Second round of World War I grant competition ends Jan. 15
Two girls perch by the World War I doughboy statue on the balcony of American Legion Post 9 in Ogden, Utah, in a 1928 photo. After the building burned in 1949, the statue was moved to the city cemetery where it fell into disrepair and was vandalized. Baker-Merrill Post 9 and the Weber County Historical Society received a 100 Cities/100 Memorials matching grant to help restore the statue. Photo courtesy Weber State University/Stewart Library

Second round of World War I grant competition ends Jan. 15

The second – and final – opportunity for American Legion groups to win a matching grant to help restore World War I monuments in their area is ending soon.

The 100 Cities/100 Memorials program is offering a total of $200,000 in matching grants to 100 projects in 100 locations around the nation. The program is funded by the World War One Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.

On Sept. 27, the first 50 designated “WWI Centennial Memorials” and grants were announced – including a number with Legion involvement – and Round 2 of the program was launched. All projects submitted in Round 1 that were not awarded a grant were automatically entered into Round 2.

Suitable recognition for all submissions is being provided, while the second 50 selectees will also receive a matching grant of up to $2,000 to help fund their projects. All participants, awardees and their principal sponsors and donors will receive appropriate national and local recognition for their efforts.

The American Legion is a supporting organization of the initiative, via a resolution of the National Executive Committee. Detailed information, instructions and supporting materials can be found at ww1cc.org/100Memorials.