About the Trust Fund
Legislation establishing the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund was passed during the 2009 Session of the Maryland General Assembly (House Bill 1561), and signed into law by Governor O'Malley on May 19th, 2009. The legislation authorizes the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs to receive donations, and then make grants and loans to veterans and their family members who are in dire financial situations, or to private organizations that help veterans (homeless programs, substance abuse programs, etc.). The Trust Fund gives citizens, businesses, and other organizations a way to express their support to veteran causes through their donations and contributions.
Donations can be given to one of three accounts: Cemeteries Account (funds can only be used for improvements at the state veterans cemeteries), the Memorials Account (funds can only be used for the three state veterans memorials plus the War Memorial), and the General Account (all other requests). See attached donation forms. Donations to governments are tax deductible, and governments do not need FEID #"s. The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) is a State government entity established by the Maryland Code, State Governmentt Article, Sections 9-912 and 9-913, so donations to the MVTF are also tax deductible Per 26 United States Code (USCS) Section 170, a contribution or gift of money or property is tax deductible as a "charitable contribution" if given "to or for the use of ….a State….if the contribution or gift is made for exclusively public purposes." 26 USCS Section 170 (c) (1).
Applications for grants/loans from the Trust Fund are reviewed by the Maryland Trust Fund Review Committee, which consists of the Deputy Secretary, MDVA Directors, and representatives from the Maryland Veterans Commission and the Maryland Veterans Home Commission. Recommendations are made to the Secretary or designee, who makes final decision on whether or not an application is approved.
Decisions are contingent upon the veteran's present situation and are made as soon as possible depending on the urgency of the situation.
Annual Report
The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund is responsible for submitting an Annual Report to the Maryland General Assembly by August 31st of each year. The Report will include:
- The gross amount of gifts and grants credited to the Fund
- The costs of administering the Fund, and
- A detailed accounting of the use of the Fund.
If you or your business is interested in meeting on with the Fund to discuss possible partnerships, please email the Grant Administrator, Mark Hendricks.