National Emergency Fund

The American Legion Family Members helping Legion Family Members

Since the early 1920’s, The American Legion has been actively involved in meeting the needs of both the community and individual Legion family members in the wake of disaster.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires…The American Legion National Emergency Fund was born out of natural disasters to compassionately heal the wounds of catastrophe and help save their homes. A major disaster could happen to any Legionnaire in any town at anytime and make them homeless.

The National Emergency Fund has provided over $3,000,000 in direct financial assistance to Legion family members and posts. The National Emergency Fund has kept posts from closing and enabled Legion family members to begin to rebuild their homes and their lives.

The eligibility requirements are very simple.  Any current year paid member of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of The American Legion is eligible. However, the member (applicant) must be a member in good standing with their post, unit or squadron and must have been a member prior to the date of the disaster.  Additionally, posts are eligible to receive grants from this fund provided they meet the established criteria.

1. Eligibility open to Legionnaires, Auxiliary ** and Sons members (up to $1,500).
 (** If Auxiliary membership is less than 5 years continuous. Otherwise, will be forwarded to the National American Legion Auxiliary for consideration.)

2. Eligibility is also open Legion Posts (up to $5,000).

3. Not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.)

4. Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application.

National Emergency Fund grant applications may be obtained by contacting your Department Headquarters or by calling The American Legion National Headquarters. Each application comes with easy to understand instructions explaining what information is required and where to send the application once completed. At minimum, estimates of damage and photographs should be enclosed with each grant application.

As a note, any supporting documentation and photographs provided in support of the application, cannot be returned to the member concerned.

1. Applications must be received within 90 days of disaster.

2. Disaster must be a “declared natural disaster" by Federal, State or Local government authorities.

3. Supporting data (photos, repair estimates, etc.) should be included if at all possible or statements (testimony) from post/district/department officers attesting to damages.

4. Only one grant per household.

5. This is not designed for insurance compensation, loss of business, outbuildings on your property (barns, tool sheds, silos, etc.), equipment (tractors or other farm vehicles), or any type of automobile.

Apply for an NEF Grant

Members must complete a National Emergency Fund Grant Application. 

Applications may be obtained by contacting your Department Headquarters
or by calling The American Legion National Headquarters at (317) 630-1321.

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