$60M Available for Veterans Cemetery Development Through VA Grant Program

The Department of Veterans Affairs is making up to $60 million available through its Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP) for fiscal year 2026. This established program has been creating dignified final resting places for our nation's heroes for over four decades.

Since 1980, the VCGP has awarded 525 grants totaling more than $1.187 billion. These funds have helped states, territories, and tribal governments establish, expand, improve, operate, or maintain 124 Veterans cemeteries across the nation.

Program Impact and Recent Achievements

The numbers tell a powerful story about this program's reach and importance. In 2025 alone, VA grant-funded cemeteries provided final resting places for 43,705 Veterans and their eligible family members. That represents more than 25% of all interments in national, state, territory, and tribal cemeteries nationwide.

Two new state cemeteries opened in 2025: the New York State Veterans Cemetery - Finger Lakes and the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Grand Island. Together, these facilities will serve an additional 24,907 unserved Veterans and their families. A 125th cemetery in Lubbock, Texas is scheduled to open in March 2026, providing access to another 19,923 previously unserved Veterans.

What the Grant Covers

The VA provides up to 100% of development costs for approved projects. However, there are specific parameters about what the funding can and cannot cover:

• Grants can be used to establish, expand, or improve Veterans cemeteries
• Operating equipment is only provided for new cemetery establishments
• Land acquisition costs are not covered
• All projects must conform to VA standards and guidelines for site selection, planning, and construction

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to specific government entities that can own and operate Veterans cemeteries:

• State governments (47 states have already participated)
• U.S. territories (Guam, Saipan, and Puerto Rico are currently participating)
• Federally recognized tribal governments on trust land
• Counties that meet eligibility requirements under 38 USC 2408

Key Requirements and Restrictions

All grant-funded cemeteries must operate solely for the interment of Veterans as defined in 38 CFR 39.2 and their eligible family members. Recent changes in the law now allow grantee cemeteries to also inter individuals defined in 38 U.S.C. 2408(i)(2) who are ineligible for burial in VA National Cemeteries.

Projects must comply with the Build America, Buy America Act requirements. This means all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials must be produced in the United States. For manufactured products, the cost of U.S. components must exceed 65% of the total component cost.

The VA has outlined specific activities that will not be funded, including those that use racial preferences for eligibility, promote violations of immigration laws, or constitute acts of moral turpitude that could bring disrepute to the recipient or the VA.

Cost Sharing Requirements

While the VA covers up to 100% of development costs, this grant does require cost sharing. The specific cost sharing requirements and percentages will be detailed in the full solicitation when it becomes available.

Timeline and Application Process

Applications are due by July 1, 2026. This current listing solicits FY 2026 pre-applications for projects that would be included in VCGP's FY 2027 priority list. The early timeline allows for proper planning and preparation of detailed project proposals.

Successful applicants become solely responsible for the administration, operation, and maintenance of their grant-funded cemetery. The VA does provide ongoing support through burial benefits, including plot allowances of up to $1,002 for expenses related to burying eligible Veterans.

Why This Matters

Veterans cemeteries provide more than just burial space. They offer communities a place to honor service members and their families while ensuring dignified final resting places close to home. For many Veterans living in underserved areas, these grant-funded cemeteries represent the difference between having access to appropriate burial benefits or not.

The program's track record speaks to its effectiveness and importance. With 124 cemeteries already operational and more planned, the VCGP continues expanding access to this essential benefit for Veterans and their families nationwide.

Organizations considering applying should begin preparation now, as developing a competitive application requires significant planning, especially regarding site selection, construction plans, and long-term operational commitments.

Ready to explore this opportunity further? Create your free account on GovGrantsUSA today to access the full grant details, track application deadlines, and connect with resources to help you submit a competitive proposal for the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program.