Veterans & Military Support Program Tools

March 2025

VFW Financial Assistance for Service Members

For future reference, the Unmet Needs Program will now be called VFW Financial Assistance for Service Members. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me at mherron@vfw.org or 816.968.1102.

VFW Military Appreciation Program (MAP)

The Military Assistance Program (MAP) is now being named as the Military Appreciation Program (MAP), effective immediately.

Military Appreciation Program (MAP) Grant Funds

Be advised that the VFW MAP Grant is now closed for the 2024-2025 program year. The 2024-2025 MAP Grant funds have been depleted. Any events held after the closure of the MAP grant will not be reimbursed with the 2025-2026 funds.

VMS Donations for All-American

Donating to the VMS Program can only be done via the Dashboard by going to the link “VMS Donation” at the upper right-hand corner of the screen. For the 2024-2025 Program year, your $125 or more donation to VMS Programs meets the eligibility criteria for All-American in this category. Donations must be received by June 30, 2025, to make All-American.

When you make your $125.00 donation, all that needs to be entered into the box is 125. No $ and no .00 is required in the donation amount box.

PLEASE DO NOT USE THE RED/WHITE DONATE LINK IN THE UPPER RIGHTHAND CORNER OF THE VETERANS & MILITARY SUPPORT PROGRAM TOOLS. THIS LINK GOES TO THE GENERAL DONATION PAGE AND WILL NOT BE CREDITED AS A VMS DONATION.

126th National Convention – Columbus, OH

As we plan for the 2025 National Convention, there is a new design for the VMS Lapel Pins for the 2025-26 Program year! ADJs/QMs will be able to pre-order their pins and will be able to pick them up at convention again this year. Notification and order forms have been emailed and provided. If your Department has an outstanding balance from last year, you will need to remedy this before you can pre-order for this year.

Continue to do what you are doing and thank you for your support!

If you have any questions, please contact us at 816.968.1102 or mherron@vfw.org. 

• Donation and Expenditure Report (Monthly) - We provide full transparency with this year-to-date report showing Auxiliary Departments/Districts/Posts check only donations made to VMS Programs
  
  
• Donation and Expenditure Report (YTD) - We provide full transparency with this year-to-date report showing Auxiliary Departments/Districts/Posts check only donations made to VMS Programs
  
  
• VMS Auxiliary Donation Report (Monthly) - We provide full transparency with this year-to-date report showing Auxiliary Departments/Districts/Posts check only donations made to VMS Programs
  
  
• MAP and Adopt-a-Unit Event and Attendance Report (Monthly) - This monthly report shows MAP and Adopt-A-Unit activities/events and attendance
  
  
• VMS Event Report (Monthly) - This monthly report shows the events and activities of each VMS Department

Department Chair Reports:

3 Departments reported. The military and family member attendance were 340.

Military Appreciation Program (MAP) and Adopt-a-Unit (AAU):

2 events reported. The military and family member attendance were 150.

No grants were provided for the month due to funds being depleted.

VFW Financial Assistance for Service Members:

No grants were provided for the month.

VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship”:

The 2025 Fall Semester application is now open and will close April 30, 2025. It is only available online at vfw.org/Scholarship.

A total of 490 veterans, military and family members were supported through our VMS Programs during March 2025.

VFW National Headquarters Staff and Responsibilities

• Meet your VFW Programs Staff - When you have a question, know who in VMS does what and how to reach them

VMS Monthly Report

• VMS Monthly Report - This monthly report, that should be submitted by the 15th, helps tell us what events are going on in your Department

Legacy Citation of Merit Instructions

• Legacy Citation of Merit Instructions - Step-by-step instructions on how to order the Legacy Citation of Merit to commemorate and memorialize our service members killed in action

Military Working/War Dog Citation

• Military Working/War Dog Citation - Step-by-step instructions on how to order the Military Working War Dog citation to recognize their service, bravery and devotion to their fellow troops

Additional Forms and Brochures

• VMS Overview PowerPoint - Get to know the programs of Veterans & Military Support program
• VMS Brochure - This brochure highlights the support and assistance programs the VFW offers to military and veteran families
• Financial Assistance for Service Members Eligibility Criteria - Here are the ins and outs of who can qualify for a financial assistance grant
• Financial Assistance for Service Members Frequently Asked Questions - Get answers to your questions about the program or it's recent eligibility changes
• MAP Grant Application Form - (Currently Closed)* Access our online MAP grant application 
• MAP Grant Report Form - Access the MAP grant required after-action report
• Adopt-a-Unit Application Form - If you're ready to adopt your local military unit, this is the sponsorship application to complete
• Adopt-a-Unit Report Form - Keep your adoption active by telling us what you're doing for the unit
• VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" Brochure - Help spread awareness of the Help A Hero Scholarship to America's service members and veterans
• Website Solution Program for the VFW - Enhance your Post, District or Department's online presence while staying on VFW brand
• Website Solution Program for the Auxiliary - Enhance your Auxiliary's online presence while staying on brand

*Be advised that the VFW MAP Grant is now closed for the 2024-2025 program year. The 2024-2025 MAP Grant funds have been depleted. Any events held after the closure of the MAP grant will not be reimbursed with the 2025-2026 funds.