To My Legion Family,
As most of us are aware, tragedy strikes many of our American Legion Family members by severe and devastating natural disasters. Many American Legion Families have lost everything. We need to feel compelled to help our family. Please as a Post, Unit, Squadron, or in combination as a Family united, please send a donation to the National (American Legion) Emergency Fund. Our American Legion brothers and sisters need our help now!
Please send a check made payable to N.E.F. and mail to the National American Legion 700 North Pennsylvania Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46206. Or go to The National American Legion website at https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Give/Donate-Online/Donate-Now?CashProductId=134417 and donate by credit card.
I hope you can help! No matter the amount of the donation, it will help a fellow veteran and/or their family.
God Bless,
Jason Rue
Commander
NEF
NEF is here to assist Legion members, SAL members and American Legion Posts that have sustained damages due to a declared natural disaster. For fires, the NEF will only provide for those fires that were started naturally, not fires started by people.
For Legionnaires and SAL members, grants are capped at $3,000. For American Legion Posts, grants are capped at $10,000.
The NEF application is now fillable. The link is also provided here: www.legion.org/emergency
Additionally, a YouTube video on how to complete the application along can be found here: National Emergency Fund Grant Application Procedures – YouTube
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Please review the application carefully, and remember, until there’s an emergency or disaster declaration for a natural disaster in place (federal, state or local), the NEF can’t help until one is issued. If a declaration is issued, ensure that the applicant is current on their membership prior to the disaster and at the time of application submission, provides photos, receipts and any insurance paperwork. FEMA statements are good also. Statements from American Legion Post/District/Department officers or community leadership is encouraged to reinforce the grant application. Ensure the application is completely filled out, or it could be sent back to the Department for more information. This is all outlined on the application and is provided for on the instruction sheet and the video.
NEF does not provide for repairs or replacement of lost or damaged items in the primary home of residence. If the destroyed property is owned by the member, but he/she does not physically live there, that property is not covered by the NEF. Vehicles or outbuildings are not covered. These should be covered by the member’s insurance. If available, provide copies of insurance determination, if any. If the home is rented, renters insurance information should be provided, if any.
For American Legion Posts, the only things covered are Post programs that might sustain losses pertaining to the intent of the Four Pillars of The American Legion. Losses from the social quarters and/or restaurant of the Post are not covered. A copy of the most recent Consolidated Post Report (CPR) needs to be attached. Written statements from Post/District/Department officers and/or local community leaders as to how the losses to the Post will be detrimental in the community is very helpful. Insurance documents should be provided.
Departments can mail, fax (317-630-1413) or scan/e-mail the application and any attachments (photos, receipts, other supporting documents) to ia@legion.org. Staff will process from there. If approved by the National Adjutant, a check will be cut from Finance and mailed that same day or the next day to the Department Adjutant to disburse to the member or the post. Address to mail to:
The American Legion National Headquarters
ATTN: National Emergency Fund
Internal Affairs & Membership Division
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
If a National Emergency Fund application comes to National HQ directly from the member, we will scan/e-mail back to the Department Adjutant for his or her recommendation. Remember, the Department leadership and volunteers are “boots on the ground”, so the department has to make the best determination for recommended grant amount to the national organization.
Stay safe and healthy. If you have any questions on NEF contact Michele Steinmetz – Phone # is: 317-630-1379 or cell: 317-287-9974.
TFA
The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance Program is also ready to assist American Legion eligible veterans with minor children in the home (18 or younger) who need financial help to pay for shelter, food, utilities and medical expenses.
Please make sure that all pertinent documentation (see application at top of page) is included in the packet as well as the investigator’s report. Missing documentation will slow down the process and may result in the application being denied.
If you have any questions regarding Temporary Financial Assistance, please contact Stacy Cope, Youth Welfare Program Manager in the Americanism Division at 317-630-1202 or scope@legion.org.
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Temporary Financial Assistance Grants
The American Legion Department of Ohio is honored to assist its’ veterans, active-duty service members, and service members of the Ohio National Guard and Ohio Air National Guard in their time of need. The American Legion Department of Ohio currently offers two temporary financial assistance grants for veterans’ consideration.
The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance Grant
Is a single onetime nonrepayable grant of up to $1,500.00 for current active-duty servicemembers or a current American Legion member with minor children. Active duty (or a Reservist on active-duty orders) can be considered without being a member of The American Legion. This grant is designated to help families in need to meet the cost of shelter, food, and utilities, thereby keeping the child or children in a more stable environment.
The American Legion Department of Ohio Family Support Network Grant
Is a nonrepayable grant of up to $500.00 for current American Legion members, active-duty service members, service members of the Ohio National Guard and the Ohio Air National Guard, who reside in the state of Ohio. This grant is designated to help veterans in need to meet the cost of shelter, food, and utilities.
Family Support Network Assistance Application 0619
General Eligibility Guidelines
- Applicant must possess an up-to-date membership in The American Legion OR
- Active-duty servicemember or serving on active-duty orders
- Ohio National Guard or Ohio Air National Guard (FSN Grant Only)
- The application must be completed in its’ entirety and include the necessary documents including current statements, bills, leases, foreclosures, eviction notices to be considered
- Include a written narrative of your ask and your action plan that indicated your need is temporary in nature.
- All forms of possible assistance must be applied for, documented, and exhausted at the local level.
- Remember to apply for TFA at your local County Veterans Service Commission
