UPDATE:
10/11/2023——————————————————————————————————
From Carley Schutz, National HQ-
The National Executive Committee (NEC) approved an increase for the Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) grants in February. The new grant amount took effect at the beginning of the 2024 fiscal year, Oct. 1. The updated grant award is $3,000 for ALA members who have been affected by a natural disaster or other crisis and need urgent financial assistance.
The increase from $2,400 to $3,000 is a result of the rising cost of living and inflation. These rising costs impact millions of Americans, making it increasingly difficult for them to attain economic security. In July 2023, consumer prices were 3.2% higher than the year before. This has increased the cost of goods and services, making it more difficult for families to afford their basic needs.
The updated applications are attached and can be found on the ALA website here. Please distribute them to your units so we can help as many members in need as possible. We will no longer accept outdated applications.
Click here to download the AEF_Hardship Application_10.02.23
AEF_Hardship Application_10.02.23-fHardship Assistance
An Auxiliary Emergency Fund grant may provide temporary assistance to eligible American Legion Auxiliary members during a time of financial crisis when no other source of aid is readily available to pay for past due expenses related to their primary residence and/or for basic household utilities. Grants may be awarded up to $3,000 with the intent to help members who have suffered a financial setback and offer a helping hand to help reestablish financial stability. Assistance will not be granted to pay medical expenses, credit card debt or any other expenses not related to shelter or basic household utilities.
BASIC CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION
The applicant must be an American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) member. Applicant must have maintained annual ALA membership for three consecutive years (the current year and immediate past two years). One AEF grant per grantee will be awarded in a 12-month period. Applicant must be able to provide copies of eligible past due bills for consideration.
Click here to download the AEF_Disaster Application_10.02.23
AEF_Disaster Application_10.02.23-fDisaster Assistance
An Auxiliary Emergency Fund grant may provide immediate emergency assistance to eligible American Legion Auxiliary members in areas devastated by a natural disaster, such as fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, and/or other severe weather. The applicant must have either received damage to their primary residence, been displaced/evacuated from their residence or experienced basic out-of-pocket emergency expenses as a result of the disaster. Grants may be awarded up to $3,000.
BASIC CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION
The applicant must be an American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) member. Applicant must have maintained annual ALA membership for three consecutive years (the current year and immediate past two years). Application must be received within 6 months of disaster. One AEF grant per grantee will be awarded in a 12-month period.
The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) is a national grant assistance program that provides temporary emergency help to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary who have been the victim of a natural or financial disaster.
Key Program Statements:
- The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) is a national grant assistance program that provides temporary emergency assistance to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary up to $2400 as the result of an act of nature or other personal crisis
- Grant funds may be used only for shelter or utilities
- Members of the American Legion Auxiliary whose dues are current and who have maintained membership for three consecutive years (the current year and immediate past two years)
Department Chairman : Geraldine Klussman
Email: nyalaemergencyfund@gmail.com
2023-2024 Information and Forms:
- Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) – 2023-2024 Plan of Action
- AUXILIARY EMERGENCY FUND- 2024 COUNTY REPORT FORM
- AUXILIARY EMERGENCY FUND- 2024 UNIT REPORT FORM
- AEF Application as of October 2020
- For the latest or to apply online; please visit National Headquarters American Legion Auxiliary website)
- AEF Memorial Contribution
From the National website:
Direct link to the Auxiliary Emergency Fund page
AEF Key Resources