Each American Legion Auxiliary department is filled with members who care and want to help veterans, military, and their families. Auxiliary members strive to be a cornerstone in their communities, helping those in need.
As ALA entities provide a helping hand to their communities, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation provides members the means of support.

An area of financial support the Foundation offers: Veteran Projects Fund (VPF) grants. Started in 2013, VPF grants provide financial support for members to bring their ideas for veterans, military, and their families into reality. 
VPF grants serve projects that directly benefit veterans. All ALA tax-exempt entities in good standing with IRS nonprofit requirements and ALA compliance standards are eligible to apply. Up to $10,000 can be awarded for projects completed within 12 months. 

A strong application for a VPF grant stems from addressing a need and goes beyond just asking what needs to be bought. Instead, an application stands out when the question evolves to what problem is trying to be solved. 
From there, a need can become an idea, an idea can become a thoughtful project, and that project may be eligible for support from the ALA Foundation.

Questions applicants should consider when applying:

• What challenge are veterans experiencing?
• What is preventing that need from being met now?
• What would be different if the project succeeds?
• How does the proposed solution directly address the identified need?

Once you’ve identified the answers to these questions, utilize the ALA Foundation's VPF Grant Guide. Its Its six-step process helps Auxiliary members through the application process.
Six-step process for preparing your application:

1. Start with the problem.
2. Make sure it fits.
3. Develop your solution.
4. Tell your story.
5. Submit with confidence.
6. Bring your project to life.

Along with the guide, other resources to help applicants learn and succeed are the grant’s application and VPF grant writing workshop webinar recording.

How to apply:

1. Review eligibility. 
2. Use the VPF Grant Guide to develop the project.
3. Complete the application.
4. Gather required documentation.
5. Submit.

To view the deadlines per quarter, visit the grant submission deadline table on the ALA Foundation website. 
Every VPF project begins when someone notices a need. The ALA Foundation provides the resources, and potentially the funding, to help turn that need into a new possibility for veterans.

Have an idea? Explore the VPF grant website and get started. Consider donating today at www.ALAFoundation.org/donate to help Auxiliary members continue serving veterans, military, and their families. For further questions and clarifications, email ALAFoundation@ALAforVeterans.org.