Veterans Innovations Program

The Veterans Innovations Program was created to provide assistance to veterans and their families. 

Funds are provided to veterans and families in need through three separate programs within the Veterans Innovations Program.

1)      Defender’s Fund

2)      Competitive Grant

3)      Veterans Family Fund (funding to become available in Spring 2008)

We work with the veteran and/or their family to match their individual needs with the appropriate Veterans Innovations Program fund and other veteran or non-veteran programs and services.  Our goal is to make sure the veteran and their family has access to all veterans benefits and the tools they need to provide for themselves and their families.

Money comes into the Veterans Innovations Program from several sources:

1)      Original funding was provided by the Washington State Legislature for the Defender’s Fund and the Competitive Grant

2)      Individuals and businesses may purchase Veterans Family Fund CDs which directs a portion of interest to the Veterans Innovations Program, Veterans Family Fund.

3)      Individuals and businesses may make direct donations to the Veterans Innovations Program

Defenders' Fund

You may be eligible for a one time emergency grant of up to $1000.00

• If you are a current or former WA National Guard or Reservist;
• Served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, or Noble Eagle and;
• Are experiencing financial hardships in employment, education, housing,  health care or other areas due to extended deployment.

Veterans will be screened to determine whether they need additional assistance, such as claims preparation.

Payments will be made to creditors such as landlords or utilities to directly resolve the financial hardship.

The Defenders' Fund is meant to supplement other funding opportunities such as: County Veterans Assistance Funds, Minuteman or other private organization funds.

Click here for an Application

Contact your retention NCO or

• National Guard Annie Deandrea
  at 253-512-8722
• WDVA at 1-800-562-2308

Individual Grant Program

The Competitive Grant Program goes beyond the initial emergency assistance provided through the Defender’s Fund, and focuses on activities that will help veterans and their families obtain sustainable family-wage employment. 

Applicants must have served in Operation Noble Eagle; Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or Operation Enduring Freedom or awarded a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary or Service Medal. 

Individual grants are tailored to meet the needs of the veteran or their family.  Below are examples of how a grant could be used:

• Supplement wages for on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs;
• Tuition payments for education or certification programs; and/or
• Supportive services such as transportation assistance, housing, child care, or other needs-related payments necessary to enable an individual to resolve crisis situations, enter training or employment, and/or retain employment.  

Click here for an Application

Veterans Family Fund 
Available Spring 2008

The Veterans Family Fund will provide direct grants for emergency financial assistance and activities that promote long-term financial stability.

This is a new program that will be funded with interest earned by Veterans Family FundTM Certificates of Deposit. Grants will be made beginning in 2008 as the fund receives the interest from CDs that have matured.  If you are a veteran or immediate family member and currently in need of assistance, please contact WDVA at 1-800-562-2308.

Please visit the Veterans Family Fund website for more information on the certificates of deposit. 

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