NEF rescues Legion flood victims and posts

For nearly a month now, the South has endured harsh storms and severe flooding, leaving Legionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members displaced from their homes and even their posts. Amidst the intense damage and suffering, Legionnaires, SAL members and posts can receive immediate assistance through The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund (NEF).

Over the past few weeks, The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis has issued a handful of grants to assist flood victims. Legionnaires and SAL members are eligible for an NEF grant if their Legion membership is active and if they have been displaced from their primary residence by a natural disaster, which must be proved by showing out-of-pocket expense receipts. Legion members can apply for a grant up to $1,500 to cover housing costs, food and clothing, while Legion posts can apply for a grant up to $5,000. More importantly, once the Legion receives an NEF application, it is immediately processed and if approved, a check is sent directly to the Legion member overnight by mail.

The NEF is not intended to replace or repair items, or cover losses to equipment or vehicles. And it does not cover insurance compensation or monetary losses from a business or structures on property such as barns, tools or sheds.

To apply for a grant, download the National Emergency Fund Grant Application by clicking here. Applications and further information may also be acquired by visiting www.legion.org/emergency, by contacting departments or by calling (800) 433-3318.

Overall, the NEF has granted more than $6 million to victims devestated by destruction caused from ice storms, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes and more. For those who would like to make a tax-deductable donation to the NEF, please click here.