior. In response, efforts have focused on increasing access, with more than 76,000 Veterans newly enrolled in VA health care so far in 2026.
This funding comes alongside several other developments within the department. Per the VA, these include the opening of 33 new VA health care facilities, a 63 percent reduction in the backlog of benefits claims since Jan. 20, 2025, and more than 82 million care appointments completed in fiscal year 2025, an increase from the previous year.
The department also reported expanding access to care by providing more than 2.2 million appointments outside normal hours and permanently housing 51,936 homeless Veterans in fiscal year 2025, the highest total in seven years.
For those speaking or writing about suicide, the VA recommends reviewing its Safe Messaging Best Practices fact sheet or visiting ReportingOnSuicide.org for additional guidance.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
