Veterans’ Service Officer Grant Program Available

Senator Pat Browne (R-16th District) would like to remind veterans’ service organizations about the Veterans’ Service Officer Grant Program. This program, which was signed into law as Act 66 of 2007, improves the coordination and distribution of veterans' benefits, maximizes the effective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars and increases veterans' participation in available benefits programs with a grant through Pennsylvania’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

Veterans’ service organizations, The American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and Disabled American Veterans, are designated under Act 66 to qualify for grants. Other veterans’ service organizations may also be eligible if the organization is a member of the State Veterans’ Commission or actively participates in the State Veterans’ Commission abiding by the statutory rules and guidelines.

Grants awarded under this program shall be used solely to support accredited veterans’ service officers and the associated costs, including: wages, benefits, other compensation and related personnel costs; training provided by accredited veterans' service advocacy staff; or equipment to be used by accredited veterans' service officer staff.

The next grant period (FY 10-11) will begin July 1, 2010 and run through June 30, 2011, subject to exceptions described in the Grant Agreement and contingent on the availability of funds. Eligible veterans’ service organizations need to submit their grant applications and reports on or before October 1, 2009.

Grant payments will ordinarily be made in equal quarterly installments paid in advance in accordance with the approved spending plan and program budget. In its application, spending plan, and program budget, a veterans' service organization may request that quarterly payments be allocated on an unequal basis throughout the year based on program requirements.

Reports and applications will be accompanied by the following:

A description of the eligible VSO’s past year’s performance in providing services that meet the program goals;
A spending plan and program budget detailing the proposed spending of the grant;
A Program Narrative, describing the plan of the eligible VSO to meet the Grant Program goals in accordance with the program methods;
An application for a grant (as applicable); and
An IRS Form W-9

Please visit the DMVA’s website at www.milvet.state.pa.us/DMVA/2276.htm for more information about the Veterans’ Service Officer Grant Program or to locate and fill out an application.

Senator Browne encourages veterans to contact any of his offices regarding this or any other state-related matter. A complete listing of the locations and hours can be found by visiting www.senatorbrowne.com.

Contact:

Matt Moyer
(610) 366-2327