New York Awards $150,000 for Veterans' Outdoor Therapy
Six nonprofits each receive $25,000 to expand outdoor recreational programs for veterans across the state.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The New York Department of Veterans' Services has awarded $150,000 to six nonprofit organizations through the Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Grant Program, with each receiving $25,000. The awards were announced on Veterans Day to help establish, expand or strengthen outdoor programs for veterans.
Why it matters
The grants are intended to help organizations reduce barriers and reach more veterans who face obstacles to traditional recreation and wellness services. The funding builds on the Outdoor Rx Act, enacted in 2020, and recommendations from a 2021 committee report.
The six awards total $150,000, or $25,000 per organization, which is a small share of the approximately $4.6 million the department cites from three rounds of the Veterans' Nonprofit Capital Program to 73 organizations. The department has not yet reported how many veterans the new programs will reach.
The players
New York Department of Veterans' Services
The state agency that administers veterans' benefits, outreach and grant programs for New York's veteran population.
Battlefish Academy
One of six nonprofits receiving a $25,000 grant to expand outdoor recreational therapy programming for veterans.
BRiDGES
One of six nonprofits receiving a $25,000 grant under the Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Grant Program.
Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families
One of six nonprofits receiving a $25,000 grant to support outdoor programs serving veterans and their families.
Guardian Revival
One of six nonprofits receiving a $25,000 grant under the Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Grant Program.
The details
The grants went to Battlefish Academy, BRiDGES, Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families, Guardian Revival, Veterans Rebuilding Life, and WNY Heroes. The programs combine outdoor recreation with peer engagement and activities that support physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Timeline
Veterans Day 2020: Outdoor Rx Act enacted.
2021: Outdoor Rx Committee report identified ways to strengthen partnerships and expand programs.
June 2025: First recreational therapy summit held at the Adirondack Experience in Blue Mountain Lake.
June 2026: Second recreational therapy summit held.
November 11, 2026: Department announced the six grant awards.
Philanthropy Context
The awards follow the Outdoor Rx Act, enacted in 2020, which set New York on a path to use outdoor recreation as a therapeutic tool for veterans. The 2021 Outdoor Rx Committee report recommended strengthening partnerships, and these grants put that recommendation into funded programs run by nonprofits.
Veterans in New York who have difficulty accessing traditional recreation or wellness services may find new outdoor programs offered by the six grant recipients. Veterans seeking help can contact the department's benefits advisers for guidance on available services.
The takeaway
Veterans who face barriers to conventional wellness care can look to state-funded outdoor programs as an alternative. Checking with local nonprofits or the state department is a practical first step.
Further reading
Explore more philanthropy coverage to see how grant funding supports community programs.
More information
Schedule an appointment with a Department of Veterans' Services benefits adviser to learn about available programs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
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