 April 2025
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is now accepting online applications for the Veterans Mental Health Community-Based Organization Grant. The application window closes on Wednesday, May 14, at 11:59 p.m. All details and how to apply online can be found on WDVA's Grants Page.
The grant is open to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that promote positive mental health through activities, programs, and services that enhance the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of Wisconsin veterans.
Applicants may receive up to $100,000 total across all rounds of this grant. Eligible nonprofits that have not previously received funding—or have received less than $100,000 in previous rounds—may be awarded funds during this round. Full eligibility criteria can be found in the Veterans Mental Health Community-Based Organization Grant Application.
For additional information about the grant, including evaluation criteria, application portal links, and instructions, please visit the Grants Page on WisVets.com. Questions about the grant application process should be directed to the WDVA Grants Unit at 1-800-WIS-VETS or by email at vetsbenefitsgrants@dva.wisconsin.gov.
See a list of previous grant recipients here. View the official press release here.
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Two Lights for Tomorrow honors the 250th anniversary of events that sparked the War for Independence outside Boston on the night of April 18-19th, 1775, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride." The poem describes signaling the British approach by lights in the Old North Church—“One if by land, two if by sea.”
Governor Tony Evers, WDVA Secretary James Bond, Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski, and Wisconsin Historical Society CEO Christian Overland all spoke about honoring the past and connecting the events of the American revolution our present.
The Two Lights for Tomorrow Initiative is nation-wide call to action to unite in remembrance of our shared history. WDVA is encouraging all Wisconsinites to take part in this symbolic display by leaving two lights lit over the night on April 18 in honor of these events that took place 250 years ago.
A video recording of the ceremony can be viewed here courtesy of WisconsinEye. View more photos from the event here.
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WDVA celebrated women Veterans' incredible contributions during Women's History Month in March. This year’s theme was 'Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.'
Throughout our nation's history, women have played a vital role in the military, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. From the Civil War, where women served as nurses and spies, to their integration into combat roles, their contributions have redefined possibilities. Today, women stand as integral members of every branch of the military influencing defense, leadership, and strategy around the globe.
You can learn more about unique stories of women veterans at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in their "I Am Not Invisible 3.0" project that proudly showcases the impactful oral stories of women veterans in our communities. Please follow our Women Veterans of Wisconsin on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date on current events and support for women veterans in our state.
Thank you to all who joined WDVA in honoring the women veterans across Wisconsin whose contributions are inspiring future generations in serving our state and our nation!
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Governor Tony Evers and WDVA Secretary James Bond took two days last month and visited several veteran service organizations in communities across Wisconsin from Racine to Superior. This included a stop at The Wellness Command Post Inc., in Oconto Falls, to highlight resource investments to support our state's 300,000 veterans. They were joined by state representatives and leadership from Wisconsin's VFW, American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organizations.
The Wellness Command Post was a recipient of a $50,000 veteran mental health grant in 2023 as part of the governor’s $10 million investment in veteran services and mental health resources across the state.
Read the full story and video courtesy of WBAY TV-2 Green Bay.
*Photo credit goes to The Wellness Command Post, March 17, 2025.
New WVM Exhibit - Traditions: Stories of Service to Country & Community
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum has opened a new exhibit, Traditions: Stories of Service to Country & Community. Highlighting stories and artifacts of Wisconsin veterans of all six branches of the armed forces, the exhibit explores their service in uniform and afterward and their contributions to our nation and state. Traditions will be on view through July 6, 2025.
Please visit the museum's website for more information and open hours to explore the new exhibit.
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Secretary James Bond and WDVA's Division of Benefits Administrator, Jeremy Lyon, spoke to members of the American Legion Post 501 in Madison. They presented updates on veteran benefit programs and highlighted priorities in Governor Evers's 2025-27 biennial budget proposal that benefits veterans and families in Wisconsin. Secretary Bond is a proud member of AL Post 501, and he thanked his fellow Legionnaires for their steadfast support of veterans in the community.
*Pictured: Secretary Bond speaking the podium to members of AL Post 501 in Madison with Jeremy Lyon, WDVA Benefits Administrator (seated far right) on March 12, 2025.
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