Program Background

In 2007, Governor Jon S. Corzine established the Yellow Ribbon Committee on Returning Combat Veterans (YRC) under the auspices of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to determine the emergent issues facing Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans.  In the FY 2008 New Jersey State Budget $1million was allocated to address the issues thus determined.  A portion of this allocation was earmarked to provide relief, in the form of grants, for a range of veteran/family emergencies and business “Re-Start” assistance.

A Grant Review Board (GRB) was appointed by the Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs to review grant applications.  The GRB is appointed or reappointed at the beginning of each State Fiscal Year.

Eligibility   

Any OEF (Afghanistan) or OIF Veteran is eligible to apply for a grant.  Family members are eligible if the grant will directly or indirectly aid or provide care for the veteran.  All immediate family members are eligible for Basic Subsistence grants.

Grant Types  

Although the types of grants offered resulted from the YRC’s initial study findings, the list should not be considered exclusive.  Eligible veterans are encouraged to apply for grants to address emergencies or problems for which assistance is unavailable or cannot be delivered expeditiously by regular social agencies, or other veteran groups or support network.  A representative list of  the types of grants available follows:

-Temporary subsistence pending disability claim approval.  Up to $500/month for up to 6 months ($3,000 maximum).

-Eviction, mortgage arrearage, foreclosure problems.

-Basic subsistence (food and clothing)

-Utility shutoff, heating oil

-Emergency home repairs (including medically necessary renovations)

-Essential appliance repair replacement (i.e. furnace, stove, refrigerator, water heater, etc.)

-Vehicle repair/replacement (primary, job or medical necessity)

-Tuition/Education assistance

-Caregiver expenses (lodging, subsistence) to accompany veteran at a distant medical facility.

-Business “Re-Start”.  Up to $5,000 to re-start or reinvigorate the business of a self employed veteran.  The business must have existed prior to deployment. 

Grant Amount

Unless otherwise noted, a cumulative maximum of $2,500 is available for veteran/family grants.  The Business Re-Start grant is limited to a maximum of $5,000.  Grant amounts may be reduced by any amounts awarded the veteran and his family by organizations such as the New Jersey National Guard Family Readiness Council, G.I. Go, USA Cares, etc.

Grant Approval

All grant requests must be made on a YRC Grant Application (facsimile acceptable) and include a “need” statement and all requested or appropriate documentation.  All applications are reviewed by the YRC GRB.  A simple majority of the five member board is required for grant approval.  Due to the nature of these grant requests, the GRB will strive to notify the applicant of their decision within 5 business days of receipt of the application.  Notice of grant denial will usually contain a reason or explanation.  Although the decision of the GRB is final,  the denied applicant may petition the Board for reevaluation based on additional documentation, clarification or change in circumstance.  The GRB reserves the right to make payments directly to third parties, on the applicants behalf, if at the discretion of the Board this is deemed appropriate.  

Applications

Applicatins are available on-line to download at : http://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/Yellow Ribbon Grant Application.pdf or by calling the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at (609)-530-6949 or by emailing patricia.richter@njdmava.state.nj.us

General Information

Guidance document for this grant and the official application form can be found at http://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/grant.html. Individuals and organizations who would like additional information or who have specific questions on the FY 2008 grants program may contact the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at (609)-530-6949 or via email at patricia.richter@njdmava.state.nj.us

Grant Review Board
Grant Application Processing Procedures

All grant applications, from whatever source are to be forwarded to the YRC account manager, to be logged in and assigned a grant number.   The application will be reviewed to determine claimants eligibility and for inclusion of appropriate documentation.  Any deficiencies noted will be resolved by contacting the claimant or the referring agency.

A copy of the complete application along with a Decision Form will than be circulated to the Grant Review Board for consideration.  Whenever possible (i.e. if not causing undue delay) the application should be reviewed by the entire board, even if the first three reviewers approve.  A dissenting voice may have relevant information or compelling reasons for rejection that had not previously been considered.  Board members who disapprove must state their reason(s).  Disapproval by any one member requires review (or re-review if approval preceded the disapproval) by all 5 board members.

If at any time during the review process, a member changes his decision, the appropriate box should be checked and initialed and dated to the right of the check box.  If on re-review the Board member is disinclined to change his/her decision, this should be indicated by initialing and dating to the right of their decision check box.

Once review is complete, the application and decision form is returned to the account manager.  If denied, the claimant will be sent a rejection letter explaining the reason(s) and sharing possible alternative avenues of support.  If approved the claimant will also be notified and arrangements will be  made for delivery of the aid.

The account manager will maintain a Grant log of all applications received and their disposition.