Helping others in Need – American Legion National Emergency Fund
About the National Emergency Fund
The Preamble to The American Legion Constitution sums up the theme of the National Endowment Fund, “… devotion to mutual helpfulness.” This phrase is more than just mere words on paper; it’s our pledge of support to Legionnaires and their family members. Since the early 1920s, The American Legion has been actively involved in meeting the needs of both the community and individual Legion Family members in the wake of disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires.
The National Emergency Fund, created in response to Hurricane Hugo in 1989, has provided more than $8 million in direct financial assistance to American Legion Family members and posts. By providing this emergency funding, NEF has prevented damaged posts from closing and enabled American Legion Family members to recover from tragedy.
NEF helps those affected by well-known disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy and lesser-publicized tragedies such as flooding in South Dakota or Illinois, or wildfires in the southwest.
The fund provides up to $1,500 for qualified Legion Family members and up to $5,000 for posts. The eligibility requirements are:
- Applicant must have been displaced from his or her primary residence due to a declared natural disaster.
- Applicant must provide copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs such as temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.
- Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application.
How to apply for assistance
Eligibility
- Eligibility open to Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion members (up to $1,500) Legion Posts (up to $5,000).
- Applicant must have been displaced from their primary residence due to a declared natural disaster and provide proof of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.)
- Does not cover insurance compensation or monetary losses from a business, structures on your property (barns, tool sheds, etc.,) equipment or vehicles.
- Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application.
Application requirements
- Application must be received within 90 days of disaster.
- Disaster must be a “declared” natural disaster for Legion Family members.
- Supporting data (photos, receipts, repair estimates, etc.) should be included if at all possible or statements (testimony) from post/district/department officers attesting to damages.
- Only one grant per household.
- Post grants must derive from a declared natural disaster and substantiating documentation must provide that The American Legion post will cease to perform the duties and activities in the community due to losses sustained.
How to donate
How to Help
The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund is set up to quickly and efficiently provide money to affected Legion Family members and posts. A full 100 percent of donations to NEF are turned into grants. Donations are not used to cover administrative and promotional costs.
Checks may be mailed to:
The American Legion
National Emergency Fund
P.O. Box 1954
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Fundraising
NEF relies on donations to help Legionnaires, Auxiliary members and Sons recover from disaster. Fundraisers such as motorcycle runs, fish fries or raffles are great ways to gather donations. Another Legion post, Auxiliary unit, Sons of The American Legion squadron or Riders chapter could assist in sponsoring or promoting a fundraiser for NEF. Proceeds from fundraisers may be donated to NEF by the website or mailing address listed above.
Who to contact
The National Emergency Fund,
contact Internal Affairs:
(317) 630-1330