Guest blog post by Cathe MacInnes, American Legion Auxiliary Foundation Board of Directors president
As ALA National President Trish Ward travels throughout the country, she’s encouraging members to raise funds for the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation's Veteran Projects Fund. Donations from the ALA Challenge Decks are a large portion of that fundraising. The ALA Challenge Deck provides information about the ALA Foundation and the Veteran Projects Fund, as well as the programs of the ALA. To learn more about the ALA Challenge Deck, please click here.
However, the ALA Foundation board does not want the funds raised through this initiative to sit in a bank account. Let’s put those dollars to work — supporting and enhancing the lives of veterans — by distributing Veteran Projects Fund grants.
The Veteran Projects Fund gives ALA entities an opportunity to begin a new volunteer initiative or forge partnerships with organizations that provide services directly to veterans — like a transitional housing facility. Veteran Projects Fund grants are awarded up to $10,000 to eligible American Legion Auxiliary tax-exempt entities — units, districts/counties, and departments (states) — for projects that meet a new, one-time need.
If you’re thinking about applying for a Veteran Projects Fund grant, start by asking these questions:
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.