VA Seeks Proposals For Enhanced Use Lease for New Jersey Site

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the availability of Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) opportunities at the Lyons, NJ VA Campus. VA seeks to competitively select a private developer to lease one 91,303 square- foot building or approximately 16 acres of vacant space located on the campus. The successful private EUL bidder(s) will provide VA with in-kind consideration that includes the development and operation of new supportive housing units with on-site supportive services for individuals and/or families. Such units and services will be provided to Veterans, who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, on a priority basis.

The Final RFP is now available for review. Responses are due to VA by September 4, 2009. For more information on EUL, click here.

Over 1,100 Schools Partner with VA to Improve GI Bill Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over 1,100 colleges, universities and schools across the country have entered into "Yellow Ribbon" program agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve financial aid for veterans participating in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Over 3,400 agreements were received from the 1,100 schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. "This is a strong response to a new benefit," Keith Wilson, Director of VA's Education Service, said. "We are pleased so many institutions are supporting our veterans."

"The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an important part of fulfilling our promise to the men and women who have served our country so honorably," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "Implementing this landmark legislation and providing even more veterans with a quality education is a top priority for VA. We are grateful so many schools are joining us as partners in this unprecedented effort."

The Yellow Ribbon program, a provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, funds tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Institutions can contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses, and VA will match this additional funding for eligible students.

The Yellow Ribbon program is reserved for veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level. This includes those who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-related injury.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.

The maximum benefit allows every eligible veteran, servicemember, reservist and National Guard member an opportunity to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost.

Provisions of the program include payments for tuition and fees, housing, and a books and supplies stipend. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. The tuition and fee benefit is paid directly to the school.

For information on specific schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon program, click here.

Additional information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, as well as VA's other educational benefits, can be obtained by visiting VA's website www.gibill.va.gov or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors Guide Available Online

The latest edition of VA's Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors is now available. The 164-page handbook provides the latest information on important changes in eligibility for VA medical care and benefits. It describes other federal benefits, including education, disability compensation, pension, home loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, life insurance and burial assistance. This year's edition marks the addition of "Survivors" to the title as well as details on the Post-9/11 GI Bill signed into law in 2008. To view the guide online, click here.

New Laws Benefit Veterans in Connecticut

Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell recently signed a bill into law that expands eligibility for assistance from the state's Military Family Relief Fund to an eligible member of the Armed Forces who is not currently on active duty. The governor also signed a bill that drops the requirement that disabled veterans provide yearly proof of disability to their local assessor to qualify for a property tax exemption. For more information, visit the Connecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs website or call the Connecticut Veterans' Info Line at 1-866-9CT-VETS (1-866-928-8387).

Funding Opportunities

The Veterans Support Foundation (VSF), as part of its ongoing service to veterans and their families, provides funding in the form of grants to projects sponsored, supported or endorsed by the National Board of Directors, State Councils, and Chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). VSF gives priority to matching fund projects. VSF provides funding solely for scientific, charitable, and educational purposes. The deadline for submissions is March 31 each year. For more information, click here.

The Teleflex Foundation has granted over $5 million since its inception in 1979. The Foundation strives to create an impact on the quality of life in Teleflex communities and build supportive relationships among its stakeholders. The Foundation places a priority on programs that have the commitment and volunteer involvement of Teleflex communities. The Foundation supports organizations in the areas of education, human services, and culture and arts. The next application deadline is August 28. For more information, click here.