Leave a legacy with The American Legion

The American Legion was built upon Four Pillars nearly 100 years ago that create opportunities for Legion members to improve the quality of lives for millions of veterans, servicemembers and their families through various charitable giving programs.

Together, they provide resources for wounded veterans, build character and develop leaders in youth, fund scholarships for the children of fallen servicemembers and disabled veterans, and more.

Every year, hundreds of Legion members name American Legion charitable programs in their wills or trusts through a variety of estate planning alternatives that fit their personal financial circumstances. Through planned giving, donors are able to meet their current and future financial needs while providing The American Legion and our nation’s servicemembers, veterans, their families and children and youth with financial support later.

One or more of the seven American Legion charitable funds can be named in an estate plan. These programs include:

American Legion Charities – supports Legion youth programs such as Boys Nation, Legion Baseball and Oratorical Contest, and general charitable Legion programs.

American Legion Endowment Fund – supports Temporary Financial Assistance program, which provides financial support to children of veterans in need, and Legion veteran service officer training program.

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation – awards grants to nonprofit organizations that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children.

American Legion Scholarship Trust – awards scholarships to youth that attend either Boys or Girls State and are direct descendants of a wartime veteran.

American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund – awards scholarships to children whose parents died on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, or have a 50 percent or higher VA disability rating.

Operation Comfort Warriors – provides comfort items to wounded, injured or ill servicemembers.

National Emergency Fund – provides cash grants to Legion Family members and posts affected by a natural disaster.

The American Legion's Planned Giving page, www.legion.org/plannedgiving, provides details on types of assets (e.g., life insurance, stocks and bonds, real estate) that make the best planned gifts, ways to give to a favorite Legion charity, the benefits of making a bequest, and stories from donors about why they are leaving a lasting legacy with The American Legion.

Philanthropy and individual gifts have been essential in shaping the history of The American Legion, and Legion member’s contributions will continue to play an important role in the organizations promising future.