14 nonprofits receive over $639,000 in American Legion CWF grants

14 nonprofits receive over $639,000 in American Legion CWF grants

In its 67th year, the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation awarded 17 grants totaling $639,328 to 14 nonprofits. The recipients were selected during the annual meeting of the CWF board of directors that met in Indianapolis on Sunday, Oct. 3. These grants have been awarded to support youth-serving projects that seek to enhance the lives of children by addressing their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.

The following is a brief summary of the grants awarded for 2022.

Adoption Exchange Association of Linthicum, Md., was awarded $22,780 for its project, “Every Child Deserves a Family.” This grant will provide a website to share useful information with other agencies to facilitate adoptions.

American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters of Indianapolis was awarded $45,500 for its project, “American Legion Auxiliary National Youth Programs Scholarships.” This grant will provide academic scholarships in the following areas: American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation, the Children of Warriors National Presidents Scholarship, the Spirit of Youth Scholarship, the Honorary National Junior Division Vice President Scholarship, and the Junior Member Loyalty Scholarship. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Eight and Forty support this grant.

American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters of Indianapolis was awarded $3,390 for its project, “American Legion Children and Youth Project.” The grant seeks to instill American Legion Family values in youth while teaching them about the poppy and safety. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Eight and Forty support this grant.

Childhood Leukemia Foundation of Brick, N.J., was awarded $29,700 for its project, “Hope Binders.” This project will offer 12 sections of templates and resources to help families begin to feel a degree of control over their circumstances. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion support this grant.

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation of Pittsburgh was awarded $30,000 for its project, “Teach Higher for the Starz(l): Next Gen Online Resources for Child Liver Transplant Patients and their Families.” This grant seeks to create more patient and family tool kits, transplant care guides and educational videos for pediatric transplant patients that will help guide and support the patient and their family through their transplant journey. The Eight and Forty support this grant.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome of Avon, Conn., was awarded $26,500 for its project, “Reaching out: Resources for Parents with Children with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome.” This project seeks to print and distribute valuable resources and information that is relevant to parents and caregivers who have children with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Chicago was awarded $25,000 for its project, “Mood Crew-Clinician Outreach.” This project seeks to create and distribute materials that will help parents, caregivers and health-care professionals recognize the signs when their loved one is experiencing mental health issues.

First Candle of New Canaan, Conn., was awarded $34,965 for its project, “Education Campaign to Increase Safe Infant Sleep Practices.” This project seeks to create an educational campaign with downloadable resources that teach parents and caregivers the dangers of infants sleeping in adult beds.

Kids in Danger of Chicago was awarded $5,000 for its project, “Safe from the Start.” This project seeks to create printed materials with information and resources for parents and caregivers about items that are potential dangers in a home.

National Braille Press of Boston was awarded $19,000 for its project, “ReadBooks! Because Braille Matters.” This grant will fund the creation of a U.S. tactile map so that visually impaired children can learn about geography and the United States. And it will fund a braille book for a visually impaired child. The Eight and Forty support this grant.

Prevent Child Abuse Kentuckyof Lexington, Ky., was awarded $3,193 for its project, “Project Outreach: Supporting Military Families.” This project will fund the printing and distribution of materials regarding child sexual abuse prevention.

Songs of Love Foundation of Forest Hills, N.Y., was awarded $25,000 for its project, “Songs of Love Outreach.” This grant will fund the printing and distribution of profile forms and song request forms that will help create personalized songs for seriously ill children up to the age of 21 with no charge to them. This grant will also update and maintain the website which provides detailed information on how to request a song.

The National Children’s Cancer Society of Saint Louis was awarded $25,000 for its project, “Transportation Assistance Fund.” This project will update and disseminate promotional materials promoting the Transportation Assistance Fund, ensuring children with cancer have access to life-saving treatment. The Sons of The American Legion supports this grant.

Tourette Association of America of Bayside, N.Y., was awarded $11,300 for its project, “Newly Diagnosed Backpack Program.” This grant will provide newly diagnosed children with Tourette Syndrome a backpack containing vital information and resources guide for children and parents so they can better understand their diagnosis.

The American Legion National Headquarters of Indianapolis was awarded $54,500 for its project, “2022 American Legion National Youth Programs Scholarships.” This grant will provide academic scholarships to the following youth programs of The American Legion: Boys Nation, Junior Shooting Sports, Baseball and Eagle Scout of the Year. The Sons of The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eight and Forty support this grant.

The American Legion National Headquarters of Indianapolis was awarded $203,500 for its program, “The American Legion National Oratorical Contest for 2022.” This grant will provide scholarships for youth competing in the 2022 American Legion National Oratorical Contest. The American Legion Auxiliary supports this grant.

The American Legion National Headquarters of Indianapolis was awarded $75,000 for its program, “The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance Program-2022.”  This grant will provide temporary financial assistance to the minor child(ren) in the home of an eligible veteran or military servicemember maintain shelter, food, utilities and clothing. The American Legion Auxiliary support this grant.