Our Preamble to The American Legion Constitution says it best, "…devotion to mutual helpfulness."  This phrase is more than just mere words on paper; it’s our pledge of support to our distressed comrades.  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 NEF 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.

Eligibility Criteria:

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

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

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

How To Apply

1. Application 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. 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.

Members must complete a National Emergency Fund Grant Application. Applications may be obtained by contacting your Department Headquarters 717-730-9100. You can also download a grant application by clicking here.

Application is properly completed by applicant then sent to the Department Headquarters for approval.

If everything is in order, Department will forward to National. Upon approval at the National level, a check will be sent to the Department Headquarters for delivery to the Legion Family Member or Post in distress.

State & National Emergency Fund