​​​​​​​​Veterans' Trust Fund

For most veterans, the transition from the military to civilian life is smooth and un-eventful. However, not all veterans are as fortunate, falling on hard times and find themselves looking for assistance to sustain a quality life. This assistance often comes from statewide charitable organizations and county directors of veterans affairs. That is where the Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF) comes in. The VTF, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, provides grants to veteran advocates that ultimately assist Pennsylvania veterans and their families in need of housing, financial help, food, training, recovery and more.  The VTF also funds the Veterans Temporary Assistance program which provides temporary financial assistance of up to $1,600 in a 12-month period to veterans and their beneficiaries who reside in Pennsylvania for the necessities of life (food, shelter, fuel and clothing). 

Learn more about VTA here: Veterans Temporary Assistance 

VTF Funding comes from a variety of sources​

Donating to the VTF is an ideal way to support veterans

1. Generous Pennsylvanians make tax-deductible grants, gifts or donations to the VTF. Tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.donate.dmva.pa.govOpens In A New Window or mailed to: PA Veterans' Trust Fund, Bldg. 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003. 

2. Proceeds for two license plates supporting veterans help to fund the VTF grants. With your purchase of one of the "Honoring Our Veterans" or the "Honoring Our Women Veterans" registration plates, $15 is donated to VTF. You don't need to be a veteran to show your support of veterans by purchasing one of these plates.   

3. The next time you apply for or renew your Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID or renew your motor vehicle registration, you will have an opportunity to make a $5 tax-deductible contribution to the VTF if you renew for a year, and an option to donate $10 if you renew for two years. Since this additional $5 or $10 is not part of the renewal fee printed on your renewal application, you will need to add the donated amount to your payment. The same process would be followed if you renew online via PennDOT's website. 

The DMVA, on behalf of the VTF, strives to build partnerships with charitable organizations, veterans service organizations and county directors of veterans affairs to fund improved assistance and support for Pennsylvania veterans and their families. Grants from the VTF may assist veterans in obtaining federal veterans benefits and pensions earned by virtue of their service and sacrifice. ​

Veterans Designation on PA Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards

 
VTF funds have also been used to implement the Veterans Designation on Pennsylvania driver's licenses and ID cards that clearly indicates that the bearer is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Initial issuance, renewal or duplicate driver's license or identification card fees apply. For details about the qualifications to receive the Veterans Designation, view the Driver's License Designation Information flyer (PDF). 

Apply for the Veterans Designation (Via the PennDOT website) 

The VTF is a special, non-lapsing fund of the Pennsylvania State Treasury. The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is authorized to solicit and accept donations to the VTF on behalf of the Commonwealth. For tax purposes, donations to the Veterans' Trust Fund are considered "charitable contributions."  The definition of "charitable contributions" in the Internal Revenue Code (26 USC §170(c)(1)) includes contributions to state governments that are used for public purposes. A gift or donation to the VTF is tax deductible just like, and to the same extent as, any charitable contribution. See IRS Publication 526 (Charitable Contributions). 

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's employer or tax identification number is 23-6002830. 

Please print or save documentation when making a donation to the VTF, as the department does not provide an end-of-year statement or receipt for tax purposes.