Veterans United Foundation Grant is sponsored by Veterans United Foundation. Employee-funded foundation based in Columbia, MO, supporting nonprofits that enhance the lives of veterans and local community members.

Scholarships at Veterans United Foundation 2026 VUF Scholarship application period will be open between April 1 and April 30, 2026. Click here to learn more 2025 Scholarship Recipients Veterans United Foundation awarded a total of $150,000 in scholarships to 20 students... The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship creates opportunities for family members of service members and Veterans to achieve their educational dreams.

Launched in 2012, the scholarship program is funded by contributions from Veterans United Home Loans and its employees. Since our scholarship program was created, over $1 MILLION has been awarded to support the educational dreams of military families across the U.S. The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship is available each year.

Use this handy timeline to stay on top of deadlines this year or start preparations for the next application period. Weds, April 1st - Thur, April 30th This application period has not yet opened.

To qualify for the scholarship program, you must meet one of the following conditions: The applicant is a veteran with 100% service connected disability The applicant is a surviving spouse of a deceased servicemember from a service-related death The applicant is a surviving child of a deceased servicemember from a service-related death Currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university for the upcoming semester Pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, graduate, post-graduate or doctoral degree Currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university for the upcoming semester Pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, graduate, post-graduate or doctoral degree These documents are required as part of your application: Parent or Spouse's death certificate or DD1300 Must be a Member-4 copy or other version that clearly states Character of Service Your official benefit letter showing 100% service-connected disability rating Service-connected disability ratings under 100% will not be considered Proof of acceptance or enrollment at your accredited college or university Acceptance Letter or current course schedule Government-issued photo ID Professional-style headshot Show only your head and shoulders Be taken against a plain or simple background Present you in a professional manner Please avoid casual selfies, group photos, or pictures taken in crowded settings or social events.

Tip: A phone photo is perfectly acceptable as long as it meets the guidelines above. Able to provide Veterans United Foundation with receipts or invoices related to eligible educational costs as they are incurred in order to receive payment. Eligible costs include tuition, books, fees, school materials and some aspects of room and board as determined by Veterans United Foundation.

Candidates may be required to complete a background check Awards will be granted based on the following criteria: Share your story of how your military service or losing your spouse/parent affected you. Explain who you are, where your life has taken you, and what you hope to pursue through your college education and beyond. Determined by the Veterans United Foundation awards team and based on full FAFSA submission.

Your community, church, athletic and school involvement or achievements, plus anything else you would like to have considered (may include photos, drawings, poems, writings, etc.). *Candidates may be required to complete a background check Frequently Asked Questions How do I apply for the Veterans United Foundation scholarship? Our Scholarship application window is open from Weds, April 1st to Thur, April 30th .

All applications must be completed and submitted using our online application portal. An “apply today” button will be available on the website during the application window, which will allow you to create an account for our online portal and access the Scholarship Application. Am I eligible to apply for the scholarship?

You are eligible to apply for this scholarship if you meet one of the following: The applicant is a Veteran with 100% service-connected disability The applicant is a surviving spouse of a fallen servicemember due to a service-related death The applicant is a surviving child of a fallen servicemember due to a service-related death My parent is a Veteran with 100% service-connected disability. Am I eligible to apply?

Unfortunately, no. The service-connected disability criteria only applies to Veterans themselves who are pursuing higher education. I am a Veteran With a 100% service-connected disability. Can my child use the scholarship funds if I am awarded?

Unfortunately, no. If you are applying as a Veteran with 100% service-connected disability, you must be applying on behalf of yourself and personally pursuing higher education. What education levels are eligible for the scholarship? This scholarship is for higher education only.

Applicants must be pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, graduate, post-graduate or doctoral degree at an accredited college or university. This scholarship does not apply to K-12 students. Can the scholarship be used at a school outside the United States?

No, VUF will not be awarding scholarships for attendance at institutions outside of the United States and U.S. Territories. What expenses are covered by the scholarship? The VUF scholarship is primarily intended to support higher-education students with the cost of tuition.

Other eligible expenses can include textbooks, lab fees, on-campus or near-campus student housing for non-commuting students. What expenses are not covered by the scholarship? The VUF scholarship may not be used for previous year/semester charges prior to being awarded the scholarship, meal plans, student insurance, parking tickets, direct student loans, sporting tickets, or extracurricular or non-required activities.

How long do I have to use my scholarship funds? If awarded a scholarship, you have up to 4 years from the time of your award to use the full amount of your scholarship. You do not need to reapply while you still have scholarship funds remaining.

Once your scholarship has been used in full, you may reapply at that time. Will my scholarship funds be paid directly to me? No, the scholarship funds will not be paid out directly to you in a lump sum.

Your scholarship funds will be maintained by VUF, and you will request to use the funds as needed. VUF staff will make payments directly to your school, bookstore, or other entities as you request to use your scholarship. Can I use the entire scholarship in one semester?

Yes, your scholarship may be used in a single semester if needed. I previously received a Veterans United Foundation scholarship. May I apply again?

Yes, you may reapply for another scholarship award. While we take great pleasure in awarding subsequent scholarships when possible, we prioritize spreading the love and care to applicants who have never received an award before. If you choose to reapply, please submit a new, unique essay.

While we understand that much of the details about your background and personal journey will contain the same information, we appreciate any updates on your educational journey, things you've accomplished or learned, and how the VUF scholarship has aided you up to this point. Strong Partnerships That Make A Difference The YMCA - Armed Services YMCA See all of our amazing partners →