Public health mandates in response to the coronavirus included stay-at-home orders and business closures. Those mandates financially impacted American Legion posts nationwide as member and community outreach efforts were limited, resulting in a loss of revenue.
To provide some relief during these challenging times, financial grants are now available for eligible American Legion posts.
Resolution No. 36, Mission Blue Post Assistance Program, will provide $1,000 grants to posts that are in good standing with their respective department. These funds must be used exclusively to pay current or past due rent, mortgage, utilities and insurance.
The American Legion National Executive Committee approved Resolution No. 36 Oct. 14, during its annual Fall Meetings. Funds for the approved grants will be provided through The American Legion National Emergency Fund (NEF).
Eligibility for a Mission Blue Post Assistance Program grant requires posts to have:
1. A Consolidated Post Report on file.
2. Filed an IRS 990 within the prescribed due date.
3. Filed all other required forms and reports as prescribed by the department.
4. Actively participated in one or more American Legion programs in the last 18 months.
5. A financial need.
6. A certificate of insurance naming The American Legion doing business as American Legion National Headquarters as an additional insured.
7. Documentation indicating that the post is properly incorporated.
The Mission Blue Post Assistance Program grant application will be a fillable PDF. Please stay tuned for its release. American Legion posts applying for a grant will be required to first submit the completed application to their respective department for approval before it can be sent to National Headquarters. This application procedure is the same as the NEF.
American Legion posts have until Dec. 31, 2021, to apply for an Operation Blue PAP grant.
