HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration has announced the allocation of $1,021,640 in grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ (DMVA) Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF). This funding, made possible through donations, will support 15 county directors of veterans affairs and 24 nonprofit and veterans service organizations across the state, enabling them to address key challenges faced by Pennsylvania’s 700,000 veterans.
“Our veterans have served our country and fought for our freedoms, and my administration has their backs,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “The Veterans’ Trust Fund, supported through Pennsylvanians’ generous donations, provides vital resources for the organizations that support Pennsylvania’s veterans.”
The grants will fund initiatives tackling issues such as food and housing insecurity, transportation access, and behavioral health support. Of the total, $201,790 has been allocated to county offices for outreach and services, while $819,850 will go to veteran service organizations and nonprofits.
Donations to the VTF come from various sources, including contributions made during driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals, proceeds from special veterans’ license plates, and private donations. Notably, 100% of donated funds are directly distributed to grants, ensuring maximum impact.
The funded projects range from food assistance programs and emergency housing aid to adaptive hiking initiatives and equine therapy for veterans with PTSD. Trough Creek State Park, for instance, will use its $40,000 grant to expand the MilitaryShare food assistance initiative, while Camp Freedom in Wayne County will enhance inclusive hunting experiences for disabled veterans.
Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA, highlighted the crucial importance of community support. “Thanks to the generosity of so many Pennsylvanians, we are able to provide much-needed support through the VTF to these organizations. It is another example of how we are all one team with one mission of supporting our veterans and their families.”
Since its launch in 2013, the Veterans’ Trust Fund has awarded more than $8.5 million in grants, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s commitment to ensuring its veterans can thrive and access the resources they deserve.
DMVA is authorized to accept donations to the VTF for the commonwealth. Tax-deductible donations can be made online at https://www.pa.gov/dmva/donate/ or mailed to: PA Veterans’ Trust Fund, Bldg. 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003.
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