AEF

Purpose: The purpose of the AEF Committee is to raise funds for and promote knowledge about the Auxiliary Emergency Fund. Standing Rule 6, National Committees – Member/Organizational Support

• 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 $2,400 as the result of an act of nature or other personal crisis.

  • Share information about AEF grants at meetings, in newsletters, and on social media pages.

  • Share application link with unit members.

• 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) are eligible to apply for a grant.

  • Encourage unit members to pay their dues in a timely manner and pay directly to ALA National Headquarters to avoid a lapse in membership.

• Grant funds may be awarded only for past/overdue expenses related to retaining their primary shelter, basic household utilities and/or loss of income due to medical and/or employment reasons.

  • Share the correct AEF application with unit members linked above. No other AEF application type will be accepted.

• AEF funds may be used to provide emergency assistance to eligible Auxiliary members whose primary residence has been devastated by disaster, including flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, fire, or another catastrophic event. Reimbursable expenses will be considered for essential emergency expenditures up to three weeks after incident/disaster.

  • Share the correct AEF application with unit members linked above. No other AEF application will be accepted.

• ALA member donor recognition:

  • An individual who gives an AEF donation of $100 or more directly to the ALA National Headquarters within the fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) will receive an AEF donation pin.

  • AEF pins are distributed quarterly directly to the individual meeting the eligible donation level of $100 or more.

• ALA department and unit annual awards:

  • Unit Award: Awarded to unit contributing the largest amount (per capita) between October 1 – June 1.

  • Department Award: Awarded to department contributing the largest amount between October 1 – June 1

  • Department Award: Awarded to department contributing the largest amount (per capita) between October 1 – June 1

Deadlines/Important Dates

Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 15
Department and Unit Awards are based on donations received from June 1 – May 31