Recent studies show that nearly a third of veterans who seek care through Veterans Administration (VA) health centers receive mental health diagnoses. With more and more soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with mental health concerns, the National Alliance on Mental Illness recognizes the need for increased services for veterans and their families. With their Veterans Resources Center, they have attempted to consolidate the most useful online resources. Whether you are looking for information on homelessness, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, mental illness, or how to obtain Veterans Administration (VA) benefits, NAMI has tried to provide an extensive list of sites online where you can find that information. To view the NAMI Veterans Resource Center, click here.

VetJobs Military Career Fair Database

VetJobs makes it easy for employers to reach and employ all the members of the military community. VetJobs defines the military community to include Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Department of Defense Civilians, Marine Corps, Merchant Marine, National Guard, Navy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Public Health Service, Reserves and their spouses and dependents. VetJobs makes is easy to reach not only the transitioning military member, but also the highly qualified men and women who are veterans that have separated over the decades and are now productive members of the civilian work force in all disciplines. Along with job listings on their website, VetJobs offers a database of military related career fairs nationwide. To view the list of career fairs, click here.

NCHV Annual Conference

Session Descriptions Now Available

NCHV will host its 13th Annual Conference May 20-22. Headquarters for the conference will be the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, in Arlington, VA, just outside of Washington, D.C.

The NCHV Annual Conference is an opportunity for service providers to access knowledge, training and experience to increase the effectiveness of their organizations in assisting homeless veterans.

In addition to the learning opportunities at this year's conference, you will be able to participate in the NCHV Membership Meeting and attend the Annual NCHV Awards Banquet where peers in the homeless veterans assistance movement will receive recognition for their accomplishments.

NCHV has reserved a block of rooms at the Hyatt Regency at a discounted rate of $201. Make your reservation by April 28, 2009, to assure this rate. DO NOT WAIT – for six straight years the block of rooms NCHV reserves for this conference has sold out months before the event. Be sure to identify yourself as attending the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Conference. Reservations can be made by calling 703-418-1234.

The NCHV Annual Conference brochure is now available online. It includes the conference schedule and session descriptions. Visit the Annual Conference page on NCHV's website for more information and to download the registration form by clicking here.

Upcoming NCHV Conference Calls

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Capital Grant funding available under the Grant and Per Diem Program on January 23. NCHV is offering conference calls on the Capital Grant NOFA and the Capital Grant Application. Individuals and organizations planning on seeking funds under this NOFA are encouraged to listen in on these conference calls which will include question and answer periods. For more information on the calls and to register, check the NCHV conference calls page by clicking here.

Funding Opportunities

The Manhattan Institute Award for Social Entrepreneurship honors non-profit leaders who have found innovative, private solutions for America's most pressing social problems. Applicant organizations are assessed according to the following criteria: energetic founding leaders; strong vision; committed volunteers; creative, entrepreneurial ways of conceiving and meeting goals; significant private sector financial support; sustainability or permanence; clear, measurable results; and commitment to sustaining the vitality of society. Any non-profit organization that provides a direct service within the continental United States to address a public problem can be nominated for this award. Nominations may be submitted by anyone familiar with a person's or group's activities except for a current employee of that person or group. Award nomination forms for 2009 will be available online until March 20. Up to five awards of $25,000 each will be presented at the Social Entrepreneurship Awards Dinner in New York City. The Manhattan Institute also will award one $100,000 grand prize – the William E. Simon Award – in recognition of long-time achievement in Social Entrepreneurship. For more information on how to apply, click here.

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation's principal giving interests are focused on the following program areas: elementary, secondary and higher education; health care and education; human services; economic development and civic affairs; art and cultural activities; and conservation of natural resources and environmental education. Traditionally, preference has been given to one-time capital projects and to other extraordinary needs of well-established public charities. Funds are granted only to organizations in Georgia. Applications are accepted at any time. For more information, click here.

The Charles F. Bacon Trust was established in 1928 to support and promote quality educational, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations in Massachusetts. Grant requests for general operating support are strongly encouraged. Program support will also be considered. Small, program-related capital expenses may be included in general operating or program requests. The application deadline for the Charles F. Bacon Trust is April 1. For more information, click here.