Cohen Veterans Network Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $32,620,867 (2023)
Number of Grants: 24 grants (2023)
Grant Structure: 3-year master grant agreements
Geographic Focus: National (United States) and expanding internationally
Network Size: 22 clinics across 21 states
Application Method: Invitation only

Contact Details

Website: https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org

Location: Stamford, CT

Note: CVN does not accept requests or solicitations for funding. Partner organizations for any future clinics will be selected by invitation only.

Overview

Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) was founded in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen with a $275 million commitment to establish a network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans and their families. The organization operates as a private foundation (501(c)(3)) and is supported by the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Inc. In 2023, CVN distributed $32,620,867 in grants across 24 awards. The organization's mission is to improve the quality of life for post-9/11 veterans and their families through a network of high-quality outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities. CVN partners with 12 community-based organizations to operate 22 clinics across 21 states, with plans for continued strategic expansion including international locations on military bases in the Indo-Pacific region in cooperation with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Military Family Clinic Grants: CVN provides comprehensive funding and support to establish and operate mental health clinics through community-based partner organizations. Each new clinic receives a master grant agreement outlining:

Services to be approved by CVN
Funding and payment schedule for an initial three-year period
In-depth assistance and funding for the initial build of the military family clinic
Resources, guidance, and funding for allocation of space, rent, and opening expenses

Sustainability Model: Clinics are expected to develop self-sufficiency over time:

By year 4: Clinics should supply 25% of their own funding from insurance reimbursements, local philanthropy, and government grants
By year 6: Clinics should supply 50% of their own funding

Priority Areas

CVN focuses exclusively on mental health care for:

Post-9/11 veterans (all discharge statuses, combat and non-combat roles)
Active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reserves)
Military family members (spouses, partners, children, parents, siblings, caretakers)

Services Funded:

Evidence-based mental health treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment issues, anger, grief and loss, transition challenges
Marriage and relationship counseling
Child and adolescent mental health services
In-person and telehealth services
Support and referrals for related needs (unemployment, housing, finance, education)

Geographic Priorities

CVN targets high-need communities where post-9/11 veterans face barriers to mental health access. City selection is based on:

VA data on mental health access and continuity of care
Estimates of post-9/11 veteran population in targeted cities
Thorough landscape analysis of community resources and gaps

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Dr. Anthony Hassan - A veteran of the U.S. Army (enlisted) and U.S. Air Force (officer) with 30 years of expertise in military behavioral health. Dr. Hassan leads the strategic, operational, and financial direction of CVN.

Board of Directors:

Chairman: General Joseph L. Lengyel (Ret.) - Former 28th Chief of the National Guard Bureau and former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Founder: Steven A. Cohen - Philanthropist who conceived CVN after his son was deployed to Afghanistan (August 2010 - February 2011)
Mary Winnefeld - Board member
Mr. Sullivan - Board member and Treasurer

Executive Leadership:

Jody Harron-Longo - Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration
Tracy Neal-Walden - Chief Clinical Officer

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Cohen Veterans Network explicitly states that it "does not accept requests or solicitations for funding" and that "partner organizations for any future clinics will be selected by invitation only."

How Grants Are Awarded: CVN takes a strategic, proactive approach to identifying partner organizations:

City Selection: CVN identifies potential cities using VA data on mental health access, continuity of care, and post-9/11 veteran population estimates
Community Assessment: Once a city is identified, CVN conducts a thorough landscape analysis including:
- Identifying government officials, formal and informal leaders
- Mapping philanthropy and military leadership networks
- Engaging with veterans and military families
- Assessing mental health agencies and community resources
Partner Evaluation: Through one-on-one interviews, veteran and military family member focus groups, and in-depth agency interviews, CVN assesses the appropriateness for a clinic and selects a community organization partner
Partnership Process: Once a city and community organization partner is selected, the partnership begins with a master agreement

Known Partner Organizations include Veterans Village of San Diego, The Up Center, Hope For The Warriors, Centerstone, Metrocare Services, Endeavors, and NYU Langone Medical Center.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The selection process involves multiple stages of community assessment and partner evaluation.

Application Success Factors

Since CVN operates on an invitation-only basis, organizations cannot directly apply. However, based on CVN's partner selection process, the following factors appear to be important:

Community Presence: Organizations selected as partners are typically well-established community-based organizations with:

Strong presence in communities with significant post-9/11 veteran populations
Existing relationships with veterans, military families, and military leadership
Demonstrated understanding of local veteran needs and gaps in mental health services

Organizational Capacity: Partner organizations must be able to:

Commit to CVN's evidence-based clinical model
Work toward financial sustainability (25% self-funding by year 4, 50% by year 6)
Accept most major insurances including TRICARE
Provide services regardless of ability to pay

Alignment with CVN Model: Partners must align with CVN's approach:

Focus on post-9/11 veterans and their families (approximately 50% of patients are family members)
Deliver evidence-based mental health treatment by licensed professionals
Offer both in-person and telehealth services
Provide holistic support including referrals for unemployment, housing, finance, and education needs

Geographic Priority: Organizations in high-need communities where post-9/11 veterans face significant barriers to mental health access are more likely to be considered

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Invitation Only: CVN does not accept unsolicited applications or funding requests. Organizations cannot apply for partnership; they must be identified and invited by CVN
Strategic Expansion: CVN uses data-driven analysis to identify high-need communities and conducts extensive community assessment before selecting partners
Substantial Funding: CVN provides comprehensive support including initial build-out funding, operational support, and a three-year master grant agreement
Sustainability Expectation: Partners must work toward financial sustainability, contributing 25% of funding by year 4 and 50% by year 6 through insurance reimbursements, local philanthropy, and government grants
Established Organizations Preferred: All identified partners are established community-based organizations with existing veteran-serving capacity and community presence
Family-Focused Model: CVN's unique emphasis on serving military family members (approximately 50% of patients) distinguishes it from veteran-only models
Evidence-Based Requirement: Partners must commit to delivering clinical, evidence-based mental health treatment using CVN's model and standards

References

Accessed: December 24, 2025