If you’re looking for grants for veterans in 2026, you’re at the right page. I’m going to show you a mix of 10 grants and services that are designed specifically for you. And here’s a surprising fact. None of these comes from the US Veterans Administration. And yet, they can help with small business, disability support, housing, emergency assistance, and more.
This list is based on what you have asked for in hundreds of comments below my prior articles on grants for veterans, and thank you for that. I’ve won a few of these grants in the past for my day job, but these grant funders have changed things up a bit and I think in your favor. Let’s see what they’re up to this year.
1. Small business grants for Veterans
The number one grant – small business grants is evident here. You must first become part of their business coaching community. There is no fee to join, but you are required to dedicate time and effort into developing a business plan and working with coaches and mentors.
The process usually ends in a pitch competition to win grant funds. If you’re a homeowner, we have published an articles on Grants for homeowner in BC.
2. Warrior Rising Grants for Veterans
Warrior Rising is a comprehensive program started by veterans for veterans providing education, training, coaching, mentorship, and access to grants and investors.
The grants become available only to those who join the Warrior Academy, commit to the process, do the work, and develop a strong business model.
You will participate in a pitch competition for grants, and also for other things your business might need. The website is linked in the references below where you will also find links to every organization I mention in this post.
And as a YouTube creator, I noticed that a lot of these organizations also have YouTube channels, which I also linked below. They post videos about their organization with helpful tips for you.
3. Second Service Foundation grants
The Second Service Foundation also provides coaching services, mentoring, pitch competitions, and grants in their military entrepreneur challenge program. But there are two significant differences from Warrior Rising.
One, you can use the service to start a small business or a nonprofit. And the second difference is an important distinction.
Second Service Foundation grants are to provide a boost of social impact financial support to grow their business. What does that mean? On the impact page of their website, they give you some ideas which are based on the biggest needs faced by veterans across the country. So, the foundation wants to help you address those needs.
4. Farmer Veteran Coalition
If you want a career in agriculture, the Farmer Veteran Coalition has developed a grant and other resources for you. Membership is required though it is free and it comes with discounts on farm equipment and egg related supplies, lots of training programs and the grant opportunity. Be sure you notice this about the grant. If you win it, the check would not go to you but to the vendors you identified in your grant proposal.
5. Comprehensive services for veterans
I can’t discuss services for veterans without mentioning the veterans crisis line shown here and linked below. You can chat online, make a phone call, or text 24/7. With the rest of these organizations, you’ll see a similar pattern. Like the small business grants, you go through an application process to join their community for free. That opens up a lot of services for you and sometimes that includes grants.
6. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation
The Disabled Veterans National Foundation used to have a nonprofit grant category. I won one of those grants for my day job a few years ago, but there is a solid focus now on direct support of veterans who are facing a temporary setback.
7. The GPS grant
The GPS grant or grants to provide stability can award up to $1,000 toward housing and utility costs. Applications are accepted monthly.
Follow the instructions linked below to apply. But note that if you are awarded a GPS grant, the payment will go to the landlord or utility provider, not directly issued to you.
8. Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront provides immediate financial assistance and longerterm ways to gain temporary or permanent housing while you receive support and services. There are also special family events held throughout the year. Click the learn more buttons on this website linked below to begin the application process.
9. Wounded Warrior Project
It’s likely that you’re all familiar with Wounded Warrior Project, which offers a sweeping range of services for veterans. Go to the join page of their website for a comprehensive walkthrough of how the application process works to unlock those services for you and your family.
10. Knines for Warrior
Grants for Warriors is the most specific service listed in this post, providing service dogs for veterans. Click apply for a service dog to begin the process. You will open a free account to apply. And notice that there is a 19-day on-site program, also free, to match you with the right service dog. They have multiple campus locations.
So, part of the process is to learn where those are.
So far, all of these grants and services have been national in scope. Here are two more that are local to your state and even to your zip code.
And for this one, I will have to barely touch the VA when I mention the state departments of veterans affairs or veterans services because they do help you get connected to your VA benefits. But I recently won a grant from my state’s DVA as a nonprofit because we provide local services to veterans.
So your DVA or DVS can help you meet personal needs, connect to your benefits, and find local nonprofits serving you in your state in many ways. There is a complete directory of these agencies at this website linked below.
Now, here is a website I have recommended hundreds of times and not because they give me any financial support to do so. It’s a bit of work to use, but it is free and you can actually find thousands of services near you based on your zip code.
You can find support in 10 different categories from food to legal help on the website called findhelp.org. I have a video that is a complete walkthrough of how it works linked above and in the description below. But here I’m going to show you a little pro tip to find services targeted to veterans.
It’ll save you a lot of search time. Here we are at the homepage. I’m going to enter a zip code in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Click search to begin. Then up in the keyword section, I’m going to type veterans. Then I’ll go to a section where I need help. Let’s say food. Then emergency food. I’m circling this result because this is a local organization that only serves veterans. But you will also see in the list that government agencies and national organizations have listed their local offices in this directory.
Pro Tips for Success
Let’s pull three takeaways from this wide range of options. Except for your DVA and findhelp.org, they all require joining their veteran community at some level.
That is intentional because they’ve seen where isolated support to isolated individuals does not really provide the range of coaching or help that is needed to get to the next level. Whether that is launching a small business, getting the rent paid, or starting life with a service dog.
What that means in practical terms is that you need to gather all your documentation to begin the application process, just like I have to do with every grant proposal. Have your military service records, your ID, and financial documents ready.
If you are applying for assistance, you will likely have to write about yourself and your plans and goals, just like I have to write about our community needs and how the people at my day job can meet those needs. It also means that joining these communities does not require financial payment, but you will give time and commitment to that community and that process to get the best results.
Which of these programs will you choose? Remember, all the links are in the references below to get you started. Then comment applied below and I’ll be glad to personally cheer you on.
To help you with the process, I’ve chosen two articles. This article will show you what it takes to win your first grant and this article shows you how to use AI to find even more grant options for your small business. I’m Anna. Thanks for reading and for your service. Choose your next Grants for individuals post and I’ll see you.
