Considering the recent massive, damaging flooding and landslides in Massachusetts (of which there has been an emergency declaration that I saw on the news last night), along with Hurricane Lee most likely affecting the Northeast in the coming days, we are sending this information as a reminder of the National Emergency Fund (NEF) grant funds application process and availability. Please review the application and PowerPoint video regarding completion of the NEF Grant Application instructions carefully and share as you deem necessary within your department. The most frequent problem is our member applicants sending incorrect and incomplete grant applications directly to national, where we in turn must forward those grant applications to the department headquarters for proper completion and investigation.
The NEF Grant Application (fillable) can be found at this link:
https://www.legion.org/emergency/apply
The link below provides important information about NEF. First is the PowerPoint of how to complete an application:
Please review the NEF Grant Application carefully, and remember, until there’s an emergency declaration for a natural disaster in place (federal, state or local), NEF can’t help until one is called. If a declaration happens, ensure that the applicant is current on their membership prior to the disaster and at the time of application submission, provides photos, receipts and any insurance paperwork. FEMA statements are good too. Statements from American Legion Post/District/Department officers or community leadership is encouraged to reinforce the grant application. Ensure application is completely filled out, or it could be sent back to you for more information. This is all outlined on the application and is provided for on the instruction sheet.
NEF does not provide for repairs or replacement of lost or damaged items in the primary home of residence. If the destroyed property is owned by the member, but he/she does not physically live there, that is not covered. Vehicles or outbuildings are not covered. That is what insurance should cover. If available, provide copies of the insurance determination, if any. If the home is rented, renters insurance information should be provided, if any. Call or e-mail me (317-630-1379) or Mark Woodsmall (317-630-1265) for any clarifications.
For American Legion posts, the only things covered are post programs that might sustain losses pertaining to the intent of the Four Pillars of The American Legion. Losses from the social quarters and/or restaurant of the post are not covered. A copy of the most recent Consolidated Post Report (CPR) needs to be attached. A statement from post/district/department officers or community leaders as to how the losses in the post is very helpful if available. Photos of damages are needed for the best determination. Insurance documents should be provided.
You can mail, fax (317-630-1413) or scan/e-mail the application and any attachments (photos, receipts, other supporting documents) to ia@legion.org. Staff will process from there. If approved by the National Adjutant, a check will be cut from Finance and mailed in a timely fashion to the department adjutant to disburse to the member or the post. The address to mail grant applications is:
The American Legion National Headquarters
ATTN: National Emergency Fund
Internal Affairs & Membership Division
P. O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Again, if a National Emergency Fund application comes to us directly from the member, we will scan/e-mail back to the department adjutant for your recommendation. Remember, you and your leadership are “boots on the ground”, so the department has to make the best determination for recommended grant amount to the national organization.
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The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance Program is also ready to assist American Legion-eligible veterans with minor children in the home (18 or younger) who need financial help to pay for shelter, food, utilities and medical expenses.
Please make sure that all pertinent documentation is included in the packet as well as the investigator’s report. Missing documentation will slow down the process and may result in the application being denied.
If you have any questions regarding Temporary Financial Assistance, please contact Stacy Cope, Youth Welfare Program Manager in the Americanism Division at 317-630-1202 or scope@legion.org.
