Texas is doubling down on its commitment to veterans. Governor Greg Abbott announced a substantial $7.7 million in grants to help thousands of former service members across the San Antonio and South-Central Texas region, marking the latest chapter in the state’s growing support for those who served.
The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants will be distributed among 28 organizations providing critical services to more than 6,000 veterans and their families spanning 40 counties, according to a recent announcement from the Texas Veterans Commission.
“Texas will always honor the sacrifices of veterans who courageously served our country,” Abbott said during the grant presentation. “These Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants will provide the brave men and women who served in our nation’s military access to crucial services to help them thrive in San Antonio and South-Central Texas.”
Local Impact, Targeted Support
TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner, who presented the grants alongside the governor, emphasized the significance for the region. “I want to sincerely thank each of our award recipients for serving our veterans,” Koerner stated. “The San Antonio area is home to many veterans including myself. It’s great to see our community giving back to those who served.”
What exactly will this money fund? The grants cover a wide spectrum of essential services, from transportation and housing assistance to peer support programs and clinical counseling. Veterans treatment courts and homeless support initiatives are also receiving substantial backing.
The Alamo Area Council of Governments emerged as a major beneficiary, securing $250,000 for transportation services and an additional $350,000 for its Housing for Texas Heroes program, the Commission confirmed.
Several organizations focused on financial assistance received a combined $350,000, including the Bandera County Committee on Aging, Concho Valley Center for Human Advancement, and Cornerstone Community Action Agency. Meanwhile, the Bexar County Board of Trustees was awarded $150,000 specifically for clinical counseling services.
Addressing Veteran Homelessness
Veteran homelessness remains a pressing concern in Texas, and the grants reflect this priority. The American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program received $150,000, while the San Antonio Food Bank was granted $50,000 to support homeless veterans. The Salvation Army’s San Antonio branch secured $200,000 earmarked for financial assistance to vulnerable former service members.
Bexar County Commissioners Court also received a substantial $300,000 allocation to bolster peer support services — programs that connect veterans with others who understand their unique experiences and challenges.
These regional grants are part of a much larger statewide initiative. In May, Abbott announced a record-breaking $46.3 million in FVA funding through more than 200 grants to 175 organizations across Texas. That funding is projected to serve nearly 40,000 veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses throughout the state.
“Texas is forever indebted to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve in our nation’s military,” Abbott said at the time. “The State of Texas is home to over 1.5 million veterans—more than any other state. This has shaped our mission to provide wide-ranging services for veterans and their families.”
A Growing Legacy of Support
Since 2009, the commitment has been steadily growing. Through the upcoming 2025-2026 funding cycle, more than $359 million will have been awarded through over 1,600 FVA reimbursement grants to charitable organizations serving Texas veterans and their families, according to Commission records.
The funding structure itself highlights the state’s innovative approach to veteran support. Most of the money comes from designated Texas Lottery games specifically created to benefit veterans’ programs. Texans can also contribute through voluntary donations during vehicle registration or when purchasing hunting and fishing licenses.
The grants support services across five major categories: General Assistance, Housing for Texas Heroes, Veterans Mental Health Grants, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Veteran County Service Officers.
For the thousands of veterans transitioning back to civilian life each year in Texas, these programs represent more than just financial assistance — they’re a recognition of service and sacrifice in a state that proudly calls itself home to more veterans than any other in the nation.
