2020-2 Veteran Suicide Prevention Grant Program

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.

By any objective measure, this is a national tragedy.

As a result, the SWVF has embraced Veteran suicide as its signature issue for 2020. This year-long campaign to stop the epidemic of Veteran suicides and reduce its occurrence is titled “$20 to Reduce the 20 in 2020.”

At its core, is the desire to embed in the consciousness of every Arizonan, that every time they hear, read, or write the date 2020, they will think of the 20 Veterans who will commit suicide that day—and then do something to help!

The 2020 goal is to raise $100,000 to support established and effective efforts and programs within the state whose programs and operations include preventing Veteran suicide.

The SWVF intends to solicit and make grants to selected applicants on a quarterly basis. The number and amount of the grants will be dependent on the amount of money raised through this program.

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 2020-2 Veteran Suicide Grant Program is attached. It is also available on our website. Applications must arrive at SWVF by July 3, 2020 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

Milestones

On/about

June 15, 2022
July 3, 2022

August 10, 2022

.Actions

Announcement and application form released.
Applications due (late applications will be held for the next cycle of awards).
Grant awards announced

.

SWVF Application

Questions    Contact Tom Sheets, t.sheets@swvcc.org, 602.677.2961