Total request was $520,714 of which the VA will pay half or $260,357 and the SVH will contribute the other half

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration awarded the South Carolina Department of Mental Health $260,357 on October 1, 2025, under the Payments to States for Programs to Promote the Hiring and Retention of Nurses at State Veterans Homes program (CFDA 64.053).

The funding supports a joint initiative between the VA and a State Veterans Home (SVH) to address nursing shortages through direct recruitment bonuses for new hires, a preceptor program providing coaching and professional development to new staff, preceptor and preceptee bonuses, incentives for wound care and infection control certification, uniform and shift differential incentives, and a paid maternity leave program. The total project request was $520,714; the VA obligates $260,357 and the SVH contributes the remaining $260,357.

Performance occurs in South Carolina, with a period of performance from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The assistance type is a Project Grant. The program funds only incentive programs benefiting nurses who provide direct clinical care to residents at State Veterans Homes; it does not support nurses in non-clinical or administrative roles.

This will provide funds for direct recruitment bonuses for new hires, a preceptor program that will provide coaching and professional development of new hires, preceptor/preceptee bonuses, incentives for wound care and infection control certification, uniform and shift differential incentives, and paid maternity leave program.