State Veterans Cemetery Grants

Definition

State Veterans Cemetery Grants refer to funds provided by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assist states in establishing, expanding, or improving veterans cemeteries. The aim is to help states create dignified and honorable burial sites for veterans. These grants cover the construction, maintenance, and operation of the cemeteries, but they do not cover the cost of the land or the administration and oversight by the state.

Key Takeaways

1. State Veterans Cemetery Grants Program provides financial assistance to states, territories, and tribal governments in order to establish, expand or improve veterans cemeteries.
2. Eligible veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents can receive burial with honors in State Veterans Cemeteries, which adhere to the same National Shrine standards as Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries.
3. Applicants for these grants must demonstrate they have a need for a veterans cemetery and provide evidence of sufficient resources to manage and maintain the cemetery.

Importance

The term “State Veterans Cemetery Grants” is important because it refers to a crucial program designed to support states in their efforts to honor and provide dignified resting places for deceased veterans.

Through this program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides financial assistance to states, helping them establish, expand, or improve their veterans’ cemeteries.

By doing so, this initiative not only recognizes the sacrifices made by veterans for their nation but also eases the financial burden on states, ensuring that these heroes receive the respectful and well-maintained burial sites they deserve.

Ultimately, State Veterans Cemetery Grants play a vital role in fostering appreciation, respect, and remembrance for the service and dedication of our nation’s veterans.

Explanation

The purpose of State Veterans Cemetery Grants is to support the establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans’ cemeteries throughout the United States. Through this program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aims to provide dignified and respectful final resting places for the brave men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces.

The need for these cemetery grants is ever-growing, as the population of veterans continues to increase. By offering funding solutions to states, territories, and tribal governments, the VA ensures that adequate, well-maintained burial sites are accessible to veterans and their families, thus honoring their service and sacrifice to the country.

The State Veterans Cemetery Grants are primarily used to cover the cost of construction, renovation, expansion, and infrastructure improvements associated with these veteran burial sites. Projects may include building new cemeteries, adding grave sites or columbarium niches, and enhancing essential facilities such as administration buildings, maintenance facilities, and other support structures.

By providing the necessary financial assistance, the VA enables these jurisdictions to create and maintain veterans’ cemeteries that meet the same high standards of national cemeteries, at no cost to the veterans or their families. This ensures that our nation’s heroes receive the recognition they deserve, while also alleviating some of the financial burden on local and state governments.

Examples of State Veterans Cemetery Grants

The VA Benefits term “State Veterans Cemetery Grants” refers to financial assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to state governments for the development or improvement of veterans’ cemeteries. Below are three real-world examples of states that have received such grants:

California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, California: In September 2016, the California Department of Veterans Affairs received a grant of over $6 million from the VA to fund Phase I construction and development at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, California. The funding allowed for the establishment of a new state veteran cemetery accommodating both casketed and cremated remains, with initial interment capacity for nearly 5,000 veterans and their eligible family members.

State Veterans Cemetery, Pembroke, North Carolina: In September 2018, the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs received a State Cemetery Grant for over $7 million from the VA for the construction of a new state veterans cemetery in Pembroke, North Carolina. This grant aimed to provide an honored resting place for more than 5,000 veterans and their eligible dependents. The cemetery project included a columbarium, in-ground cremation plots, preplaced crypts, and standard burial plots.

Miramar National Cemetery, Florida: In September 2020, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs was awarded $10 million in a State Veterans Cemetery Grant by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The funding was allocated for the construction of a new veterans cemetery in Miramar, Florida, to establish a final resting place for more than 11,000 veterans and their eligible family members. The cemetery project would encompass approximately 20 acres and include a columbarium, in-ground cremation plots, preplaced crypts, and standard burial plots.

FAQ – State Veterans Cemetery Grants

What are State Veterans Cemetery Grants?

The State Veterans Cemetery Grants Program is a federal program that provides funding for states, territories, and federally recognized tribal governments to establish, expand, improve, or operate veterans cemeteries. These grants help to provide lasting tributes for the service and sacrifice of U.S. Veterans and help to support the state and tribal veterans cemeteries in honoring them.

Who is eligible for State Veterans Cemetery Grants?

Eligible applicants for State Veterans Cemetery Grants are state governments, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribal governments. These grants help in creating, expanding, or improving veterans cemeteries that serve veterans and their families in areas where a National Cemetery may not be easily accessible.

How can State Veterans Cemetery Grants be used?

State Veterans Cemetery Grants can be used to support the creation, development, expansion, and operation of veterans cemeteries. This includes essential aspects such as acquiring land, construction, and providing burial services for eligible veterans. The grant funding may also cover various improvements and upgrades to existing cemeteries to ensure they meet national shrine standards.

How to apply for State Veterans Cemetery Grants?

To apply for a State Veterans Cemetery Grant, the eligible state or tribal government must submit a pre-application to the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). The NCA will review the pre-application, and if the project meets the requirements, they will invite the entity to submit a formal grant application. For detailed instructions, visit the NCA website or contact your local state or tribal veterans cemetery office.

Where can I find more information about State Veterans Cemetery Grants?

For more information about the State Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, you can visit the website of the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). The NCA offers extensive resources and updates on the program, eligibility requirements, and the application process. Additionally, you may want to contact your state or tribal veterans cemetery office to learn more about local opportunities and support services.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• State Veterans Cemetery Construction Grants
• Gravesite Maintenance Benefits
• Headstone and Marker Assistance
• Benefits for Surviving Spouses and Dependents
• Veterans Burial Allowance

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• National Association of State Veterans Homes
• National Conference of State Legislatures
• Veterans Advantage