← Back to US Funders Directory

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.5M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
2w

Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF)

Quick Stats

  • Annual Budget: $24 million (2024)
  • 2024 Grants Awarded: $464,600 to 29 organizations
  • Grant Range: Up to $1,000 (individual veterans) | $12,000-$25,000 (organizational grants)
  • Decision Time: 1-2 weeks (individual grants) | Biannual sessions (organizational grants)
  • Geographic Focus: All 50 states
  • CharityWatch Rating: F (86% overhead costs)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.dvnf.org
General Email: grants@dvnf.org
Program Department: programs@dvnf.org
Phone: (202) 737-0522 ext. 3
Address: Lanham, Maryland

Overview

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was founded in fall 2007 by six women veterans who were State Women Veterans Coordinators, responding to the chronic gap in services for disabled and at-risk veterans returning from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The organization operates with an annual budget of approximately $24 million and provides direct assistance to veterans through individual grants and funding to veteran service organizations through capacity-building grants.

In 2024, DVNF awarded $464,600 to 29 veteran service organizations, directly benefiting a combined total of 6,588 veterans. Led by CEO Joseph VanFonda, SgtMaj USMC (Ret.) since 2014, the organization has undergone significant restructuring following a 2014 settlement with the New York State Attorney General for deceptive fundraising practices.

Important Note: CharityWatch currently rates DVNF with an "F" rating, citing that the organization spends 86.1% of its budget on overhead and only 13.9% on programs (based on 2024 tax returns). Prospective applicants should be aware of this rating and the organization's controversial history while considering application.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Capacity Building Grants (Currently Suspended)

  • Amount: Typically $12,000-$25,000 (maximum $25,000)
  • Status: Temporarily suspended due to program updates; not accepting new Letters of Intent
  • Focus: Organizational support for veteran service providers
  • Contact: grants@dvnf.org for program status updates

2. Grants to Provide Stability (GPS)

  • Amount: Up to $1,000 (not guaranteed)
  • Eligible Expenses: Rent/mortgage payments, essential utilities (electric, gas, water, waste)
  • Not Covered: Deposits, car repairs, insurance (car payments considered case-by-case if required for employment)
  • Payment Method: Rolling basis; applications accepted monthly, processed approximately twice per month
  • Payment Process: Checks mailed directly to landlords, mortgage companies, or utility providers (never to veterans)

3. Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP)

  • Type: One-time grant of essential food and household support
  • Frequency: Once per fiscal year (October-September)
  • Processing Time: 1-2 weeks for evaluation; delivery within 1-3 days after approval

4. Homeless to Housing (H2H)

  • Focus: Financial assistance for veterans transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing

Priority Areas

DVNF funds organizations and programs that support:

  • Adaptive sports and recreational activities
  • Employment support and job training
  • Mental health resources and counseling
  • Housing stability and homelessness prevention
  • Food assistance
  • Physical and mental wellbeing programs
  • Programs specifically serving disabled veterans and at-risk veterans

What They Don't Fund

For Capacity Building Grants:

  • Overhead costs only
  • Salaries only
  • General support without specific veteran-focused programming
  • Programs not solely benefiting veterans

For Individual Grants (GPS):

  • Deposits
  • Car repairs (typically)
  • Insurance premiums
  • Direct payments to veterans (all payments go to service providers)

Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership

Joseph VanFonda, SgtMaj USMC (Ret.) - Chief Executive Officer (since 2014)

  • 27-year career in the United States Marine Corps
  • Served as Regimental Sergeant Major of the Wounded Warrior Regiment
  • Leadership philosophy: "Relationship, not process"
  • On VA reform: "While everyone claims increased funding is the answer to what ails the VA, I am not sure that a bigger budget will necessarily fix the underlying issues. The VA has been overburdened for years, but the real issue is a systematic failure to put proper procedures in place to meet the needs of veterans."

Delese Harvey - Executive Director

  • More than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership

Mildred Mesembe - Chief Financial Officer

Organizational History

The organization underwent significant restructuring following a 2014 settlement with the New York State Attorney General's Office—the largest settlement ever obtained in the U.S. for deceptive fundraising practices ($25 million). Under the settlement, DVNF was required to replace its founding board members, create a committee to reexamine its business model, and discontinue all misleading fundraising appeals.

Application Process & Timeline

Capacity Building Grants (Currently Suspended)

Current Status: The Capacity Building Grant (CBG) Program is temporarily suspended due to program updates and is not accepting any new Letters of Intent (LOI). Contact grants@dvnf.org for updates on when the program will reopen.

Previous Process (when operational):

  • Two open sessions per year
  • Two-stage application: Letter of Intent (LOI) followed by full application if invited
  • Maximum request: $25,000
  • Eligibility: 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) veteran service organizations
  • Requirement: Grants must solely benefit veterans and/or veteran-specific programs

Grants to Provide Stability (GPS) - Individual Veterans

How to Apply:

  1. Complete DVNF's GPS Application Form with all required accompanying forms
  2. Provide DD-214 Record of Military Service (must show character of discharge) OR acceptable alternative: state-issued veteran ID, Veteran Status Verification Form, or veteran status on state-issued driver's license
  3. Include a cover letter with:
    • Overview of the problem
    • Rationale for the need
    • Critical: Plan to continue services after support is rendered (sustainability plan)
    • Amount requested
  4. Submit copy of bill(s) for payment issued within past 30 days, including payment address (complete billing statement)
  5. Letter from VA case worker or Veteran Service Officer verifying situation (not required but strongly recommended—increases approval chances)

Application Portal: Available through DVNF website at www.dvnf.org/gps/

Decision Timeline

GPS Program:

  • Applications processed approximately twice per month
  • Applications accepted on rolling basis throughout the month
  • Average processing time: 1-2 weeks
  • May be affected by staff availability, holidays, and office closures

VFAP Program:

  • Evaluation: 1-2 weeks on average
  • Delivery: 1-3 days after approval (depending on completion of delivery information form)
  • Some applicants report approval in just a few days

Success Rates

Specific success rate statistics are not publicly available for DVNF programs. The organization notes that "funding is limited" and encourages applicants to provide complete information to increase approval chances.

In 2024, DVNF awarded grants to 29 organizations through the Capacity Building Grant program, but the total number of applications received was not disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

VFAP: Veterans and their families can only be approved for assistance once per fiscal year (October-September).

GPS and Other Programs: Specific reapplication policies are not publicly stated. Contact programs@dvnf.org for clarification.

Application Success Factors

For Individual Veterans (GPS Program)

Critical Success Factor - Sustainability Plan: DVNF explicitly requires applicants to explain their plan for sustainability. As stated in their guidance: "If we help with your rent or utilities this month, what will be different about your situation next month?" Examples include:

  • Starting a new job
  • Cutting costs by discontinuing cable service or other non-essential expenses
  • Note: "Waiting for a claim to process" is NOT considered a valid response

Verification Matters:

  • DVNF utilizes local Case Workers and Veteran Service Officers to verify each veteran's situation
  • While a letter from a VA case worker or service officer is not required, it significantly increases approval chances
  • The letter should explain the veteran's hardship and describe how the case worker is assisting

Complete Documentation:

  • Provide all required forms and documentation
  • Include recent bills (within 30 days) with complete payment information
  • Do not assume anything in your application—be explicit about your situation and needs

Eligible Expenses Only:

  • Focus requests on housing (rent/mortgage) and essential utilities
  • Understand that deposits are never covered
  • Car payments considered only if vehicle is required for maintaining employment

For Organizations (Capacity Building Grants)

When Program Reopens:

Veteran-Specific Programming:

  • Grants must "solely benefit veterans and/or veteran-specific programs"
  • Demonstrate clear impact on veteran populations
  • Show "exceptional dedication to veteran services"

Program Types That Have Succeeded: Recent 2024 grant recipients represent diverse services including:

  • Adaptive sports programs
  • Employment support
  • Mental health resources
  • Service animals and equine therapy
  • Arts and wellness programs
  • Homelessness prevention
  • Food assistance
  • Community-based support services

What NOT to Request:

  • Do not apply for overhead costs only
  • Do not apply for salaries only
  • Do not apply for general support without specific veteran programming
  • Ensure your organization has 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status before applying

Demonstrate Impact:

  • The 2024 grant recipients' programs directly benefited a combined total of 6,588 veterans
  • Show measurable outcomes and veteran reach in your application

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Be Aware of Controversies: DVNF has an F rating from CharityWatch and a history of deceptive fundraising practices (settled in 2014). While the organization does provide grants, only 13.9% of its budget goes to programs. Consider whether this aligns with your organization's values before applying.

  2. Capacity Building Grants Currently Unavailable: The organizational grant program is suspended for updates. Monitor grants@dvnf.org for announcement of reopening. When operational, grants range up to $25,000 with biannual funding cycles.

  3. Individual Veteran Grants Move Quickly: The GPS program processes applications twice monthly with 1-2 week turnaround. This is faster than many veteran assistance programs and can provide critical emergency support.

  4. Sustainability Plans Are Non-Negotiable: For individual veterans, a clear plan for how the situation will improve after the grant is absolutely required. "Waiting for a VA claim" is explicitly not acceptable.

  5. Verification Increases Success: Letters from VA case workers or Veteran Service Officers are not required but strongly recommended and significantly improve approval chances for individual applications.

  6. Veteran-Specific Programming Only: Organizations must demonstrate that grants will "solely benefit veterans." Programs serving broader populations with some veteran participants likely won't qualify.

  7. Direct Payment Model: All payments go directly to service providers (landlords, utilities, etc.), never to veterans themselves. Factor this into your planning and timeline expectations.

2024 Capacity Building Grant Recipients

The following 29 organizations received grants totaling $464,600 in 2024, directly benefiting 6,588 veterans:

  1. 22Mohawks Corp
  2. A Safe Haven Foundation
  3. Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc.
  4. Arizona Pet Project
  5. Art for the Journey
  6. Baker Senior Center Naples
  7. Bethany's Gait, Inc.
  8. Challenged Athletes, Inc.
  9. Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing
  10. Dog Tag Bakery
  11. Dunka, Inc.
  12. Eureka Springs School of the Arts
  13. Faith-Hope-Love-Charities, Inc.
  14. For All Seasons, Inc.
  15. Freedom Equine Connection
  16. Freedom Service Dogs, Inc.
  17. Fulcrum Farm Foundation/Farm2Veteran
  18. God's Love We Deliver, Inc.
  19. Hospice of the Bluegrass, Inc.
  20. Mark Ministries
  21. National Sports Center for the Disabled
  22. New Visions Homeless Services
  23. Resurrecting Lives Foundation
  24. Service Peace Warriors
  25. St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc.
  26. Veteran Rites Inc.
  27. Veterans Navigation Network
  28. Vehicles for Veterans
  29. Village For Vets

References

  1. Disabled Veterans National Foundation Official Website. "Capacity Building Grants." https://www.dvnf.org/capacity-building-grants/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  2. Disabled Veterans National Foundation. "Grants to Provide Stability." https://www.dvnf.org/gps/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  3. Disabled Veterans National Foundation. "About DVNF." https://www.dvnf.org/about/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  4. Disabled Veterans National Foundation. "Disabled Veterans National Foundation Announces $464,600 in Grants to 29 Veteran Service Organizations." June 2024. https://www.dvnf.org/dvnf-grants-29-veteran-service-organizations/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  5. CharityWatch. "Disabled Veterans National Foundation." https://www.charitywatch.org/charities/disabled-veterans-national-foundation (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  6. CharityWatch. "F Ratings: Veterans Charities to Avoid This Veterans Day 2024." November 2024. https://blog.charitywatch.org/f-ratings-veterans-charities-to-avoid-this-veterans-day-2024/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  7. Charities for Veterans. "Disabled Veterans National Foundation." https://charitiesforvets.org/charity/disabled-veterans-national-foundation/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  8. Philanthropy News Digest. "New York State Wins $25 Million Settlement in Veterans Charity Fraud." May 2014. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/new-york-state-wins-25-million-settlement-in-veterans-charity-fraud (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  9. Wikipedia. "Disabled Veterans National Foundation." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disabled_Veterans_National_Foundation (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  10. PRWeb. "CEO of National Veterans Organization Calls for Systematic Improvement at the Department of Veterans Affairs." May 2014. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/05/prweb11878483.htm (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  11. AMAC Foundation. "Disabled Veterans National Foundation's GPS (Grants to Provide Stability)." https://amacfoundation.org/veterans_resources/disabled-veterans-national-foundations-gps-grants-to-provide-stability/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)

  12. Disabled Veterans National Foundation. "Veteran Food Assistance Program." https://www.dvnf.org/veteran-food-assistance-program/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)

← Back to US Funders Directory