NEF provides help after natural disasters

The spring storm season got an early start with severe storms across the South on March 17, damaging dozens of homes and leaving thousands without power across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. There have been over 20 reports of tornadoes, and as of Thursday morning, there was the threat of more severe storms.

If and when this event is declared a natural disaster, Legionnaires, Sons of The American Legion, and American Legion posts in the affected areas are eligible and are encouraged to apply for a grant from the National Emergency Fund (NEF).

The NEF provides up to $3,000 for Legion and SAL members with an active membership who have been displaced due to damages to their primary residence, and up to $10,000 for posts that have been damaged by a natural disaster and whose programs and activities within the community are impacted. To apply for an NEF grant, please visit www.legion.org/emergency. Complete application requirements are available at www.legion.org/emergency/apply.

Since its creation in 1989 in response to the devastation of Hurricane Hugo, the NEF has provided more than $8 million in direct financial assistance to American Legion and SAL members, and American Legion posts.

Donations are also accepted to fund the NEF. One hundred percent of donations to the NEF directly help veterans and their families recover from natural disasters. To donate to the NEF, click here.