How much funding does Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

When is the deadline for Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Who is eligible for Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund?

Required: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund

Q: How often is Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund offered?

Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund runs on an annual cycle.

Maryland Veterans Tr

Foundation Annual Grants for Veterans Grants for Veteran Nonprofits Grants for Mental Health Grants for Suicide Prevention

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Required status

501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Other requirements

Organizations that train service dogs
Organizations that provide equine-assisted therapy

Overview

Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund

Status: Active grant program

Geographic Scope: Maryland-based organizations only

Background: First established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2017, the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund in the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families took effect July 1, 2017. The original legislation encompassed only nonprofit entities that trained service canines. A subsequent amendment to the legislation, approved in 2019, included entities that provide equine-assisted therapy to eligible veterans. In the 2025 Maryland General Assembly Session, the original legislation was again amended to include veteran spouses and dependents as eligible program participants.

Focus Areas:

Improve mental health and overall well-being

Reduce the risk of suicide in Maryland's veteran population

Provide professionally trained service or support dogs

Provide equine-assisted therapy services

Outreach and education activities focused on increasing community awareness of veteran suicide prevention

Military cultural competency

Certification and training of service professionals

Eligible Applicants:

Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

Organizations that train service dogs

Organizations that provide equine-assisted therapy

What They Fund:

Staff costs for veteran program services

Staff development and training

Equipment necessary to conduct therapeutic riding instruction

Supplies related to equine care and canine care

Staff travel related to program delivery

What They Don't Fund:

The DVMF does not train service animals for placement with veterans living with disabilities

Contact:

Toni Gianforti, Grant Specialist

Email: [email protected]

Department of Veterans and Military Families

16 Francis Street, Fourth Floor

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Main: 410-260-3838

Maryland Relay: 7-1-1

FY26 Grant Awards: Ten (10) Maryland-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations were selected to receive grants in January 2026:
1. Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Harford County)
2. Greenwell Foundation, Inc. (St. Mary's County)
3. Lifeline Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. (Montgomery County)
4. Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Anne Arundel County)
5. Promise Landing Farm, Inc. (Prince George's County)
6. STAR Community, Inc. (Washington County)
7. Talisman Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Queen Anne's County)
8. Warrior Canine Connection, Inc. (Montgomery County)
9. Wellspring of Life Farm, Inc. (Baltimore County)
10. Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Cecil County)

How to Apply

Application Process

Availability: Notice of funding availability and application guidance kit available as PDF

Selection Criteria:

Organizations must address the central priority of improving mental health and overall well-being and reducing the risk of suicide in Maryland's veteran population

Preference for increased opportunities for veterans to receive professionally trained service or support dogs or equine-assisted therapy services

Grant-funded priorities include outreach and education activities focused on increasing community awareness of veteran suicide prevention and military cultural competency

Expansion of the field of service professionals through certification and training

Application Materials:

Complete application guidance kit (available as PDF from Notice of Funding Availability)

Contact for Application Information:

Toni Gianforti, Grant Specialist

Email: [email protected]

Apply with Grantable Learn more

What Maryland Veterans Tr actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990 filing, 2024

Grants in 2024: 4
Total given: $45K
Median grant: $10K
Range: $10K–$15K

By dollars: Maryland 100%. Top recipient cities: Frederick, MD; Easton, MD; Baltimore, MD.

Example grants

Platoon 22 Inc · Frederick, MD

2025 wellness and peer support programming

$15K
American Legion Talbot Post 70 · Easton, MD

Flooring renovation/security upgrades/appliances

$10K
The American Legion Dept of MD · Baltimore, MD

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) program

$10K
American Legion Trappe Post 193 · Denton, MD

Capital Improvements

$10K