The Child Welfare Foundation is now doing business as the Child Well-Being Foundation.
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation is now called the Child Well-Being Foundation.
On Oct. 6 during the annual Fall Meetings of The American Legion, a motion was made and voted on by the American Legion CWF board of directors to change the name of the foundation to one that encompasses the overall needs of the whole child and all aspects of their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
The Child Well-Being Foundation will still have the acronym CWF. Learn more about the foundation.
CWF will continue to provide grants to nonprofits for projects that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children. Grants are only given to entities that help U.S. children in a large geographic area; they are not awarded for day-to-day or special operating expenses. Thanks to the generosity of Legion Family and community members, the foundation has awarded over $21 million in grants since 1954 — giving youth-serving nonprofits across this nation the means to promote and operate their programs, plus educate families and communities about the needs of children.
The 2025 CWF grant recipients were announced during the Fall Meetings. In its 71st year, CWF awarded 13 grants totaling $852,593 to youth-serving nonprofit organizations.
American Kidney Fund of Rockville, Md., was awarded $25,000 for "American Kidney Fund Virtual Camp: National Camp for Pediatric Kidney Patients." This grant will fund themed virtual camps for youth suffering from kidney disease. The camps provide an environment for youth to interact with others who suffer from kidney diseases, thereby reducing the isolation and loneliness felt. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion support this grant.
ASXL Rare Research Endowment Foundation of Portland, Maine, was awarded $10,550 for "Care Management Educational Materials." This grant will produce educational materials that empower parent caregivers to advocate for the best care for their children suffering from the ASXL-related disorders. The American Legion Auxiliary supports this grant.
Briggs & Barrett Project of Norfolk, Neb., was awarded $15,000 for "Every Baby Initiative." This grant seeks to provide families with newborns and an Owlet sock that monitors breathing and heart rate when sleeping to help reduce sudden infant death (SIDs). The American Legion Auxiliary and the Eight & Forty support this grant.
Camp Corral of Raleigh, N.C., was awarded $25,000 for "Camp Corral-summer Camp for Children of Military Heroes-2025." This project will allow children of wounded, ill and fallen military heroes to attend camp where they can connect with their peers, foster new connections and learn new skills. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion support this grant.
Children's Hospital & Medical Center Foundation of Omaha, Neb., was awarded $20,000 for "Children's Nebraska's Child Passenger Safety Program." This grant will provide car seats to families in need, ensuring child safety and educating parents about car seat safety.
Cleveland County ALWS Baseball, Inc. of Shelby, N.C., was awarded $125,000 for "2025 American Legion World Series." This grant will help provide youth-centric activities during the week-long event. The American Legion Auxiliary supports this grant.
Father Flanagan's Boys' Home of Boys Town, Neb., was awarded $25,000 for "Boys Town National Hotline." This grant will raise youth awareness of the mental health services provided by the Boys Town National Hotline.
Gift of Adoption of Northbrook, Ill., was awarded $20,919 for "Adoption Assistance for U.S. Born Children." This project will fund the final needs to complete the adoption of vulnerable children in the United States, giving them permanent families and the chance to thrive. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion support this grant.
LifeCamp USA of Delafield, Wis., was awarded $25,358 for "LifeCamp USA 2025." This grant will cover the cost of camp for those children who have lost a parent in the line of duty, military, police, fire and first responder. The American Legion Auxiliary supports this grant.
Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence of Jackson, Mo., was awarded $5,000 for "The Green Bear Project." This project will cover the printing costs for sexual abuse prevention education for elementary-aged youth.
Spectrum Sailing of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., was awarded $3,500 for "Spectrum Sailing National Autism Sailing Camp." This grant will provide camp opportunities for autistic youth to help foster social development, confidence and teamwork. The American Legion Auxiliary supports this grant.
The American Legion National Headquarters of Indianapolis was awarded $525,000 for "The American Legion Children and Youth National Program-2025." This grant will cover youth programs related to the national capstone events: American Legion National Oratorical Contest, Boys Nation, Junior Shooting Sports Program national championship and American Legion Baseball. The American Legion Auxiliary supports this grant.
The National Children's Cancer Society of Belleville, Ill., was awarded $27,266 for "Journey of Hope: The Transportation Assistance Fund." This project will create promotional materials for the Transportation Assistance Fund, ensuring children with cancer have access to life-saving treatment. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion support this grant.
- Dispatch