Since 2007, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation has been committed to one clear mission: serving those who served by funding initiatives that meet the real and immediate needs of veterans, military, and their families, locally and across the nation.

As a result of the ALA Foundation’s Veteran Projects Fund granting initiative, ALA units, departments, and districts/counties have made a meaningful difference — from equipping VA facilities with tools that bring comfort, to supporting community programs that provide stability and care for our nation’s heroes. Each grant funded through the Veteran Projects Fund is another way we honor their sacrifices by improving daily life.

This Veterans Day of Giving, Nov. 11, we invite you to join the ALA Foundation Board of Directors in serving those who served. Consider making a gift to the Veteran Projects Fund in honor of a servicemember in your life. Your generosity helps transform gratitude into action, ensuring veterans and their families receive the respect and support they deserve.

You can give online here or text VETERAN to 1-844-940-3450. Learn more about the Veteran Projects Fund at www.ALAFoundation.org/grants. 

 
About the Veteran Projects Fund grant

Q: What exactly is the Veteran Projects Fund grant?
A: It’s money from the ALA Foundation to help ALA entities do one-time projects that help veterans, military, or their families.

Q: Can we apply if we’ve done similar projects?
A: Yes, as long as this new project is different and not a repeat of something you’ve already done previously.

Q: Does the project have to help only veterans, or can it help their families too?
A: It can help veterans, military members, and their families.

Q: Can this grant help with something we already started?
A: No. You can’t use it for anything that’s already paid for or finished.

Q: Is it OK if our project idea is small — like a few hundred dollars?
A: Totally! The project doesn’t have to be an enormous expense.
 
Funding + Budget Questions

Q: How much money can we ask for?
A: You can ask for up to $10,000.

Q: What does it mean that the ALA Foundation pays up to 80% of the project?
A: They’ll cover most of the cost, but your ALA entity needs to pay at least 20%.

Q: What counts as our 20% contribution — can we use donations or volunteer hours?
A: You can use cash donations or funds your ALA entity raises. Volunteer hours don’t count as money for this grant.

Q: What if we can’t afford to pay 20%?
A: You can fill out a short waiver section explaining why you need that rule waived. The board will decide if it’s OK.

Q: What happens if the project ends up costing more than we planned?
A: Your group has to cover everything over your approved budget.

Q: Can we use leftover grant money for something else?
A: No. You can only spend it on what you listed in your approved project plan.

Q: What if we don’t spend all of the grant money?
A: You must return any unused funds to the ALA Foundation.
 
Who Can Apply + Requirements

Q: Can an individual member apply, or does it have to be the whole ALA unit?
A: The application has to come from an official ALA unit, district/county, or department, not an individual.

Q: Can we partner with another nonprofit to do a joint project?
A: Yes! You can work with another nonprofit as long as your ALA group leads the project and the partner group is in good standing with the IRS.

Q: What does “good standing with ALA and IRS” mean?
A: Your unit or department must be active and current with all ALA reports and dues, and not flagged by the IRS for any issues.

Q: How often can we apply for the grant?
A: Once every 12 months.

Q: If we received a grant last year, can we apply again this year?
A: Yes, but you have to wait a full year from your last grant’s award date, and your final report from the last project must be turned in first.
 
Timeline + Process

Q: When are applications reviewed?
A: The ALA Foundation Board reviews applications four times a year — in January, April, July, and October.

Q: How long does it take to find out if we got approved?
A: You’ll hear back within about 15 days after the board meets.

Q: What happens after we get the grant?
A: You’ll receive the funds about a month after approval and can start your project.

Q: Do we have to spend the money right away, or can we wait a few months?
A: You have up to 12 months from the award date to finish your project, so you can plan your timing.
 
General “What If” Questions

Q: What if we make a mistake in the application. Can we fix it?
A: Yes! The Foundation will contact you if something’s missing or unclear.

Q: Can the board approve part of our funding but not all of it?
A: Yes, they can choose to award the full amount, part of it, or deny it.

Q: If our application is denied, can we try again later?
A: Absolutely! You can reapply with the same idea or a new one at the next review period.

Q: Who can we contact if we’re unsure whether our project fits the rules?
A: Email ALAFoundation@ALAforVeterans.org. They’re happy to help.

Q: Where can we see examples of other projects that were funded?
A: Check the ALA Foundation website under “What projects have been funded by ALAF grants in the past?” at www.ALAFoundation.org/grants.