VA Announces $52.5 Million Boost to Support Veteran Suicide Prevention

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new round of funding worth approximately $52.5 million to support suicide prevention and emergency clinical services for Veterans at risk. The funding, available through the Staff Sgt. Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, will be awarded to community-based organizations nationwide that can deliver life-saving outreach and support where Veterans need it most.

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Grant Details and Deadlines

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• Total available funding: $52.5 million
• Maximum award per organization: $750,000 annually
• Application deadline: July 18, 2025, by 4:59 p.m. ET
• Expected award announcements: September 30, 2025

Organizations that receive funding may also be eligible to renew their awards annually for the duration of the program. Application instructions are available publicly through the Federal Register.

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Two Funding Priorities

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To increase access to these resources, VA will evaluate applications in two categories:

• Priority 1: Current Fox Grant recipients applying to renew their awards without major changes.
• Priority 2: New applicants seeking to launch or expand programs aligned with VA’s suicide prevention goals.

All applicants must demonstrate the capacity to provide evidence-based suicide prevention services such as:

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• Outreach to at-risk and high-risk Veterans
• Mental health screenings using VA-provided tools
• Case management and care coordination
• Peer support programs
• Emergency clinical interventions
• Help navigating VA and other public benefits

Each program is also required to implement a quality assurance and evaluation plan to track outcomes around suicide prevention, mental health, social connection, and Veteran well-being.

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A Public Health Partnership

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“Reducing Veteran suicide starts with reaching Veterans when and how it’s most convenient for them,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “One of the best ways to accomplish this mission is by working with community-based organizations. We look forward to ensuring these funds are put to use helping Veterans in need across the nation.”

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The Fox Grant Program was established under the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019. It emphasizes a public health approach to suicide prevention that blends local community partnerships with proven clinical strategies.

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Building on Progress

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Since its launch in 2022, the Fox Grant Program has already distributed $157.5 million to 95 organizations across 43 states, U.S. territories, and tribal lands. This new round of funding will expand the network of support, ensuring Veterans whether in rural communities, cities, or tribal lands can access timely resources before a crisis escalates.

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At Federal Pension Advisors, we know veterans deserve both financial stability and access to vital resources. This article not only highlights the VA’s latest initiatives but also helps veterans and their families understand how federal benefits and healthcare programs fit into their long-term planning.

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Bottom Line

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The VA’s new $52.5 million investment underscores the urgency of tackling Veteran suicide with both innovation and compassion. By empowering trusted community-based organizations to work hand-in-hand with federal resources, the program strengthens a crucial safety net so that no Veteran has to stand alone in a moment of crisis.

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FAQs

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Did the VA announce $52 million boost to US veterans?

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Yes, in May 2025, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced approximately $52.5 million in new grants for community-based organizations focused on suicide prevention and emergency mental health services for veterans at risk. Local groups can apply for grants up to $750,000, with awards aimed at expanding outreach, crisis intervention, and clinical support across the U.S.

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What is the VA Million Veteran Program?

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The VA Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a national research initiative launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs to study how genes, lifestyle, and military exposures affect health and illness in veterans. This voluntary program has enrolled over one million veteran participants to support the future of personalized medicine and improve health care for veterans and all Americans.

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What is the new VA disability increase?

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For 2025, VA disability compensation rates typically increase based on the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which aligns with Social Security changes. The most recent increase, effective January 2025, raised payments by approximately 3.2%, reflecting inflation and supporting veteran financial stability. Updated VA compensation tables are available on the VA website and reflect new monthly benefit amounts for those with service-connected disabilities.

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Can a veteran make too much money for VA benefits?

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Some VA benefits, such as health care enrollment and certain pension programs (like the VA Pension for wartime veterans), have income limits. However, disability compensation is not means-tested, so veterans can receive those payments regardless of income. For health care, income thresholds may determine priority groups, but many veterans with higher incomes may still qualify for some VA programs, especially if they have service-connected disabilities.

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