VA Form 40-0895-14: Veterans Cemetery Grants Checklist

VA Form 40-0895-14: Veterans Cemetery Grants Checklist – State and tribal governments seeking federal funding to establish, expand, or improve veterans cemeteries must navigate a detailed application process. VA Form 40-0895-14 serves as the official checklist outlining the major requirements for these Veterans Cemetery Construction Grants. This form helps applicants track compliance with preapplication, application, and post-award phases.

What Is VA Form 40-0895-14?

VA Form 40-0895-14 is titled “Checklist of Major Requirements for State or Tribal Government Cemetery Construction Grants.” Revised in September 2023, it is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) under the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP).

The form organizes requirements into sections:

  • Section A: Preapplication Phase (deadline typically July 1)
  • Section B: Application Phase
  • Section C: Post-Grant Award

It includes checkboxes and receipt dates to ensure all documentation, certifications, and approvals are submitted on time. OMB Number 2900-0559; expiration October 31, 2026; estimated burden 15 minutes.

Download the official VA Form 40-0895-14 PDF here: VA Form 40-0895-14 PDF

Purpose of the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program

Established in 1978, the VCGP assists states, territories, and federally recognized tribal governments in providing burial sites for veterans and eligible family members where VA national cemeteries cannot fully meet demand. The program aims for a veterans cemetery within 75 miles of 95% of U.S. veterans.

Since 1980, VA has awarded hundreds of grants totaling over $1.8 billion, supporting more than 125 grant-funded cemeteries across 47 states, 14 tribal nations, and 3 territories. In recent years, grants have funded new establishments (e.g., in Alaska and New York) and expansions.

Grants can cover up to 100% of development costs (excluding land acquisition). For new cemeteries, operating equipment may also be eligible. Grantees handle ongoing operation and maintenance per National Cemetery Administration standards.

Who Is Eligible for VA Cemetery Construction Grants?

Eligible applicants include:

  • State governments
  • U.S. territories
  • Federally recognized tribal governments (on trust land)
  • Certain eligible county governments in specific contexts

Private organizations, cities, and most subdivisions are not eligible. The land title must vest in the applicant, and they must demonstrate legislative authority and matching funds for initial planning.

Cemeteries must serve veterans (as defined in 38 CFR Part 39), eligible spouses, minor children, and certain other family members.

Key Requirements Outlined in VA Form 40-0895-14

The checklist ensures projects meet federal standards for planning, environmental review, construction, and compliance.

Preapplication Phase (Section A)

Critical deadlines include July 1 for VA receipt. Key items:

  • Submission of SF-424, SF-424C, SF-424D, and project narrative via Grants.gov
  • Unique Entity ID (SAM.gov)
  • Governor/Tribal designation of officials
  • Legal authority (legislation copy)
  • VA Form 40-0895-6 (A&E funding certification)
  • Property title evidence
  • Environmental surveys (Phase I/II as applicable)
  • Historical preservation and clearinghouse comments
  • Master plan, schematic, design development drawings (35% and 100% approvals)
  • Various certifications (Davis-Bacon, debarment, drug-free workplace, lobbying, cemetery standards via VA Form 40-0895-15)

Application Phase (Section B)

  • Bid advertisement and tabulations
  • VA Form 40-0895-10 (Compliance certification)
  • Final SF-424 and budget based on bids
  • Memorandum of Agreement

Post-Grant Award (Section C)

  • Final review request
  • Equipment list
  • As-built drawings, final invoices, audits
  • Grant closeout

Projects must follow VA site selection, planning, and construction standards, with a minimum 20-year (ideally 50-year) lifespan.

How to Apply Using VA Form 40-0895-14 and Grants.gov?

  1. Register on Grants.gov and search for opportunity VA-NCA-VCGP-[current year].
  2. Prepare preapplication package including required forms and the checklist (VA Form 40-0895-14).
  3. Submit by July 1 for consideration in the next fiscal year.
  4. Track via Federal Application Identifier (FAI).
  5. Respond to VA requests for additional information or revisions.

Review the full VCGP background and guidelines for details on selection criteria and priority lists.

Benefits and Recent Program Impact

VA grant-funded cemeteries provide dignified burial options with benefits equivalent to national cemeteries in many cases. Recent awards (e.g., over $77 million in FY2025) continue to expand access nationwide.

For questions, contact the State Cemetery Grants Service or consult your state/tribal veterans affairs office.

This checklist and program ensure transparent, compliant projects that honor veterans through accessible burial grounds. State and tribal officials should begin planning early and use VA Form 40-0895-14 to stay organized throughout the multi-phase process. Always verify the latest requirements directly on va.gov, as deadlines and forms may update.