Veterans Creative Arts Festival (VCAF) Grant

Funder: American Legion Auxiliary Foundation in partnership with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Mission: Support local and national creative arts competitions and programs for veterans, helping them display their talents in music, drama, creative writing, visual arts, and other creative fields.

Program Focus

Funding for Veterans Creative Arts Festivals at VA medical centers and veterans hospitals to support:

• Creative arts competitions and festivals
• Art supplies and materials (easels, brushes, canvases, craft kits, etc.)
• Participant recognition items (certificates, ribbons, keepsakes)
• Special gifts for participants (knitted caps, framed certificates, wireless speakers)
• Art therapy programs

Geographic Scope

National (United States) - Supports festivals at VA medical centers and hospitals nationwide

Eligible Applicants

• American Legion Auxiliary departments
• VA medical centers and hospitals
• VA facilities hosting creative arts programs
• Organizations partnering with ALA and VA

Types of Creative Activities Supported

• Painting and visual arts
• Music performances
• Drama
• Creative writing
• Other artistic expressions

Connection to National Program

Local VCAF grants feed into the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, co-presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Recent Examples

• Syracuse VA Medical Center: $1,500 grant provided knitted caps, framed certificates, and wireless audio speakers to all VCAF participants
• Missouri (Jefferson Barracks and Harry S. Truman VA hospitals): Grant funded art supplies (easels, brushes, staplers, ribbons, craft kits, canvases) for over 350 veterans

Contact

Website: www.ALAFoundation.org/grants
National VCAF Information: https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/national-veterans-creative-arts-festival/

Application Process

1. Identify VCAF Event: Locate a Veterans Creative Arts Festival at a VA medical center or hospital your ALA entity wishes to support.
2. Determine Funding Needs: Identify specific supplies, equipment, or recognition items needed for the festival.
3. Submit Grant Application: Apply through www.ALAFoundation.org/grants with project details
4. Required Information:
   • Description of VCAF event
   • Specific items/supplies needed
   • Number of veteran participants
   • Budget breakdown
   • Expected impact

Notes

• Grants support both direct materials and participant recognition items
• ALA volunteers often donate time in addition to grant funding
• Partnerships with VA recreation therapy departments are typical