in settings and among populations where such therapy offers proven benefits. (c) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that vulnerable populations should be prioritized in grant awards from the Secretary to eligible entities. Such populations may include, but are not limited to, patients in nursing or assisted-living facilities, children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in academic settings, and veterans seeking care in State or Federal veterans’ facilities. (d) Duration of pilot program The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall be carried out during the 3-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. (e) Eligibility and conditions on receipt of grants As a condition of receiving a grant under this section, a non-government entity shall— (1) submit to the Secretary certification that the entity is an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that visits community settings with dogs for the purposes of providing dog-assisted therapy