Purpose
To announce the 2021-1 Veteran Suicide Grant Program and to solicit applications for grant funding to support efforts to prevent Veteran suicide.
Background
The Southwest Veterans Foundation (SWVF) recently reviewed the issue of Veteran suicides. Here are some of the alarming data:
- On average, 20 Veterans commit suicide daily
- 70% of those Veterans were not in the Veterans Administration (VA) care system
- Arizona has the sixth highest Veteran suicide rate of the 50 states
- Arizona Veterans are three times more likely to commit suicide than non-Veterans
- In 2018 the VA only spent 24% of the money appropriated for Veteran
- Suicide prevention community outreach
- Despite all that has been said and done to attack this epidemic, Veteran suicide deaths continue to increase.
- The COVID-19 has increased the stress on many Veterans already on the edge and has caused both individual and corporate donations to decrease.
By any objective measure, this is a national tragedy.
As a result, the SWVF has again embraced Veteran suicide as its signature issue for 2021. The original year-long campaign to stop the epidemic of Veteran suicides and reduce its occurrence was titled “$20 to Reduce the 20 in 2020.” Because of interruptions to our fundraising and operations in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, we are continuing our efforts throughout 2021.
At its core, it was our desire to embed in the consciousness of every Arizonan, that every time they hear, read, or write the date 2020, they would think of the 20 Veterans who will commit suicide that day—and then do something to help!
The 2020 goal was to raise $100,000 to support established and effective efforts and programs within the state whose programs and operations include preventing Veteran suicide.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the SWVF Veteran Suicide Prevention Grants, organizations must be IRS approved 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organizations.
Additionally, they must:
- Be a legal entity in good standing in the state of Arizona for at least three years.
- Have established programs in place that are directly targeted to preventing Veteran suicide or assisting families who suffer a Veteran suicide.
- Be able to demonstrate the administration, participation, and results of its programs and operations.
Application
The application for the 2021-1 Veteran Suicide Grant Program is attached. It is also available on our website. Applications must arrive at SWVF by July 15, 2021 and contain all necessary documents and documentation. Submit applications to:
Southwest Veterans Foundation
Attn: Veteran Suicide Prevention Committee
3820 W Happy Valley Rd
# 141-455
Glendale, AZ 85310
Note to previous submitters: If you previously submitted a grant application and received a grant, you do not need to submit the full application. You must complete Sections 1,2,7, and 8 and include any additional material you want to grant selection committee to consider. All others must complete the full application.
Milestones
On/about Action
June 20 Announcement and application form released
July 15 Applications due (late applications will be held for the next cycle of awards)
July 20 Grant awards announced
Questions. Contact Tom Sheets, t.sheets@swvcc.org, 602.677.2961
Very important to share with your networks for widest dissemination! This topic is too important to ignore!
Anything we can do to help our veterans reduce this unacceptable level of suicides is very well-earned. If the funds being distributed reduces this shocking number, we owe that to those that have served.
We need this for our veterans!!
By any objective measure, this is indeed a national tragedy, and I am proud to be working with this great team toward solutions.
20 veterans commit suicide each day. Lets help our veterans get the help they so desperately need.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in the Veteran Community. The tragedy is real !! Your donation can impact the lives of Veterans and their families for generations to come. I invite everyone to join with me to change lives.
Me, the SWVCC board of directors and Chamber members are proud to support our Veteran community in this way. We appreciate supporting those who do great work in this area. We look forward to seeing your application for these grants.