VA Awards $112 Million to Combat Veteran Suicide

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced nearly $112 million in grants to community organizations nationwide. The aim is to reduce veteran suicide and reach those not connected to VA health services.

On September 29, the VA stated that $111.9 million in grants will be given to 191 organizations via the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The funds will be available at the start of fiscal year 2027. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, local governments, tribes, and community groups supporting veterans.

“Community organizations are critical to reaching Veterans who may not otherwise connect with VA care,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.

Recent data indicates an urgent need to address veteran suicides. In 2023, 6,398 veterans died by suicide, a slight decrease from 6,442 in 2022. The average daily suicide rate dropped from 17.6 to 17.5.

Nevertheless, suicide rates increased among male and female veterans. Male veterans’ rates rose from 37.3 to 37.8 per 100,000, while female veterans saw an increase from 13.7 to 13.9 per 100,000.

Finding showed that certain groups face higher suicide risks, including vets aged 18-34, homeless individuals, and those with chronic health conditions.

Significantly, 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 had not received VA-supported health care within the year before their death. This highlights the importance of extending prevention efforts beyond VA facilities into local communities.

Purpose of the Distribution

The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program aims to expand prevention beyond clinical settings. It targets factors contributing to suicide risk, such as social isolation, financial difficulties, and lack of care access.

Grant recipients offer services like suicide-risk outreach, mental health screening, peer support, case management, referrals for emergency treatment, and assistance acquiring VA and other government benefits. The program focuses on veterans not connected to VA health care and those in underserved areas.

In 2025, Fox grant recipients provided services to roughly 17,000 veterans, service members, and family members—a 31% increase from the prior year. They also facilitated health care connections for 2,647 veterans previously unengaged with VA services.

State Funding Distribution

The VA plans to distribute $111.9 million nationwide. According to the 2027 awards list, California and Texas will receive the most funding, with approximately $10 million and $7 million across various organizations. Florida is set to receive over $6 million, and New York about $4.3 million.

Since 2022, the program has allocated over $322 million to 218 organizations in 49 states, U.S. territories, and Tribal lands.

Efforts Beyond Grants

These community grants are part of a broader VA strategy for suicide prevention. In 2025, the Veterans Crisis Line managed more than 1.3 million calls, chats, and texts—a 39% increase from the previous year—and conducted over 5.3 million suicide-risk screenings.

Community grants will continue to play a significant role in reaching veterans who need help but may never visit a VA clinic.