WASHINGTON — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary is offering financial assistance to members battling cancer through its cancer grant program. The initiative provides $550 grants to eligible members and their families, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting those facing a diagnosis.
To qualify, applicants must have been VFW Auxiliary members for at least one full year with dues paid at the time of application. Applications must be submitted within 12 months of diagnosis or last treatment. Members may receive up to two grants in their lifetime, provided 12 months have passed between treatments or diagnoses. Continuous treatment beyond the initial 12-month period also qualifies for a second grant.
Applications will not be accepted if a member has been deceased for more than 30 days. Grants are paid directly to the member or, in the case of death, to the member’s estate. Processing typically takes two to four weeks once the application is approved.
The VFW Auxiliary emphasized that the most common reason applications are denied is due to missing information from either the member or the attending physician. Applications must be submitted through the MALTA login portal.
September is recognized for raising awareness of several cancers, including childhood cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer and gynecologic cancers.
Questions about the program may be directed to the VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters at 816-561-8655. Learn more and apply at vfwauxiliary.org/cancer-grants/.
Local Chapters
- VFW Auxiliary Post 2632
23282 Three Notch Road, California, MD 20619
Phone: 301-862-3247 | Email: cmd@vfw2632.org - VFW Post 8810
John W. Trotter-Robert D. Stethem Memorial Post
2310 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD 20601
Phone: 302-645-6331 | Email: vfw8810@gmail.com
Scholarships and Contests
In addition to cancer grants, the VFW and VFW Auxiliary sponsor annual scholarship and contest programs for students and members.
Upcoming deadlines for the 2025-2026 program year include:
- Oct. 31, 2025: VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen
- Nov. 15, 2025: VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero” Scholarship (spring semester)
- Feb. 15, 2026: VFW Auxiliary Continuing Education Scholarship
- March 1, 2026: VFW Scout of the Year (recognition award)
- March 31, 2026: VFW Auxiliary Illustrating America, Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest and 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest
- April 30, 2026: VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero” Scholarship (fall semester)
More information is available at vfw.org and vfwauxiliary.org.
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