In a significant announcement today, Governor Greg Abbott revealed that the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) has awarded 19 Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants, totaling a substantial $5.1 million, to 15 organizations in the Alamo and Hill Country area. The grants were presented as part of the TVC's Big Check Tour and are set to have a far-reaching impact, providing essential services to over 6,700 veterans and their families across 35 counties in the region.
The funds, which were unveiled by the TVC today, mark the culmination of the Big Check Tour, a statewide initiative aimed at supporting veterans who have valiantly served the nation. Governor Abbott expressed his gratitude, saying, “Today’s grant presentation is the Texas Veterans Commission’s final stop on the Big Check Tour that has provided in total over $36 million in state grants to veterans who have honorably served our nation. From pro bono legal services to clinical counseling, these grants will help ensure Texas veterans and their families have the resources and support they deserve. I thank the Texas Veterans Commission for traveling across the state and partnering with veteran service organizations to support our veterans. Texas will always honor the sacrifices of these brave men and women who selflessly protected the freedoms we enjoy every day.”
TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner highlighted the impact of these grants on the local veteran community, stating, “This is the final stop on TVC’s Tour of Texas, where we presented grants to community organizations and partner agencies to provide critical services to the state’s veteran population. These Alamo area grants will provide transportation, home repairs, second chance opportunities, and many more services to area veterans.”
TVC Chairwoman Koerner presented the grants at the Comal County Historic Courthouse in New Braunfels.
The grant recipients and their services include:
- Alamo Area Council of Governments:
- a $500,000 grant for home modification
- a $300,000 grant for transportation programs and services
- American GI Forum - National Veterans Outreach Program, Inc.: a $500,000 grant for clinical counseling
- Bandera County Committee on Aging, Inc.: a $300,000 grant for financial assistance
- Bexar County Commissioners Court (Felony Court): a $25,000 grant for Veterans Treatment Court
- Bexar County: a $300,000 grant for Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court
- Comal County:
- a $250,000 grant for financial assistance
- a $150,000 grant for Veterans Treatment Court
- Community Council of South Central Texas, Inc.: a $150,000 grant for financial assistance
- Family Endeavors Inc.:
- a $500,000 grant for clinical counseling
- a $300,000 grant for homeless veterans support
- Guadalupe County Veterans Treatment Court: a $100,000 grant for Veterans Treatment Court
- Meals on Wheels San Antonio:
- a $150,000 grant for home modification
- a $300,000 grant for supportive services
- Operation Finally Home: a $500,000 grant for home modification
- San Antonio Legal Services Association: a $135,000 grant for pro bono legal services
- San Antonio Metropolitan Ministry, Inc.: a $300,000 grant for homeless veterans support
- The Salvation Army San Antonio: a $300,000 grant for financial assistance
- Val Verde County: a $50,000 grant for transportation programs and services
Funding for these grants is generated primarily by the Texas Lottery Commission’s games designated for veteran support. Other sources of funding for the grants come from individual donation options on drivers’ licenses, licenses to carry a handgun, outdoor recreation licenses for hunting and fishing, and vehicle registrations.
Veterans in need of assistance can find the organizations providing help in their area and how to contact them at tvc.texas.gov/grants/assistance/
