The Veteran Housing Grants Program, administered by The Home Depot Foundation, provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on creating or rehabilitating permanent supportive housing for veterans. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are designed to fund the physical construction costs of multifamily housing developments. The program aims to assist honorably discharged veterans, particularly those earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), through housing projects offering supportive services.

The program emphasizes serving urban areas with populations over 300,000, though rural projects may also be considered. Priority cities include Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Houston, Detroit, San Diego, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, and Tampa. Eligible organizations must meet stringent requirements, such as being 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good IRS standing for at least five years, managing an operating budget of at least $300,000, and possessing prior experience in veteran housing development. They must also demonstrate collaboration with local efforts to combat homelessness and maintain a minimum 15-year ownership stake in the development.

Funding is strictly limited to construction-related hard costs, excluding items like furnishings or tenant services. Grants may not exceed 50% of the total project cost, and at least 75% of funding sources must be identified at the proposal stage. Each project must designate at least 20% of its units for veterans and secure a binding third-party agreement to ensure compliance for at least 15 years. Construction must begin within 12 months of submitting a proposal, and evidence of supportive services is required.

To apply, organizations must register on The Home Depot Foundation’s grant portal, select the appropriate funding cycle, and submit their proposals. Proposals are reviewed year-round, with final determinations made in three cycles: April, August, and December. Third-party reviews, conducted by contracted vendors, assess financial and operational aspects of proposals. Applicants passing this stage are reviewed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors before final funding decisions are made.

Deadlines for the 2025 funding cycles are December 13, 2024; March 21, 2025; and July 3, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their status within 45 days after the proposal deadline. Nonprofits are encouraged to reach out with questions to THDF_VHG@homedepot.com, while individual veterans seeking assistance should explore other programs funded by the Foundation’s partners.

This program is an excellent opportunity for experienced nonprofits dedicated to addressing veteran homelessness through sustainable housing solutions. Its rigorous eligibility criteria ensure that funding is allocated to well-prepared organizations with a proven track record in veteran housing development.