# Plain Language Summary: CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2025

This bill makes permanent a program that allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept donations of buildings and property improvements from communities, organizations, and individuals. Right now, this program is temporary—it was set up as a test in 2016 and is scheduled to expire. This bill removes that expiration date, meaning the VA can continue accepting these donated facilities indefinitely.

Here's what this means in practical terms: If a local community group, business, or nonprofit wants to donate a building or fund improvements to a VA facility—like renovating a veterans center, donating land for a new clinic, or upgrading existing infrastructure—they can do so through this program. The VA can accept these gifts without having to go through special approval processes each time. This removes the uncertainty that comes with a temporary program and gives communities confidence that their donations will be accepted and used for veterans' services.

The bill essentially takes what was an experimental program and turns it into a permanent part of how the VA operates. This could help expand veterans' services and facilities without requiring as much federal funding, since communities can contribute directly. The changes take effect on December 16, 2026, giving the government time to prepare for the transition from a pilot program to a permanent one.

CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2025

Bacon, Don

Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act or the CHIP IN for Veterans ActThis bill makes permanent, starting December 16, 2026, the pilot program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may accept donations of property or facilities from certain nonfederal entities (e.g., state authorities or private entities). The bill also removes the limit on the number of donations that the VA may accept under the program.