The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, the philanthropic division of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, has launched the 2025 Veterans Health Initiative. This special, one-time grant program honors the contributions and sacrifices of veterans by supporting programs that directly address their unique challenges. The Foundation is dedicated to improving health outcomes across New Jersey and aims to collaborate with community-based veterans' organizations to enhance the well-being of veterans and their families.

The 2025 Veterans Health Initiative focuses on three primary areas of impact: Behavioral Health, Housing & Food Security, and Economic Opportunity. Eligible programs include those offering mental health services for issues such as PTSD, military sexual trauma, suicide prevention, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Housing and food security programs must address access to safe, stable housing and essential nutrition. Economic opportunity programs may include workforce training, mentorship, and professional networking support. All grant activities must demonstrate direct, positive impact on veterans’ lives within New Jersey.

Each approved grant will be for a one-year period and may be awarded up to $20,000. These are program-specific grants, and funds may not be used for general operating expenses. The application window opens on February 3, 2025, and all proposals must be submitted online by May 7, 2025. The Foundation will notify applicants of funding decisions in July 2025. Approved grants will begin on October 1, 2025, and conclude on September 30, 2026.

Applicants must be New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit veterans’ organizations that serve veterans and/or their families. Organizations must show a proven track record of running effective, impactful programs. Partnerships are permitted if clearly described in the application, particularly if they enhance service delivery through collaboration with other providers. However, hospitals, hospital foundations, individuals, political organizations, one-day events, and fundraising events are not eligible. Additionally, existing grantees of the Foundation may not apply for this initiative.

Proposal requirements include submission of a current audited financial statement, IRS 990 tax return, organizational budget, a list of the current Board of Directors, a detailed project description, project budget, and a list of service areas. Proposals must be submitted via the CyberGrants online portal. Selection will be based on alignment with the initiative’s focus areas, impact potential, implementation record, and programmatic need.

Successful applicants will be required to submit performance metrics and a final report detailing outcomes and impact. The final report will include a 500-word narrative describing how the grant supported the program in achieving its goals. Questions about the application process may be directed to Foundation_Info@HorizonBlue.com.