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.

• NightWare Inc.: $100,000
• YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities: $82,775
• Believet – Canine Service Partners, Inc.: $20,000
• Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans: $18,000

The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows 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.

“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.” 

NightWare Inc.
NightWare Inc. will use this grant to support a 50-person clinical trial at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for Veterans who suffer from Post-traumatic stress disorder related sleep disturbance and trauma related nightmares. The study will provide preliminary estimates of safety and efficacy of the NightWare’s digital therapeutic system for the treatment of nightmare disorders.

YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities
The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities will use this grant to expand the Veterans Rendezvous program to four additional locations throughout the Twin Cities.

Believet – Canine Service Partners, Inc.
Believet TM will use this grant to provide trained service dogs, free of charge to Veterans suffering from combat-related injuries or disabilities.

Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans
Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans will use this grant to expand the "Battle Buddy" coaching program throughout the Twin Cities.

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 the 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.