More than $4.3 million in grants have been awarded to 14 organizations serving veterans and their families in South Texas, the Coastal Bend, and Harlingen areas. The funding comes from the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) and is administered by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). According to the Governor’s office, these grants will support services for over 2,170 veterans and their families across 19 counties.
Governor Greg Abbott stated, “For the brave men and women who secured our nation and defended our freedoms, Texas is forever grateful. By investing in these 14 organizations and awarding more than $4.3 million in grant funding, Texas continues to strengthen our support and assistance programs for veterans and ensure that when they or their families face challenges, help is close to home. We stand shoulder to shoulder with every veteran in Texas.”
TVC Chairwoman Laura Koerner said, “From the Rio Grande Valley to communities across South Texas, our veterans have always stepped forward with courage and honor. With these FVA grants awarded, veterans and their families in Harlingen and across the region will receive the support they need, whether it’s housing, financial aid, or counseling. TVC is honored to partner with outstanding community organizations who transform these funds into life-changing impact for veterans.”
The grant awards were presented at the Harlingen Convention Center by Chairwoman Koerner. Recipients include county governments as well as non-profit groups providing a range of services such as financial assistance, housing support through Housing for Texas Heroes programs, peer support services, skill-based training, transportation services, treatment courts for veterans involved in the justice system, and more.
Some specific awards include $400,000 to the City of Harlingen for financial assistance; $500,000 also to Harlingen for Housing for Texas Heroes; $300,000 each to Cameron County and Hidalgo County for financial assistance; $200,000 each to Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coastal Bend and Salvation Army – Corpus Christi; $150,000 each to Hidalgo County Community Action Agency and Willacy County; among others.
Earlier this year in May 2025, Governor Abbott announced a record total of $46.3 million distributed through more than 200 grants statewide—an effort expected to reach nearly 40,000 veterans along with their dependents and surviving spouses.
Since its inception in 2009 through the current grant cycle covering 2025-2026, over $359 million has been distributed via more than 1,600 FVA grants across Texas.
These grants are used for various needs including emergency financial help; transportation; legal services; family support; home modifications; rental or mortgage assistance; mental health care; specialized courts for veterans; as well as resources provided by Veteran County Service Officers.
Most of the funding comes from proceeds of designated Texas Lottery games that benefit veteran programs. Additional contributions come from voluntary donations made during vehicle registration or while obtaining hunting or fishing licenses.
Veterans seeking assistance can find information about available resources at https://tvc.texas.gov/fund.
