Members helping members – that’s the American Legion Auxiliary’s mission of Service Not Self in action. Hard times can fall upon us at any moment. That’s when the American Legion Auxiliary is committed to help. The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) is a national grant assistance program that provides temporary emergency assistance to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary who have endured a significant financial setback as the result of an act of nature or other personal crisis.
Established in 1969, the AEF was created with a bequest from the estate of Auxiliary member Helen Colby Small of Burlington, Wisconsin. Five decades later, the AEF is still helping fellow Auxiliary members get back on their feet. In order to carry on the Auxiliary Emergency Fund, we need your generous support.
An Auxiliary Emergency Fund grant may provide immediate emergency assistance to American Legion Auxiliary members in areas devastated by a natural disaster, such as fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or other severe weather. The applicant must have received damage to the primary residence and/or been displaced or evacuated from the residence and had out-of-pocket expenses for food, clothing, and shelter. Grants may be awarded up to $2,400.
BASIC CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION
The applicant must be an American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) member. Applicant must have maintained annual ALA membership for three consecutive years (the current year and immediate past two years). Application must be received within 6 months of disaster. One grant per grantee in a 12-month period will be awarded.
An Auxiliary Emergency Fund grant may provide temporary assistance to eligible members during a time of financial crisis when no other source of aid is readily available to pay for shelter, food, and utilities. Grants may be awarded up to $2,400 with the intent is to help members who have suffered a financial setback and offer a helping hand until financial stability is reestablished. Assistance will not be granted to pay medical expenses or credit card debt.
BASIC CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION
The applicant must be an American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) member. Applicant must have maintained annual ALA membership for three consecutive years (the current year and immediate past two years). One grant per grantee in a 12-month period will be awarded. Applicant must have exhausted all other financial options and be able to provide past due bills.
Since the Auxiliary Emergency Fund was established, more than $6 million has been awarded to more than 6,500 members. To continue providing this assistance, we need your generous support. Please donate today and know that you are helping make a better tomorrow for your fellow Auxiliary members.
“I appreciate all your help and kindness. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”
- AEF Grant Recipient
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