News -

Update to VFW Foundation Post Pandemic Relief Grant eligibility criteria

Charles “Tony” Dobbins Department of Georgia Adjutant - 12/15/2020

FY2021 VFW POST PANDEMIC RELIEF GRANT

Eligibility Requirement Updates – December 2020

PURPOSE

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, VFW Posts have been severely impacted in their ability to cover operating expenses through conventional means such as canteen sales and fundraising events. To address the challenge, in August 2020 the VFW Foundation earmarked $680,000 for the VFW Foundation Post Pandemic Relief Grant (PPRG). Eligible Posts that own or lease their own Post Homes may apply for a grant of up to $2,500.

As of December 10, 2020, nearly $350,000 has been approved for PPRG support to 140+VFW Posts. At its December 14, 2020, meeting the VFW Foundation board of directors approved changes in PPRG eligibility requirements to allow additional VFW Posts to qualify for assistance.

ELIGIBILITY (updates in RED type):

 Have completed any two out of the five following criteria during the 2018-2019 and/or

2019-2020 fiscal year:

1. Achieved 100%membership.

2. Submission of Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, and/or Teacher of the Year

3. Buddy Poppies purchased

4. Donation made to Veterans & Military Support Programs

5. Reported 1,000 or more hours of community service to their Department

 Be in good standing (i.e. not on suspension) with VFW National.

 Own or rent a Post Home. The title deed or lease agreement must be held by members of the

VFW Post and cannot be jointly owned or rented by any other veterans group(s).

 Have a fully completed Election Report on file with VFW National Headquarters.

 Have a combined total of less than $25,000in all non-restricted bank accounts held by the Post. Federal Payroll Protection Program grants are considered restricted funds and need not be counted when calculating the total amount in non-restricted accounts.

 Agree to complete and return a two-page grant report form along with proof of how the funding was used.

 Have a qualifying need, which includes payment assistance for the following:

o Mortgage/Rent

o Utilities (gas, electric, water, etc.)

o Insurance

o Property tax

o Post home building repairs

o Costs associated with bringing the Post building and personnel into compliance

with Covid-19 safety regulations (e.g. cleaning/sanitizing, personal protective

equipment (PPE),shields/sneeze guards, etc.)

The updated PPRG application is available to download atwww.vfw.org/grants. Questions regarding the PPRG maybe directed to Jason Couch: jcouch@vfw.org or 816-968-1174.