The American Legion Child Well-being Foundation awards grants to youth-serving nonprofits that support the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of youth.
The American Legion Child Well-being Foundation (CWF) grant application for 2026 is online at cwf-inc.org. CWF accepts funding proposals from nonprofits for projects that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children, and that aid in research, programs and activities that benefit the well-being of children and youth.
To be considered for a CWF grant, applications must be received at American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis no later than July 15, 2025.
CWF grants:
- are awarded only to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations. They are never awarded directly or indirectly to an individual for personal use.
- are not for regular or day-to-day operating expenses, including office space costs, utilities, insurance, office equipment, advertising, salaries, benefits, fees and taxes.
- will not be given for brick-and-mortar construction of any type.
- will not be given to match government funds.
- must have the potential to help children nationally or at least in a large geographic area.
CWF grants have helped: the American Kidney Fund provide virtual camps for kids with kidney disease; allowed the Pittsburgh Penguin Foundation to provide baseline concussion testing and education for youth ages 14 and under; and helped the National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) of St. Louis produce a promotional brochure that educates families about the organization’s programs, and supported its Transportation Assistance Fund to ensure children with cancer have access to life-saving treatment.
Thanks to the generosity of American Legion Family and community members, the foundation has awarded over $21 million in grants since 1954, giving youth-serving nonprofit organizations across this nation the means to promote and operate their programs, plus educate families and communities about the needs of children.
- Dispatch