WDVA Awards $550,000 to Veteran Nonprofits

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a total of $550,000 in grants to 16 nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving Wisconsin veterans and their families. These organizations offer services ranging from financial aid and job training to entrepreneurship programs and mental health support.

“I’m grateful that WDVA can partner with these organizations that work tirelessly on behalf of our veterans,” said Secretary James Bond. “Through these grants, we’re helping ensure veterans across the state have access to critical resources, whether it’s business training, essential needs, or mental health care. Wisconsin continues to stand strong for those who’ve served.”

The grants are from two programs: the Veteran Nonprofit Grant, available to all registered nonprofits that serve veterans, and the Veteran Entrepreneurship Grant, open to nonprofits that specifically provide entrepreneurship or technical, business, or other assistance to veteran entrepreneurs to improve employment outcomes.

This year’s Nonprofit Grant recipients ($250,000 in total) are:

Fox Valley Veterans Council received $25,000 for their Veterans Emergency Assistance Program, which provides immediate financial aid to veterans and their families for housing, utilities, food, transportation, dental care, and other essential needs.

The Highground received $25,000 for multiple programs, including 3-day healing retreats for veterans, provision of musical instruments and lessons to veterans, and mental health and educational exhibits.

HOOAH WI received $15,000 for the Warrior Wellness and peer support programs, with a focus on suicide prevention and improving overall wellness for veterans.

Milwaukee County War Memorial received $25,000 to support the services the War Memorial provides to Veteran Service Organizations and tenants of the Veterans Operation Center, and to its veteran engagement and community outreach programs.

Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative received $25,000 to support the continued operations of the Homeless Veterans Initiative, with support to transportation, direct financial assistance to veterans in need, and outreach activities.

Next 18 received $25,000 to support peer mentorship and peer facilitator services to Veterans, as well as support for veteran golf outings, yoga & wellness instruction, and other resources.

Paralyzed Veterans of America received $25,000 to support emergency assistance for veterans with spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, and other complex, co-occurring medical conditions.

Patriots for Warriors received $10,000 for emergency assistance resources to veterans, including utility bills, vehicle repairs, housing expenses, food, furniture, etc.

Shield of Sisters received $25,000 to support three healing retreats for female veterans in Wisconsin, focused on recovery from Military Sexual Trauma and suicide prevention.

Trinity Equestrian Center received $25,000 to support the creation and deployment of a digital guide for veterans transitioning out of service, and for in-person equine-assisted therapy for veterans and their families.

Wisconsin Veterans Network received $25,000 for emergency assistance resources to veterans, including transportation, lodging, and utilities, and to provide a VetsNet Service Navigator to assist veterans with accessing services.

This year’s Entrepreneurship Grant recipients ($300,000 in total) are:

BizStarts Milwaukee received $14,514 to support the adaptation of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) curriculum to enable recruiting, training, and support of its first Veterans-only cohort to receive individualized coaching, access to startup.

Community Education Initiative received $100,000 to support customized, personal business development services for Veteran entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on rural communities, through individualized mentoring, hands-on technical assistance, and local interactive workshops.

Fox Valley Technical College Foundation received $60,486 for the Innovation Accelerator for Veterans program, providing training, technical support, networking, mentoring, and seed funds for 16 Veteran-owned businesses.

New Beginnings Aerospace Ministry received $25,000 to support training, equipment, and flight instruction for Veterans pursuing entrepreneurship as private pilots.

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation received $100,000 to support cohort and individualized training, technical assistance, mentoring, networking, digital devices, and seed funds. Cohort training supports up to 50 Veterans, with opportunities for seed funding for pitch competitors.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.