VA Form 40-0895-6: Priority Group 1 Certification – VA Form 40-0895-6 is a key certification document for state, tribal, or eligible county governments seeking high-priority funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP).
This form certifies that the applicant has the legislative authority and matching resources to initially fund the architectural and engineering (A&E) portion of a veterans cemetery project, which is required to qualify for Priority Group 1 on the annual VA priority list.
What Is VA Form 40-0895-6?
VA Form 40-0895-6, titled “Certification of State or Tribal Government Resources to Initially Fund the Architectural and Engineering Portion of the Project Development,” helps states and tribal organizations demonstrate readiness for urgent veterans cemetery projects.
It is required under 38 U.S.C. 2408 and 38 CFR Part 39. The form confirms that the applicant can cover initial A&E costs (typically around 10% of construction costs from SF-424C, Line 9) before VA reimbursement upon grant award.
Download the latest VA Form 40-0895-6 (PDF):
Download VA Form 40-0895-6 (Revised September 2023, OMB No. 2900-0559, expires Oct. 31, 2026).
Why VA Form 40-0895-6 Matters for Priority Group 1?
The VA ranks preapplications for veterans cemetery grants according to priority groups defined in 38 CFR § 39.3. Priority Group 1 receives the highest consideration.
Priority Group 1 includes projects needed to avoid disruption in burial services at existing veterans cemeteries within 4 years of the preapplication date. This covers expansions and certain improvements required to maintain interment operations.
Submitting VA Form 40-0895-6 with the preapplication (due by July 1) demonstrates the applicant’s ability to front A&E costs, strengthening eligibility for this top priority tier. VA reimburses allowable A&E costs after grant award.
Eligibility and Who Should Use VA Form 40-0895-6
Eligible applicants include:
- States and U.S. territories
- Federally recognized tribal governments
- Eligible county governments (in specific contexts)
The cemetery land must be owned by the state/tribe (or held in trust), and the project must serve veterans and eligible family members per VA standards.
Private organizations, cities, or non-eligible entities cannot apply. The program complements VA’s National Cemetery Administration by expanding access to burial options, aiming for a veterans cemetery within 75 miles of 95% of U.S. veterans.
How to Complete and Submit VA Form 40-0895-6?
- Provide Funding Details — Enter the amount of state/tribal resources available or expected by July 1 for the A&E portion, along with the project FAI number and fund availability date.
- Certification Statement — An authorized budget official must certify the information’s accuracy and that no further legislative action (beyond administrative) is needed.
- Enclosure Requirement — Include a copy of the authorizing Act (approved by the Governor or equivalent) or sufficient documentation showing available matching funds.
- Submission — Submit as part of the preapplication package via Grants.gov by July 1 for the following fiscal year’s priority list. Use opportunity number like VA-NCA-VCGP-2026 (check current listings).
Preapplications go to the Director, Veterans Cemetery Grants Service. Detailed instructions are available on the VA’s grants page.
VA Veterans Cemetery Grants Program Overview
The VCGP, established in 1978 under 38 U.S.C. 2408, provides up to 100% of development costs (excluding land acquisition) for establishing, expanding, or improving state and tribal veterans cemeteries.
Since inception, it has awarded billions in grants, supporting over 125 grant-funded cemeteries that handle a significant portion of annual veteran interments.
Key Priority Groups (simplified):
- Group 1: Urgent burial service continuity (highest priority).
- Group 2: New cemetery establishment.
- Group 3: Non-urgent expansions.
- Group 4: Other improvements.
Tips for Successful VA Cemetery Grant Applications
- Submit complete preapplications by July 1 to appear on the FY priority list (published around October 1).
- Ensure compliance with all related forms (e.g., SF-424, VA Form 40-0895-2 for Davis-Bacon, etc.).
- Prepare strong needs assessments and environmental surveys.
- Consult the official VA resources for master plans, space criteria, and design standards.
- Track your Federal Application Identifier (FAI) number.
Official Resources:
Stay Updated for 2026 and Beyond
The priority list and forms are updated annually. Always verify the latest versions and deadlines directly on va.gov and cem.va.gov, as requirements can evolve.
For state and tribal officials working on veterans cemetery projects, properly completing VA Form 40-0895-6 is a critical step toward securing Priority Group 1 status and ensuring timely funding to honor America’s veterans with dignified burial options.