Veterans Health and Nature Grant Program
The Healing Power of Nature
Thousands of veterans return home each year seeking healing and connection, yet many struggle with the transition to civilian life. Time outdoors has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD and depression while fostering purpose and community.
Connecting Veterans to The Outdoors
NEEF launched the Veterans and Nature Grant Program in 2024 with USDA Forest Service support, funding innovative programs that supported hands-on, nature-based experiences and helped veterans heal, reconnect, and rediscover a sense of purpose through the outdoors.
These initiatives collectively demonstrated how time in nature—paired with peer support and intentional programming—can restore well-being, build community, and create lasting pathways for engagement with public lands. With pilot funding complete and hundreds of proposals showing strong unmet need, this is the moment to bring nature-based healing to veterans nationwide.
The Veterans and Nature grant funds made the Wilderness Warriors Camp possible—an experience that would not have occurred at this scale or quality without this support.
Veterans and Nature Grant Program
Supported by NEEF and USDA Forest Service, these projects are helping veterans find healing and wellness through the outdoors.
Make An Impact With NEEF
Strong Partnerships
NEEF partners with veteran-serving groups nationwide to deliver wellness and stewardship projects in the outdoors.
Build Resilience
Creating immersive outdoor experiences that improve mental health and peer connection.
Increase Accessibility
Provide lasting access to public lands and outdoor skill-building.
Project Highlights
Reconnecting Through the Wild
The Veterans One-Stop Center (Buffalo, NY) offered multi-day outdoor retreats designed to help veterans reconnect with nature, themselves, and one another.
During the trips, veterans hiked scenic trails, kayaked on local waterways, cooked and shared meals, and participated in campfire storytelling—activities that promoted physical activity, reduced stress, and fostered trust and camaraderie. The program prioritized accessibility, providing adaptive equipment for hiking and kayaking so participants of all ages and abilities could fully engage.
Many of the 26 veterans who took part reported a renewed purpose and a desire to return to public lands on their own.
Our camping trips offered a powerful opportunity for veterans to share their stories, engage in peer support, and build lasting bonds.
Paul Gavin, Veterans One-Stop Center
Healing on the Patuxent
The Greenwell Foundation (Hollywood, MD) opened new pathways to healing for veterans through nature-based retreats at Greenwell State Park.
Veterans spent days kayaking the Patuxent River, riding horses, hiking forest trails, and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay—experiences that built confidence, connection, and a renewed sense of calm. Each retreat removed barriers to access by offering free programs, transportation, and meals, ensuring that every veteran could participate.
47 veterans and first responders have taken part so far, many discovering new comfort and freedom in the outdoors.
Our goal was to provide equitable access for all veterans to experience meaningful time in nature. This grant helped us broaden our reach and build lasting partnerships.
Barbara Wille, Greenwell Foundation
Finding Peace in the Wilderness
This Is My Quest (Wellsboro, PA) hosted its Wilderness Warriors Camp—a three-day retreat where veterans rediscovered peace, purpose, and connection through the outdoors.
Veterans learned fly fishing, photography, and wilderness skills, building confidence and camaraderie through shared challenges and quiet moments in nature.
Among 17 participants, nearly all reported feeling more relaxed, recharged, and confident exploring public lands after the experience.
It’s been a long time since I felt this kind of bond. Everyone just got it—no need to explain. Being outside gave me space to breathe—I hadn’t realized how much I missed that.
Veteran participant
Project Outcomes
By sponsoring the Veterans Health and Nature Program, you are ensuring that strategic investment in outdoor-based veteran programs can lead to lasting improvements in mental health, social connection, and access to public lands.
Veterans Grant Resources
The Veterans and Nature grant not only supported organizations serving veterans, it also opened the door for others to learn. In this free public webinar, grantees shared stories and practical strategies for helping veterans find healing and connection in nature.
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