Opportunity Information: Apply for HU000121USU0001
The Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (WWSDP) FY2021 is a Department of Defense grant opportunity administered through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) that aims to expand and strengthen access to trained service dogs for U.S. service members and veterans with disabilities. The program focuses on reaching people across a wide range of geographic regions and population demographics, with the core idea that improving availability and quality of service dog programs can meaningfully support wounded warriors and others managing physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. For purposes of this funding opportunity, a service dog is defined in line with standard federal concepts: a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, meaning the dog is trained for specific, functional assistance rather than providing general comfort alone.
This funding opportunity is designed to invest in nonprofit organizations that are actively advancing the service dog field through ongoing learning, innovative training approaches, and stronger industry standards. In practice, that means USU is looking to support organizations that can demonstrate credible, high-quality service dog training and placement programs, and that are committed to improving the broader service dog ecosystem through better methods, better outcomes, and consistent practices. The program has a history of soliciting applications from nonprofits that connect service dogs with service members and veterans, and this FY2021 announcement continues that same direction by funding organizations that can deliver measurable, practical support to the military and veteran community.
The WWSDP began as a competitively awarded grants program after Congress appropriated $1,000,000 for it in FY2015. For FY2021, the program is expected to continue (subject to Congressional appropriation) with an approximate total budget of $10,000,000 under the Defense Health Program, Operations and Maintenance, Therapeutic Service Dog Training Program authority. USUHS has grantmaking authority under 10 U.S.C. 2113(g)(1)(A), which permits USU to issue grants to nonprofit entities. Under this specific funding opportunity announcement, USU anticipated making multiple awards as 12-month grants, with final award decisions depending on both the quality of applications received and the funds ultimately available for obligation during the fiscal year.
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status that are not institutions of higher education. The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant and is categorized under an "Other" funding activity classification, reflecting its specialized purpose tied to therapeutic service dog training rather than a traditional research or clinical care funding track. The listing is associated with CFDA number 12.750. The issuing agency is the Department of Defense, USUHS Medical - Non-Research Projects, indicating a programmatic focus on operational service delivery and capacity-building rather than academic research grants.
In terms of scale, USU indicated it expected to make around 25 awards. While the total FY2021 program budget was estimated at roughly $10 million, USU stated it did not intend to issue any single grant exceeding $1,000,000. Importantly, the actual number of awards and the specific funding levels per award are not fixed in advance and are instead shaped by application merit and available appropriations, which is typical of competitive federal grant programs.
Key administrative details for this FY2021 opportunity include the funding opportunity title "Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (WWSDP) FY2021" and funding opportunity number HU000121USU0001. The opportunity was created on December 4, 2020, with an original application closing date of February 3, 2021. Although the source data lists an "AwardCeiling" value of 0, the narrative makes clear the practical upper bound USU planned to apply was no more than $1,000,000 per grant, and awards were intended to be issued as 12-month funding periods.
Overall, WWSDP FY2021 is best understood as a targeted federal investment in nonprofit capacity to train and place task-trained service dogs for disabled service members and veterans, while also pushing the service dog industry toward more consistent quality, improved training practices, and stronger standards. The structure emphasizes competitive selection, measurable program quality, and broad reach, with multiple one-year awards intended to distribute support across organizations serving diverse communities nationwide.Apply for HU000121USU0001
- The Department of Defense, USUHS Medical - Non- Research Projects in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (WWSDP) FY2021" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.750.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 04, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 03, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (WWSDP) FY2021 - FAQs
What is the Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (WWSDP) FY2021?
The Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (WWSDP) FY2021 is a Department of Defense grant opportunity administered through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). It is designed to expand and strengthen access to trained service dogs for U.S. service members and veterans with disabilities by investing in nonprofit organizations that provide high-quality service dog training and placement and that help improve standards and practices across the service dog field.
Who is the issuing agency for this funding opportunity?
The issuing agency is the Department of Defense, administered through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). The opportunity is associated with USUHS Medical - Non-Research Projects.
What is the official funding opportunity title and number?
The official title is "Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (WWSDP) FY2021" and the funding opportunity number is HU000121USU0001.
What is the main purpose of WWSDP FY2021?
The purpose is to improve availability and quality of service dog programs that support wounded warriors and other disabled service members and veterans. The program emphasizes credible service dog training and placement, measurable and practical support outcomes for the military and veteran community, and strengthening the broader service dog ecosystem through better methods and more consistent standards.
What types of disabilities does the program aim to support?
The program is intended to support individuals managing physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities, with the goal of increasing access to appropriately trained service dogs that perform trained tasks for the benefit of the individual.
How does this opportunity define a "service dog"?
For this funding opportunity, a service dog is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The definition emphasizes task-trained, functional assistance rather than general comfort alone.
What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status that are not institutions of higher education.
Are institutions of higher education eligible?
No. The eligibility criteria specifically limit applicants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are not institutions of higher education.
Is this a discretionary grant?
Yes. The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant.
What is the funding activity classification for this program?
The funding activity classification is categorized as "Other," reflecting a specialized purpose focused on therapeutic service dog training and related capacity-building rather than a traditional research or clinical care funding track.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The listing is associated with CFDA number 12.750.
What is the expected total budget for WWSDP FY2021?
For FY2021, the program was expected to continue (subject to Congressional appropriation) with an approximate total budget of $10,000,000 under the Defense Health Program, Operations and Maintenance, under the Therapeutic Service Dog Training Program authority.
How many awards did USUHS expect to make?
USUHS indicated it expected to make around 25 awards, though the actual number could change based on the quality of applications and the funds ultimately available.
What is the maximum award amount per grant?
USUHS stated it did not intend to issue any single grant exceeding $1,000,000. While the source data lists an "AwardCeiling" value of 0, the narrative explains that the practical upper bound was planned to be no more than $1,000,000 per grant.
Are the number of awards and award amounts fixed in advance?
No. USUHS noted that the actual number of awards and the specific funding levels per award are not fixed in advance and depend on application merit and available appropriations.
What is the expected grant period of performance?
USUHS anticipated making multiple awards as 12-month grants.
When was the funding opportunity created, and what was the application closing date?
The opportunity was created on December 4, 2020, with an original application closing date of February 3, 2021.
What kinds of activities does WWSDP FY2021 prioritize funding?
Based on the description, the program prioritizes nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate credible, high-quality service dog training and placement programs for service members and veterans, and that are actively advancing the field through ongoing learning, innovative training approaches, and stronger industry standards.
Does the program emphasize reaching diverse communities and geographic areas?
Yes. A stated focus is reaching people across a wide range of geographic regions and population demographics, supporting broad access and reach.
Is WWSDP FY2021 a research grant program?
The listing indicates "USUHS Medical - Non-Research Projects," suggesting a programmatic focus on operational service delivery and capacity-building rather than academic research.
What is the legal authority that allows USUHS to issue these grants?
USUHS has grantmaking authority under 10 U.S.C. 2113(g)(1)(A), which permits USU to issue grants to nonprofit entities.
When did the WWSDP grants program begin?
WWSDP began as a competitively awarded grants program after Congress appropriated $1,000,000 for it in FY2015.
How are award decisions made for this opportunity?
Final award decisions were described as depending on both the quality of applications received and the funds ultimately available for obligation during the fiscal year.
What is the overall goal of WWSDP FY2021 beyond placing service dogs?
Beyond expanding access to trained service dogs, WWSDP FY2021 is intended to strengthen the broader service dog ecosystem by supporting better methods, better outcomes, and consistent practices and standards across organizations.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Reimagining the Transatlantic Relationship
Previous opportunity: Opportunity title from S2S
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for HU000121USU0001
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (HU000121USU0001) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 2021 South Africa Mandela Washington Fellow Program Logistics Apply for DOS PTA 202102 Funding Number: DOS PTA 202102 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| DRL FY20 Burma Democracy and Human Rights Programs Apply for SFOP0007458 Funding Number: SFOP0007458 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| DRL FY20 Burma - Investigating and Documenting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Burma Apply for SFOP0007460 Funding Number: SFOP0007460 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| DRL FY2020: Supporting Human Rights Defenders in Libya Apply for SFOP0007466 Funding Number: SFOP0007466 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| PEPFAR Small Grants Program POL/ECON, U.S. Embassy Yaounde Apply for AFYDE PSGCLM GR POLECON 2020 Funding Number: AFYDE PSGCLM GR POLECON 2020 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Cameroon Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $12,500 |
| DRL Promoting and Protecting Media Freedom in Afghanistan Apply for SFOP0007462 Funding Number: SFOP0007462 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| DRL FY2020: Countering Religious Intolerance in Indonesia Apply for SFOP0007469 Funding Number: SFOP0007469 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY2021 Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program Apply for SFOP0007471 Funding Number: SFOP0007471 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| U.S. Consulate Cape Town Public Affairs Section Request for Statements of Interest: Annual Program Statement Apply for DOS CPT RSOI 202101 Funding Number: DOS CPT RSOI 202101 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Alumni Small Grants Program Apply for PAS CHISINAU FY21 02 Funding Number: PAS CHISINAU FY21 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Julia Taft Refugee Fund for FY 2021 Apply for DOS CNK FY 20 03 Funding Number: DOS CNK FY 20 03 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Guinea Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Natural Resources Management Activity Apply for RFI 442 21 002 Funding Number: RFI 442 21 002 Agency: Agency for International Development, Cambodia USAID-Phnom Penh Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DRL Promoting and Protecting Media Freedom in Bangladesh Apply for SFOP0007480 Funding Number: SFOP0007480 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Bangkok FY21 Annual Program Statement Apply for 12 2020 1 Funding Number: 12 2020 1 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Thailand Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Village Monitoring Systems: Early Warning and Early Response in Northern Nigeria Apply for SFOP0007482 Funding Number: SFOP0007482 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Conflict Stabilization Operations Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $320,938 |
| Virtual Curriculum Development of Safety Matters: Managing Relationships in Women’s Facilities and Training of Trainers Apply for 21JD06 Funding Number: 21JD06 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Hungary 2021 Apply for PAS BUD FY21 NOFO AWE Funding Number: PAS BUD FY21 NOFO AWE Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Hungary Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $66,600 |
| Request for Statements of Interest: Global Support for Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Implementation by Women-led Civil Society Apply for SFOP0007487 Funding Number: SFOP0007487 Agency: Department of State, Office of Global Womens Issues Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,200,000 |
| Civil Society Engagement Activity in Georgia Apply for 72011421RFA00003 Funding Number: 72011421RFA00003 Agency: Agency for International Development, Georgia USAID-Tbilisi Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| DRL Strengthening Inclusivity in Kuwait Apply for SFOP0007485 Funding Number: SFOP0007485 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "HU000121USU0001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.