Standing as the pillars that both uphold thriving or uplift struggling communities, VFW Posts have carried this mission for more than 11 decades.
From building local playgrounds and memorials, to organizing military support events for active-duty troops and cushioning natural disasters with incessant relief efforts, VFW members at the grassroots level take pride in continuing a history of service.
In helping local efforts at the Post and District levels across the world, the VFW Foundation announced two new and innovative ways this year’s grants can assist in enhancing service projects that will further impact communities.
VFW Post 1264 Commander Randy Vest sands wood to help make a bed for a child in need during VFW’s Day of Service on May 6 at Post 1264 in Roanoke, Virginia. Photo courtesy of VFW Post 1264.The VFW Foundation is offering three grants operating on a reimbursement basis in order to help Posts, Districts and Auxiliaries achieve more.
“The VFW Foundation is excited to offer two new grants this year in the #StillServing Grant and Post Assistance Grant,” VFW Foundation’s Grants Manager Jason Couch said. “These programs are designed to help local VFW units to maximize the impact they have in their communities by mitigating some of the costs incurred while doing so.”
Applications for the #StillServing Grant and Post Assistance Grant, as well as the Uniting to Combat Hunger Grant (UTCH), are now being provided to assist local projects set to help communities.
“VFW Posts, Districts and Auxiliaries do vital work in their communities that deserves both commendation and support,” Couch said. “The VFW Foundation is proud to offer grant opportunities that allow them to enhance their critical community service efforts.”
For more information, contact Couch at JCouch@vfw.org.
Below is each grant’s guidelines, info and application link:
#StillServing Grant – Applications available at vfw.org/Grants
The #StillServing Grant is offered exclusively to VFW Posts, Districts and Auxiliaries to offset expenses incurred while doing community service projects. Projects require direct involvement by the applying organization’s members with members of their community to qualify. Both a VFW Post and its Auxiliary, and a District and its Auxiliary, can receive funding of up to $1,500, but each applicant organization must have its own unique project. Applicants are limited to receiving a total of $1,500 during the cycle.
Uniting to Combat Hunger Grant – Applications Available at vfw.org/UTCH
The Uniting to Combat Hunger Grant is a matching grant of up to $1,500 available to VFW Posts and Auxiliaries for monetary and food donations to local food banks and pantries in their communities. The VFW Foundation will provide a $1 match for every pound of food or dollar donated to food insecurity organizations. A Post or its Auxiliary may receive this grant but not both.
Post Assistance Grant – Application Available at vfw.org/Grants
The Post Assistance Grant is offered exclusively to VFW Posts to offset expenses incurred for building repairs and equipment that enhances or restores the applicant organization’s ability to serve veterans and their community. Auxiliaries, Districts, Departments and other VFW subordinate organizations, etc., may not apply. VFW Posts may receive up to $2,500 in reimbursement for qualifying projects. Applicants are limited to receiving this grant once every three years, with 2023-24 being the inaugural year.