Applications Now Open!

Submissions will be accepted from June 25-July 25

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How to Apply

What to Know Before You Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Able to provide:

Proof of current or past Military Service
Proof of enrollment in an accredited post-secondary institution located in Utah.
Honorable or Other than Honorable discharge.

What to Expect after Applying

Our dedicated grant committee will review your application, and you will receive a determination letter, delivered to your email provided, upon our completion of the review phase for the application period you applied for.

Application Open/Close Dates

Due dates will be released on the Home page and in this section every new application period.

FAQs

Grant App

HEROES-INITIATIVE

Grant Application for Higher Education Expenses

Supporting Veterans & National Guard/Reserve Members

Heroes-Initiative was built by Veterans, for Veterans. We know the road from service to the classroom isn't always easy — and we're here to help fill the expense gaps that hinder your educational success.

PURPOSE OF GRANT

This grant provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket school costs not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill or other VA education benefits. Eligible expenses include:

Parking Pass
Lab Fees
Tech Fees
GMAT/LSAT and other required test fees
Cap and Gown rental/purchase
Supplies essential for academic success

If awarded, grant recipients may be asked to share a brief success story to inspire fellow Veterans or Service Members on their education journey. Participation helps us grow this program for future applicants.

We're honored to support you - this grant may be awarded to you up to three times over separate application periods.

Application Timeline

Application Deadline: 25 July 2026, 1200 am MDT

Decision Notification: Email, Date TBD (will be announced on our Website and Facebook)

Questions? Contact us at info@heroes-initiative.org

Applicant Information

First name

Last name

Address

Phone

Have you previously received a grant with us?

Yes

Military Service Details

Start Date of Service:

Month

Day

Year

Status of Service

Type of Discharge

Honorable

Other than Honorable

Education Details

Institution Name

[Your College/University]

Academic Year:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Program of Study

[Your Major or Program]

Expected Graduation Date:

Month

Day

Year

[Month, Day Approx., Year]

Enrollment Status

Full-Time

Part-Time

Application Questions

Please provide concise responses to each question below. Answer honestly and in your own words — the committee wants to understand your experience, not a polished essay.

1. Are you currently using, or have you previously used, VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31) benefits?

Yes

Note: VR&E is a VA program that helps Veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for and find suitable employment.

2. Describe your education journey and what you plan to do with your degree.

Tell us about your path to higher education — where you started, where you are now, and what comes next. Please address both: (1) your journey so far, and (2) your goals after graduation.

3. If you could create one resource for future Veteran students, what would it be and why?

Describe a tool, program, or initiative that would help Veterans navigate college — drawing from your own experience.

4. What is one unexpected out-of-pocket expense you've faced as a student, and how has it affected you?

Describe a specific cost not covered by your VA benefits (e.g., parking pass, lab supplies, test fees) and how it impacted your ability to focus on school.

5. What expenses are you requesting support for?

Please provide an itemized list of the expenses you need covered, along with the estimated cost of each.

Example: Parking pass – $[amount] | Lab equipment – $[amount] | Test fees – $[amount]

Total Requested:

Required Documentation

Please submit the following with your application:

Proof of Military Service — DD-214 (Active Duty Veterans), NGB-22 (National Guard), or current orders (for Guard/Reserve members)
Academic Transcript — Unofficial or official transcript showing current academic standing
- Freshman applicants: A Letter of Acceptance from your institution is accepted in place of a transcript.

File upload

Certification & Signature

I certify that the information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false information may result in disqualification from consideration for this grant.

Social Media Waiver

By signing below, I also consent to Heroes-Initiative sharing my story, photo, and/or likeness on social media and other platforms for outreach and awareness purposes.

I do not consent to social media use of my information.

Signature

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Date:

Heroes-Initiative — Built By Veterans For Veterans