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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

Have you previously received a grant with us?
Yes
No

Military Service Details

Branch of Service:
Army
Air Force
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Navy
Space Force
Start Date of Service:
Month
Day
Year
Status of Service
Type of Discharge
Honorable
Other than Honorable

Education Details

[Your College/University]

Academic Year:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4

[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
No

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

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.

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

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.

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]

Required Documentation

Please submit the following with your application:

  1. Proof of Military Service — DD-214 (Active Duty Veterans), NGB-22 (National Guard), or current orders (for Guard/Reserve members)


  2. 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.

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.

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Heroes-Initiative — Built By Veterans For Veterans

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