The Veterans Nonprofit Improvement Grant (VNIG) provides critical funding to eligible nonprofit veterans’ organizations to support capital improvement projects that enhance service delivery, improve safety and extend the useful life of facilities dedicated to those who have served.

The application process is now open for Fiscal Year 2026. Eligible organizations are strongly encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to improve infrastructure and expand their impact within the veteran community. The application deadline is April 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. with an anticipated award date of May 14, 2026.

Program Overview
The Michigan Veterans Nonprofit Improvement Grant supports 501(c)(19) tax-exempt veterans’ organizations that own the facilities for which funding is requested. The program focuses exclusively on large-scale, one-time capital improvement projects, including construction, renovation or infrastructure upgrades that add value and longevity to a property. Grant awards will be issued in amounts not to exceed $300,000, with an anticipated project period running from Date of Award - August 31, 2026.

Eligibility and Priority Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate clear and compelling need, supported by documentation, in the following areas:

1. Infrastructure Deterioration
Organizations must provide evidence of significant facility deterioration. Acceptable documentation includes:

• Facility condition assessments
• Safety inspection reports
• Code violations
• Deferred maintenance records

2. Liability Exposure
Applicants must document increased risk associated with facility conditions, including:

• Evidence of disrepair
• Documented legal claims
• Insurance notices
• Incident reports
• Other proof of potential harm to staff, residents or visitors 

3. Veteran Service Population
Priority will be given to organizations serving larger veteran populations. Applicants must submit verifiable documentation such as:

• Program enrollment records
• Service logs
• Other records demonstrating ongoing veteran engagement

Applicants will categorize their service population within one of the following ranges:

• 100 members
• 150 members
• 200 members
• 250 members
• 300 members
• 350 members
• 400 members
• 400+ members

Allowable Use of Funds
Grant funds must be used exclusively for capital improvement projects and may not be used for routine maintenance or operational expenses. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Structural repairs (foundations, roofing, siding)
• Electrical, plumbing and HVAC system upgrades
• Fire suppression and safety systems
• Accessibility improvements
• Parking lots, sidewalks and exterior infrastructure
• Security systems and building expansions

All projects must comply with state and local building codes, safety regulations and accessibility standards.

Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes:

• Completed DMVA Application Form
• Proof of 501(c)(19) status (IRS determination letter)
• Facility ownership documentation (deed or title)
• Most recent IRS Form 990
• Proof of property insurance

Project Proposal Narrative (maximum one page)

• Description of the facility and existing issues
• Justification for the proposed improvements
• Project timeline

Budget and Financial Documentation

• Detailed budget summary
• Contractor quotes, bids, or estimates (itemized)
• Supporting documentation for design or engineering costs (if applicable)

Supporting Evidence

• Documentation of infrastructure deterioration
• Liability-related records (claims, incident reports, insurance notices)
• Veteran service population documentation (service logs, enrollment data)

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: April 30, 2026, at 5 p.m.
• Award Announcements: Anticipated award date of May 14, 2026
• Project Period: Date of Award – August 31, 2026
• Final Report Deadline: September 15, 2026

Compliance and Reporting
Grant recipients must adhere to all program requirements, including:

• Participation in a mandatory post-award training on May 18 from 1-2:30 p.m. or May 21 from 9-10:30 a.m.
• Submission of progress and financial reports upon project completion
• Maintenance of detailed records, including receipts and proof of payment

All expenditures will be reimbursed and must occur within the approved project period. Funds are considered last-resort funding, requiring applicants to exhaust other available resources first.  Applications must be submitted electronically to DMVA-Grants@michigan.gov. Confirmation of submission will be provided.

Conflict of Interest Policy
To ensure transparency and accountability, applicants must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest. No individual affiliated with the organization — including board members, employees or their immediate family members — may financially benefit from the grant. Organizations must submit their conflict-of-interest policy and required disclosures within 14 days of application execution.

Oversight and Accountability
All awarded projects are subject to monitoring and audit by the DMVA. Failure to comply with grant terms, reporting requirements or approved project scope may result in withheld or recouped funds.

Grant Guidance
Grant Guidance

Grant Application
Grant Application

Primary Contact
Marie Douville
Program Manager
douvillem2@michigan.gov
517-992-1845