National Emergency Fund (NEF)

[William D Kelly]

The Sons of The American Legion National Liaison sent this out for distribution to our members in need of assistance of The American Legion National Emergency Fund. 

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From: Mook, Kevin M. 
Date: Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Subject: National Emergency Fund (NEF) and Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) Information

 

This is a notice about the National Emergency Fund (NEF) and Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) programs. Our Legion and SAL members may be eligible to apply for grants to meet immediate needs.

 

Please review it carefully and share it as necessary with others.  The NEF Grant Application (fillable) can be found at this link:

 

https://www.legion.org/emergency/apply

 

The two links below provide important information about NEF.  First is the PowerPoint of how to complete an application:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYTPVnmrsh0

 

The second is Illinois Department Adjutant and PNC Marty Conatser's account of how they set up disaster teams within Illinois following a massive tornado disaster a few years ago, which could help you within your own departments.

 

https://www.legion.org/emergency/videos/PLF29FAF30BB761026/x5ZlecXviD8

 

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 before the disaster and, at the time of application submission, provide photos, receipts, and any insurance paperwork.  FEMA statements are reasonable, too.  Statements from American Legion Post/District/Department officers or community leadership are encouraged to reinforce the grant application.  Ensure the application is filled out, or it could be returned 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 member owns the destroyed property 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 for any clarifications.

 

You can mail, fax (317-630-1413), or scan/e-mail the application and any attachments (photos, receipts, other supporting documents) to i...@legion.org.  Staff will process from there.  If the TAL National Adjutant approves, a check will be cut from Finance and mailed to the department adjutant to disburse to the member.   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

 

If a National Emergency Fund application comes to us directly from the member, we will scan and e-mail it back to you for your recommendation. Remember, you and your leadership are “boots on the ground,” so the department must make the best determination for the recommended grant approval amount to the national organization.    

 

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The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) 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 and the investigator's report are included in the packet. 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 get in touch with Stacy Cope, Youth Welfare Program Manager in the Americanism Division at 317-630-1202 or sc...@legion.org.

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Stay safe and healthy, and let me know if you have any questions on NEF.   My phone numbers are:  317-630-1379 or cell:  317-287-9974.   Mark Woodsmall is the NEF backup and can be reached at  317-630-1265 or e-mail  mwood...@legion.org

 

 

Thank you,

 

VETERANS STRENGTHENING AMERICA	MICHELE STEINMETZ | Member Engagement Coordinator Internal Affairs & Membership
	a: 700 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 e: mstei...@legion.org  |  w: www.legion.org t: 317-630-1379

 

 

 

 

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