By Hannah Amos

The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation positively impacts the lives of our veterans, military, and their families by funding programs of the American Legion Auxiliary today and for future generations.

For the 2025-2026 administrative year, 19 grants were awarded, totaling more than $110,000 to ALA units and departments nationwide.

Of these grants, 15 were Veteran Projects Fund grants and four were local Veterans Creative Arts Festival (VCAF) grants. The VCAF grants combined totaled $10,000.

Due to National Veterans Creative Arts Festival program changes, the 2025-2026 administrative year marked the final year for local VCAF grants. The four grants awarded exemplify the meaningful passion ALA members possess as we get a final look of the impact these grants can provide. 

The local VCAF grants enabled members to serve veterans, military, and their families by providing creative outlets to make lasting connections and start an art-filled journey. 

Andrew Van Ells-Robert L. Schanen Unit 82 — Port Washington, Wis.
Serving veterans from multiple counties, the unit applied a $2,500 grant for art therapy workshops. They created opportunities to display veterans’ artwork publicly and participate in the local VCAF.

Frank Luke Jr.-John C. Greenway Unit 1 — Phoenix
With $2,500, the unit supported HEAL HER Art with a series of 20 professional-led art sessions for female veterans. The sessions were designed to build camaraderie, confidence, and connection between the veterans while also encouraging participation in local VCAF events.

Ocala Memorial Unit 27 — Ocala, Fla.
The unit partnered with Veterans Helping Veterans USA, providing recurring art therapy workshops with a $2,500 grant. The workshops offered veterans a creative outlet along with resources to participate in local VCAF events. 

Department of Hawaii
Specialized art courses and supplies for veterans were made available through the Honolulu Museum of Art and Hickam Arts & Crafts Center with a $2,500 grant. These classes introduced veterans to the therapeutic benefits of art and helped developed skills for those interested in the local VCAF. 

As we’re in the beginning stages of a new American Legion Auxiliary administrative year, the ALA Foundation will focus its energy on the Veteran Projects Fund and concentrate on new, one-time needs for veterans, military, and their families. 

To learn more about the ALA Foundation and its grant services, go to the ALA Foundation website. To continue supporting the hard work of ALA members, consider donating today at www.ALAFoundation.org/donate. 

Keep a lookout on the ALA blog to see how Auxiliary members used Veteran Projects Fund grants to support veterans, military, and their families.