National Emergency Fund
MUTUAL HELPFULNESS IS IN OUR DNA
Since the 1920s, The American Legion has stood by communities, Legionnaires and Legion posts after disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires.
Established after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the National Emergency Fund has delivered over $11 million in aid to Legionnaires and Legion posts, helping prevent post closures and support recovery. With grants of up to $3,000 for individuals and $10,000 for posts, the NEF ensures rapid relief when it’s needed most.
Eligibility
Membership in The American Legion must be active when the disaster strikes and when the application is filed.
What's covered: An NEF grant may be considered when the applicant:
- Has been displaced from his or her primary residence due to damage sustained during a declared natural disaster.
- Provides copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs (such as temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster.
SUPPORT NATIONAL EMERGENCY FUND
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Check below for help with frequently asked questions about The American Legion's National Emergency Fund.
Q. Can my spouse apply for a grant through the NEF if I apply for one?
A. No. The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) has a different program called the Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF). Only one grant per household from the NEF.
Q. Can I reapply for more NEF funds if I was granted $3,000 for a single disaster?
A. No. However, members may apply for grants for a separate disaster if they were evacuated or displaced.
Q. Can I apply if my membership has recently expired, even though I was a current member at the time of the disaster?
A. No. Membership must be current at both the time of the disaster and the time of application.
Q. Can an NEF application be sent in even if the area hasn’t been declared a disaster?
A. No. A disaster declaration must have been generated by local, state or national agencies.
Q. Will the NEF cover losses of my vehicles?
A. No. Only out of pocket expenses (shelter, food, clothing, medicine, diapers, etc.) due to displacement.
Q. Will the NEF cover my barn or shed?
A. No. Only the primary home of residence where the member resides.
Q. Can my post apply for an NEF grant to help cover the losses from the social quarters?
A. No. The NEF only provides for losses that pertain to the Four Pillars of The American Legion.
Q. Do I submit my grant application to my department headquarters?
A. Yes. It must go through the department for vetting and approval.
Q. Do I need to provide photos of the damages to my home and receipts for out of pocket expenses?
A. Yes. We must have that documentation in order to process an NEF grant application.
Q. For my post grant, do I need to provide a copy of the latest Consolidated Post Report?
A. Yes. As well as any testimony from the community or district/department leadership attesting to what will be missed from your post being a viable part of the community.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MEMBER?
The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) provides grants up to $3,000 to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary who have suffered a significant financial setback as the result of an act of nature or other personal crisis.
LATEST INFORMATION...
For more information about The National Emergency Fund, contact Internal Affairs:
Call us at: (317) 630-1327