SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.

• Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota – $45,000
• Fishing For Life - $20,000

Last year, MDVA expanded the SOT grant program by offering a new competitive grant process which allows additional organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.

“Making these SOT grants available to more organizations not only leverages our work, it also empowers our partners. Only together can we support and strengthen our community as a whole. Congratulations to our most recent recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “And I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota received $45,000 to provide in-home counseling, consultation and coaching for immediate family members caring for Veterans and/or Veterans caring for their family members. The term of this grant is one year.

Fishing for Life

Fishing for Life received $20,000 to provide opportunities for Veterans (and/or family members) to participate in various outdoor recreation activities. The term of this grant is one year.

About the SOT License Plate Program

Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in the following ways:

• Grants through Support Our Troops program
• Benefits the CORE program, which provides family counseling, with specialty services available for children; financial counseling, debt management and mental health counseling.
• Emergency financial assistance
• Helping Homeless Veterans secure shelter and access to benefits
• Outreach to diverse communities across Minnesota, helping provide Veterans with access to earned benefits
• Community seminars on health conditions associated with military service

To purchase SOT plates, visit your local DMV office or call (651) 4Troops (487-6677). SOT plates are also available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.

To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit /mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/index.jspthe MDVA grants page. 

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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.