"Stand Down" Grant Program to Help Veterans
CFDA: 17.805 -- Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program
People are asking what Stand Down (SD) grants for homeless veterans are. This is fresh on their minds perhaps because there was just a “Stand Down Day” in June. The next one scheduled in Chicago is on November 4.
Following is the technical information on what SD grants are, how the grants work, who the applicants are, what a “Stand Down Day” is, how people can volunteer, and how agencies can host a table at an event.
Stand Down funding is available from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DVET), with dollars set aside for reintegration of U.S. Veterans into society and the workforce. Non-competitive applications are submitted by various entities to become grantees and thereby provide essential services, resources, and materials to U.S. Veterans.
How does the SD grant program work? The DOL explains that “Stand Down grantees partner with federal, state, tribal, and local entities; local businesses; and veteran, community, social, and faith-based organizations to hold events for homeless veterans. The critical services provided at a SD event are often the catalysts that enable homeless veterans to reenter the workforce” (Stand Down Grant Application Guide 2020 (dol.gov)).
Who submits the application for funds? Area veterans’ organizations (and other agencies and departments) apply to host a day for providing a wide range of services to those who have served their country. The grants help veterans but the local organization is the applicant, submitting the application and hosting the event on behalf of the veterans.
According to application materials, “The following organizations and entities may apply for SD grant funding: State and Local Workforce Development Boards; Veteran Service Organizations; Local public agencies, tribal governments, and non-profit organizations including community and faith-based organizations. Note: Organizations registered with the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(4) entities are not eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.”
Reminder: The individual veteran is not eligible to apply on their own behalf.
What is the purpose of the SD grant program? Applicants may partner with a wide range of government and faith-based entities to help garner the resources necessary to help veterans reenter the workforce and regain both their dignity and a better way of life. The DOL materials include this important information:
“A Stand Down is a non-competitive grant that is awarded to organizations to provide basic services to homeless veterans such as showers, haircuts, attention to health concerns, and other collaborative services to give participants a greater sense of self and an opportunity to improve their chances of securing and maintaining employment. Veterans experiencing homelessness do not always have access to basic hygiene supplies that are necessary to maintain their health and appearance. Also, the lack of shelter limits their ability to prepare for and present themselves at job interviews or be contacted for follow-up. These grants funds must be used to enhance employment and training opportunities or to promote the self-sufficiency of homeless veterans through paid work. “
The maximum grant award is $10,000 per hosting organization. Budget information, including examples of typical budget items, is provided in the application guide.
The most recent Chicago area Stand Down occurred in June, 2022. The next Chicago area Stand Down is scheduled for November 4, 2022. Although it is early, interested persons can contact the two people listed here for more information:
Donald Donahue
(708) 202-4952
donald.donahue@va.gov
Brian McLaughlin
(708) 457-8805
brian.mclaughlin2@va.gov
Volunteers are the backbone of the Stand Down events. Volunteers are sought because they play a vital role in planning, setting up, executing and following up on all the Stand Down Day activities.
For Chicago volunteer information, please contact: Patrick Gleason, Jesse Brown VA Hospital, Voluntary Service, (312) 569-6109, email: Patrick.Gleason@va.gov
Applicant organizations should direct questions regarding a SD grant application to the DVET in the state in which the event will take place. Contact information for the DVET is available at: https://www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/regionaloffices/map.htm
Note these additional resources:
a. The DVET is the first point of contact for assistance. Contact information for the DVET can be found at: https://www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/regionaloffices/map.htm
b. Resources for helping veterans experiencing homelessness find employment are available at www.NVTAC.org
c. General grant information and resources are available at www.doleta.gov/grants
d. Vendor/company/agency information on hosting a table at a Chicago SD event, please contact: Carla Joiner-Herrod, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Homeless Services, (312) 569-7732, Carla.Joiner-Herrod@va.gov