As the devastation from Friday evening’s deadly storm in several central states comes into focus, The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund and Temporary Financial Assistance stands ready to assist.
The tornadoes and severe storms that moved across several central states Friday evening resulted in loss of life and devastating destruction in communities. A few of the states most impacted include Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. As the devastation caused by the severe weather and the needs of the communities affected come into focus, The American Legion stands ready to assist its members and military families.
National Emergency Fund
The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund (NEF) is available to help American Legion members and posts, and Sons of The American Legion members, who have been impacted by natural disasters.
The NEF provides up to $3,000 for American Legion and Sons of The American Legion members with an active membership who have been displaced due to damages to their primary residence, and up to $10,000 for posts that have been damaged by a natural disaster and whose programs and activities within the community are impacted.
Apply for an NEF grant by visiting legion.org/emergency/apply.
Since Jan. 1, 2021, the NEF has provided more than $150,444 in grants to 71 American Legion and Sons members, and five American Legion posts. The program began in 1969 as a one-time effort in the wake of Hurricane Camille, which devastated the Gulf Coast – primarily Mississippi, and parts of Louisiana and Alabama. NEF was resurrected in 1989 when Hurricane Hugo pummeled the Carolinas and Puerto Rico, and since then has provided more than $8 million in direct financial assistance to American Legion and Sons members, and American Legion posts.
NEF relies on donations to help Legionnaires, posts and Sons recover from disaster. One hundred percent of donations to the NEF directly help veterans and their families recover from natural disasters.
To donate to the NEF, click here.
Temporary Financial Assistance
The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) helps families in need meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities, clothing, and health expenses. For example, during a natural disaster where a family has lost a home or it's been severely damaged, TFA can help cover the cost of temporary housing.
TFA grants are available to minor children of active-duty servicemembers or American Legion members. No child can be considered eligible until a complete investigation is conducted at the post or department level, a legitimate family need is determined, and all other available assistance resources have been utilized or exhausted.
For TFA information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit legion.org/financialassistance.
TFA grants are made possible through The American Legion Veterans and Children Foundation. Donate here.
Operation Comfort Warriors
Operation Comfort Warrior is a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded, injured or ill veterans. OCW grants often purchase items that are not normally covered by the government.
To apply for a grant, email ocw@legion.org
To make a donation, visit here.
- Emergency