Call for Applications: Wounded Warrior Project Grants Program
As part of our ongoing effort to fulfill our vision of making this the most successful and well-adjusted generation of wounded service members and veterans in our nation’s history, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) constantly evaluates the programs we offer to ensure they are meeting the critical needs of this population. We are always looking to enhance the services we offer and expand to new areas as we see growing needs.
In order to increase the number of Wounded Warriors we aim to support, WWP has developed a grant application process to leverage and support the good work and expertise of other organizations that provide direct programming and services to this generation of wounded veterans. This in-depth grant application will ensure WWP provides financial assistance to groups espousing similar priorities and policies, and with the same commitment to our mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors.
Eligibility
To be considered for funding, an organization must meet the following requirements:
Submit evidence of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax exemption status must be current at the time of letter of interest submission in order to be eligible.
Be committed to honoring and empowering veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illnesses, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families.
Review the updated WWP Application to ensure your organization is willing to meet all reporting requirements, including WWP’s Standard Demographics.
Demonstrate a clear plan for warrior, family or constituent recruitment. Please note that WWP does not send direct referrals to grant recipients.
Provide programs and services at no cost to warrior, family or constituents.
Deadlines
To be considered for funding, an organization must meet the following deadlines:
June 3, 2013 – Letter of Interest must be emailed to WWP at grants@woundedwarriorproject.org
July 8, 2013 – Full Grant Application must be to WWP at grants@woundedwarriorproject.org
Process
Letter of Interest (LOI) Information
Each year, the WWP grant cycle begins with the opportunity for interested parties to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) to WWP. An organization must submit an LOI to be considered for full proposal consideration. WWP will not accept mailed or faxed submissions. The LOI should be no more than two pages and should address the following:
Your organization’s mission
Current organizational budget
Grant purpose — Please succinctly summarize the purpose of the grant request. Please specify how funds will be used, distinguishing between program expenditures and administrative costs.
For example: to support an employment training and placement program for Wounded Warriors in Jacksonville, FL.
Brief description of the program for which you are seeking support
How the mission of your organization and the specific program you are requesting funding for fits into one of our four core service areas and our larger mission of honoring and empowering Wounded Warriors
Amount requested
Previous contact with and/or funding from WWP
Grant Application
Submission of a full grant application is by invitation only after WWP's review of the initial LOI. WWP will evaluate LOIs and either decline interest or invite organizations to submit a full grant application. Please note that not all organizations that submit a LOI will be asked to submit a full grant application. Organizations invited to participate in the full grant application process must submit their application no later than July 8, 2013. WWP will communicate funding decisions by early September 2013.
All grant application materials must be emailed to grants@woundedwarriorproject.org no later than July 8, 2013. WWP will not accept mailed or faxed submissions.
Funding Principles & Priorities
WWP looks to fund proposals that:
Offer innovative programming and unique opportunities;
Fill service gaps by offering programming or services where demand outpaces supply or services do not currently exist;
Reach veterans and family members in under-served geographic ares;
Foster continued leadership, mentorship, and sense of purpose among injured service members;
State clear and measurable goals.
Organizations interested in receiving a Wounded Warrior Project grant should enhance the lives of injured service members and their families by supporting programs that fall into our four core service areas: Mind, Body, Economic Empowerment and Engagement. Before submitting a letter of interest, please explore our website and familiarize yourself with the programs currently offered by WWP.
Mind — Grant candidates should enhance the mental health of wounded service members and help foster healthy readjustment to civilian life.
Body — Grant candidates should provide unique sporting, fitness, and wellness activities for warriors and their families. Preference is given to programs that engage warriors over a sustained period of time and facilitate opportunities for leadership and peer mentoring.
Economic Empowerment — Grant candidates should provide programs or services to warriors in the area of employment, higher education, financial literacy, or other opportunities that enhance economic empowerment among wounded veterans and their families.
Engagement — Grant candidates should empower injured service members by connecting them with their peers and continued opportunities to serve and engage with their larger communities.
For more information about WWP’s programming and focus in these four core programmatic areas, please visit the Programs page on our website.
WWP will consider requests ranging from $5,000 - $250,000. Funding amount is determined by the amount requested, number of veterans or family members served, and the nature of the opportunity or activity being funded. Funding is generally limited to a one-year program cycle.
Contact Information
All grant application materials or questions should be emailed to grants@woundedwarriorproject.org. WWP is unable to accept calls regarding the grant application process. Please direct all inquiries related to grants to grants@woundedwarriorproject.org.
