Get Involved
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 $3,000 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 and donation links with department and unit members.
- Applicant must be a current American Legion Auxiliary member. Member must have maintained continuous membership for a minimum of 36 consecutive months, based on their initial join or rejoin date as recorded by the ALA National Headquarters and the date in which the application is submitted. In addition, the applicant must not have been awarded an AEF grant (hardship or disaster) in the previous twelve month to be eligible to apply for assistance.
- Encourage unit members to pay their annual dues in a timely manner and pay directly to ALA National Headquarters to avoid a lapse in membership and being ineligible for AEF assistance.
- Grant funds may be awarded only for past/overdue expenses related to retaining their primary shelter, essential household utilities and/or a documented loss of income due to medical and/or employment reasons.
- Share the correct AEF hardship 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 with itemized receipts will be considered for only essential emergency expenditures up to three weeks after incident/disaster.
- Share the correct AEF disaster application with unit members linked above. No other AEF application will be accepted.
ALA department and unit annual awards:
- Unit Award: Awarded to the unit contributing the largest amount (per capita) between June 1 – May 31.
- Department Award: Awarded to the department contributing the largest amount between June 1 – May 31.
- Department Award: Awarded to the department contributing the largest amount (per capita) between June 1 – May 31.
Deadlines/Important Dates
Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 14
Department and Unit Awards are based on donations received from June 1 – May 31
AEF Quarterly Zoom Meeting - October 8, 2025 – 7PM (EST)
AEF Quarterly Zoom Meeting – January 14, 2026 – 7PM (EST)
AEF Quarterly Zoom Meeting – April 15, 2026 – 7PM (EST)
