The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a major effort to combat the alarming rise in veteran suicides, announcing $52.5 million in new grants aimed at funding mental health and suicide prevention programs across the United States.
This funding boost is part of the Staff Sgt. Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) and is specifically targeted toward nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and community groups that support veterans struggling with mental health challenges.
Why the VA $52 Million Grant Program Matters
According to the latest VA data, 6,392 veterans died by suicide in 2022—a heartbreaking trend that continues to affect young veterans aged 18 to 34 at the highest rates. Shockingly, veterans are 58% more likely to die by suicide than civilians, and the risk is highest within the first three months of leaving military service.
Overall, more than 140,000 veterans have died by suicide in the past two decades. The newly announced funding aims to expand local access to mental health resources, counseling services, and community outreach in hopes of reducing these numbers.
Grant Overview and Deadline
The $52.5 million in new funding will be distributed to eligible organizations that deliver crisis intervention, mental health counseling, and community support services for veterans.
Here are the key grant details:
- Program Name: Staff Sgt. Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP)
- Authority: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Total Available Funds: $52.5 million
- Maximum per Award: Up to $750,000 per organization
- Application Deadline: July 18, 2025, at 4:59 PM ET
- Official Website: www.va.gov
Organizations awarded the grant will also be eligible for annual renewals, as long as the program remains active.
Who Can Apply for VA’s 2025 Suicide Prevention Grants?
The VA encourages applications from:
- Nonprofit organizations with no personal financial interest
- Tribal organizations and federally recognized tribal entities
- Community groups with strong local ties and a proven record of working with veterans
- Foundations experienced in delivering healthcare or mental health programs
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to partner with civic, health, and veteran support networks to provide effective outreach and suicide prevention services.
More Changes from the VA in 2025
The VA’s suicide prevention initiative isn’t the only big news. This week, the agency also announced new rules to simplify access to non-VA medical care—removing the requirement for a second doctor’s approval. The goal is to cut wait times and reduce paperwork, ensuring faster care for veterans in need.
Additionally, VA survivor benefits processing is getting an overhaul. A new “White-Glove” Survivor Outreach Team will provide personalized support to the families of deceased veterans, while improved technology will speed up benefits claims.