Trust Fund Financial Assistance

Trust Fund History

The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund was established by the State Legislature as a nonprofit organization in 2013 and is a testament to our commitment to Maryland veterans and their families. The Trust Fund was created to provide once-in-a-lifetime temporary financial assistance and referral services to support our veterans and their families. We also extend our support to other partners providing services to veterans and their families, recognizing their invaluable role in our community.

The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund is a core service of the Maryland Department of Veteran and Military Families, led by the Department Secretary and an eleven-member Board of Trustees. Grant revenues for the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund consist of payments from state lottery revenues, the income tax check-off system, and corporate and private donors.

Individual Assistance: Grant Guidelines

Individual grants are administered through an online grant management portal, available 24/7. This portal streamlines requests and provides quick and responsive financial assistance to veterans and their families. Our grant specialists complete a brief interview with each applicant before submitting applications for committee review and approval.

Individual grants can support expenses such as:

☐ Rent/Mortgage Payments

☐ Electricity/Gas Payments

☐ Water/Sewer/Trash payments

☐ Car Payments

☐ Car Insurance Payments

☐ Phone/Internet Payments

The trust cannot assist with taxes, child support, speeding tickets, legal fees, payday and interpersonal loans, credit card debt, home repairs, food, appliances, and vehicle purchases.  Grant awards are provided directly to the landlord, mortgage, utility, etc. Click [HERE] To visit the online grant portal. You may also reach out to us by sending an email to mdveteranstrust@maryland.gov or by calling 410-260-3838 ext 8.

Organizational Assistance: Grant Guidelines

Organizational Grants awarded by the Maryland Veteran Trust will support organizations or programs that advance the following focus areas: 

☐ Benefits Access

Increase awareness, access, and utilization of veteran benefits with an emphasis on reaching underserved communities

☐ Capital Improvement

Improve veteran-serving spaces to assist with increasing membership and strengthening ties to local communities

☐ Community Building

Increase opportunities for members of the military-connected community to build and maintain strong social connections

☐ Employment

Reduce unemployment for veterans and military spouses and make it easier for service members to transition to new careers in the state

☐ Education

Increase access to education and skills development opportunities for veterans, military families, and dependents

☐ Food Insecurity

Reduce the number of families that experience food insecurity and reduce the number of veterans that experience homelessness

☐ Housing Insecurity

Reduce the number of veterans and veteran families that experience homelessness

☐ Health & Wellness

Increase access to resources and opportunities for veterans and military families to live healthier lives—both physically and mentally, including access to service animal programs and equine therapy.

☐ Suicide Prevention

Reduce the number of veterans, active service members, and military-connected family members who die by suicide 

☐ Volunteer Service

Create opportunities for veterans and their families to engage in service that positively impacts individuals or their communities.

Click [HERE] to download an organizational grant application or learn more.

Other Resources

If you are a veteran in need of assistance, the following resources may be able to assist:

Housing Search, Eviction Prevention, Homeless Services, and Utility Assistance
Serving Together
Maryland 211 

If you need to catch up on utility payments, please contact your local utility provider to see if they have a fund to assist customers.

Support Those Who Have Served: Make a gift to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

At the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, we believe those who have bravely served our country deserve unwavering support. Our mission is to provide vital grants to veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the assistance they need to thrive. Join us in honoring their service by making a gift to the Trust Fund. Your donation will empower and strengthen military families across Maryland.  As a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, all Maryland Veterans Trust Fund gifts are tax-deductible.  Please make your check out to:

Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, Inc.
Attention: Heather Geraldes
16 Francis Street- 4^th Floor
Annapolis, MD 21401