VFW members are known for their spirit of volunteerism. In 2005 along, they accounted for some 20 million hours of service through their posts.
But most don't realize it is possible for their Post to receive grants from corporations based on the number of volunteer hours put in by an individual.
For example, if a member volunteers regularly at the Post, that person should check with the company he or she works for to see if it offers a volunteer grant. Bank of America, for instance, will provide a 501C-3 organization (like VFW Foundation) with a $250 grant in the name of an employee who puts in 50 hours of volunteer service.
According to Mike Gormalley, senior director of the VFW Foundation, many corporations currently work with the Foundation to contribute funds to individual Posts or directly to the VFW Foundation for veterans and youth programs.
Gormalley said that an individual donates a certain amount of time, as designated by that person's employer, and then a check is sent to the Foundation to be directed to the employee's Post (or it can remain at the Foundation).
"This grant may apply to both current workers and retirees," he said. "I encourage our members to explore this with their companies. You might be surprised to learn your employer is offering something similar."
Navy vet Sonny Wheat retired from Exxon Mobil Corporation and found out about the company's program to match volunteer hours with dollars. For he and his wife, Carolyn, this seemed too good to be true. The two were avid community volunteers in St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana, where they ran a food pantry for the poor.
The couple moved to Knob Noster, Mo., in 2002, and it didn't take them long to find some projects with Post 4195 in Sedalia, Mo.
"Sonny became a member and started mowing the lawn at the Post, and then he was commander," said Carolyn, who followed suit and joined the Ladies Auxiliary, "For three years, he had made VFW his number one pasttime."
Together, Sonny and Carolyn's volunteer work has brought in $3,500 from Exxon Mobil for their Post.
"This place is just falling apart around us and really needs to be repaired," Carolyn said.
The Wheats took a few weeks out from their work at the Post to travel to New Orleans following the hurricane season to help rebuild that community. Carolyn said Exxon gave her money to plant flowers along State Hwy 39 at the entrance to St. Bernard Parish.
Carolyn said they also participate in Exxon's matching grant program. She donates to an area university and Exxon matches the amount.
Gormalley said this kind of matching gift program is quite common among larger corporations.
"Our members and their families are just finding out that their employers recognize the value of VFW programs by matching their monetary contributions," he said. "For those who don't have time to volunteer, but do give money, this is the best way to get the most out of your donation."
Again, Gormalley said the money is filtered through the Foundation to allow for better tax breaks for both the individuals and corportations.
Some of the larger companies offering matching gift programs include: American Express, Altria, Bank of America, ING, Pfizer, Verizon and T. Rowe Price.
If you're not sure if your company offers similiar programs, just ask. For more information on how the VFW Foundation can help you make the most out of your time or donation, call (816)968-1128 or email rcurtis@vfw.org
