“to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness”
Minnesota Veterans Assistance Fund
The Minnesota American Legion Foundation administers MVAF to provide non-repayable grants to veterans, deployed service member families, or surviving minor children, helping meet basic needs during times of crisis.
100% of donations go to veteran assistance. No administrative overhead from the Department or national organization. (Fund 85 through the Minnesota American Legion Foundation)
Please read entire page before applying.
About:
The Minnesota American Legion Foundation is committed to the health and welfare of our Minnesota Veterans and their families. Out of the desire to serve, the Minnesota American Legion Foundation established this program as a form of direct aid to Veterans, deployed service members’ families, and surviving children to help sustain a quality of life so deserved.
The MVAF falls under our Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA&R) pillar. Through MVAF, an American Legion Post can call upon the Minnesota American Legion Foundation for cash assistance to help maintain the basic needs of a Veteran, Deployed Serviceman’s family, or to assist surviving minor children, (applicant), of eligible Veterans. Non-repayable grants are awarded to eligible applicants over a temporary period when it is determined that they need assistance. The purpose of the grant is to maintain a stable environment for the applicant by helping them meet the costs of shelter, food, utilities, transportation, and medical expenses.
Grant Types & Uses
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Basic Needs / Maintenance — Shelter, utilities, transportation
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Note: Not for past debt (except to prevent disconnection, eviction, foreclosure)
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Health & Medical — Medical care, dental, medications, surgical costs, dietary needs
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Requires physician statement in most cases
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Groceries, seasonal clothing may also qualify
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Eligibility
Veterans, families of deployed service members, and surviving minor children are eligible to apply for the grant.
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Veterans who:
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Served ≥ 1 day of active duty since December 7, 1941
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Honorably discharged (or still serving)
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Provide proof (DD-214, VA verification, etc.)
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Note: American Legion membership is not required
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Minor children (unmarried, ≤ 17 years old) of eligible veterans
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Includes stepchildren, grandchildren, adopted, or legally in custody
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Minnesota Resident
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Proof: state ID, MN driver’s license, or utility bill
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How to Apply (via Local Post)
The MVAF application must originate and be completed by a local American Legion Post member. Local refers to the nearest post to where the veteran is living, regardless of its post-home status.
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Initiate application through a local American Legion Post
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The Post’s Service Officer or Legionnaire handles the form
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Do not send it via county CVSO
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Investigate & Document
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Interview the applicant
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Gather proof of finances, need, and steps already taken
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Include all bills, estimates, and documentation
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Submit through the Unite Us platform
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Incomplete applications are returned
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The Post investigator is the point of contact
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Department processes applications (approx. 24 hrs, but can vary)
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Payment is made directly to vendors
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Applicants never receive funds directly
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All bills / invoices must list provider info and be current
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Grant limits & reapplication
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Lifetime maximum: $5,000
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Can’t reapply within 30 days of last payment
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If partially used, a new application + investigation is required
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What MVAF Doesn’t Cover
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Past debts (other than certain emergencies)
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Insurance, internet, cable, legal fees
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Vehicle repairs already performed
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Credit card balances, third/fourth phone lines
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Expenses not considered “basic necessity”
Best Practices for Posts & Applicants
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Use local nonprofit and government resources first
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Document all external assistance in the application
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Coordinate with County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO)
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Establish a Post-level fund or reserves for emergency veteran aid
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Train Post staff to respond when veterans seek help
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Don’t promise outcomes — approvals rest with Department Adjutant
How to Apply
The Request Help Form must be completed first for tracking purposes. Complete it now.
Once you've completed the Help Form, either Download the Fillable PDF Application or complete the online form using the links below.
