VA Awards $112 Million to Community Organizations

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has allocated nearly $112 million to community organizations nationwide to address veteran suicide rates and assist those not connected to VA health care services. The VA announced $111.9 million in grants for 191 organizations through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, with funds available at the start of fiscal year 2027. Recipients include nonprofits, local governments, federally recognized tribes, and community-based groups serving veterans.

“Community organizations are critical to reaching Veterans who may not otherwise connect with VA care,” VA Secretary Doug Collins stated. “VA’s Fox grant program often serves as a bridge between vital federal resources and vulnerable Veterans in need of help.”

Suicide Rates and Prevention Efforts

Despite a slight decline in the number of veteran suicides from 6,442 in 2022 to 6,398 in 2023, the VA is tackling persistent suicide trends. The National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report shows an increase in suicide rates for both male and female veterans. Male veteran suicide rates rose from 37.3 to 37.8 per 100,000, while female rates increased from 13.7 to 13.9 per 100,000.

Veterans ages 18 to 34, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals with chronic health conditions are at heightened suicide risk. Notably, 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 lacked VA-supported health care in the year prior to their death, underscoring the need for community outreach.

The Role of the Fox Grant Program

The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program aims to broaden suicide prevention beyond clinical settings by addressing factors like social isolation, financial challenges, and access to care. Grant recipients offer services such as suicide-risk outreach, mental health screening, peer support, case management, emergency referrals, and assistance with obtaining VA and government benefits.

In 2025, Fox grant recipients provided services to about 17,000 veterans, service members, and their families, marking a 31% increase from the previous year. Grantees also facilitated connections for 2,647 veterans seeking VA services for the first time.

Funding Distribution Across States

The VA’s funding plan distributes $111.9 million to organizations throughout the country. California and Texas are leading recipients, securing $10 million and $7 million respectively, followed by Florida with over $6 million, and New York at approximately $4.3 million.

Since 2022, the Fox program has granted over $322 million to 218 organizations, spanning 49 states, U.S. territories, and Tribal lands.

Comprehensive Prevention Strategy

The grant program is part of the VA’s broader suicide prevention strategy. In 2025, the Veterans Crisis Line responded to over 1.3 million calls, chats, and texts, reflecting a 39% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, 5.3 million suicide-risk screenings were completed.

VA officials advocate for community-based grants as essential for aiding veterans who might not visit VA clinics but require support.