WCFA COVID Emergency Relief Fund

Administrator: We Care for America Foundation (WCFA), nonprofit aid division of EANGUS

Purpose: Provide monetary grants to National Guard members (Enlisted, Officer, or Warrant Officer) experiencing financial hardship specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Geographic Scope: United States (National Guard members)

Eligible Applicants:

• Current and former National Guard members (Enlisted, Officer, or Warrant Officer)
• Membership in EANGUS is not required to apply

Focus Areas - Allowable Use:

• Basic household needs such as food, housing, utilities, medical services, childcare, and other essential family support items
• Funds for those who have lost primary income or have increased financial burden as direct result of COVID-19 pandemic

Award Structure:

• Grants capped at $500 per household
• Fund can only support one emergency financial request per household
• Limited funding available (approximately 500-400 grants per phase)

Program Phases:

• Phase 1: May 2020
• Phase 2: November 2020
• Phase 3: Opened January 18, 2021 (400 applications approved)
• Additional phases announced as funding becomes available

Contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.eangus-wcfa.org
• Note: Phone calls not accepted during initial phases

Contact Information:

• EANGUS: 1 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 880, Washington, D.C. 20001
• Phone: (800) 234-3264

Application Process

Submission Format: Online application

Required Documentation:
Applicants must submit the following with their online application:

1. Proof of COVID-related hardship - ONE of the following:
   • Letter from employer, doctor, creditor, or other third party documenting financial need is related to COVID-19, AND
   • Document confirming National Guard membership, OR
   • Letter of endorsement from Commander, Senior Enlisted Leader/Advisors confirming National Guard membership and details of COVID-related financial emergency, OR
   • Letter from State Family Program Office confirming National Guard membership and details showing financial emergency is related to COVID-19 pandemic
2. WCFA-COVID Emergency Relief Fund Verification Form (for Phase 3 and later):
   • Must be completed and signed by applicant's Unit Commander, First Sergeant, Battalion CSM, CCM, or Family Programs Representative
   • Form available for download from www.eangus-wcfa.org

Application Window:

• Phase 1: Opened May 4, 2020 at 6:00 pm ET (48 hours or until 1,500 applications received)
• Phase 3: Opened January 18, 2021 at 6:00 pm ET (400 applications approved due to limited funding)
• Subsequent phases announced in advance

Review and Approval:

• Applications reviewed and approved based on greatest need
• Goal to process applications within 5 days of receipt
• Not all applicants will qualify; assistance limited to available funding
• Applicants notified via email of Scholarship Committee decision

Restrictions:

• National Guard members who received grants in previous phases are not eligible for additional WCFA-COVID grants at that time
• One grant per household maximum