Mission Statement

The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation positively impacts the lives of our veterans, military, and their families by funding programs of the American Legion Auxiliary today and for future generations.

DONATE

ABOUT THE ALA FOUNDATION

Founded in 2007, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation assists in carrying out the educational, charitable, and other exempt purposes of the Auxiliary by raising funds for, assisting in conduct of, and providing support to Auxiliary programs. As a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation, the ALA Foundation provides a resource to engage additional investors interested in supporting our mission. It is a way to secure our legacy and heritage of Service Not Self, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for future generations of veterans, military, and their families.

OUR WORK

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MISSION ENDOWMENT FUND

The American Legion Auxiliary Mission Endowment Fund is not only great security for the ALA, but it ensures ALA members and donors that the ALA will be there for the long haul. Endowed funds can sustain organizations with invaluable financial support through unstable times.
When you donate to the Mission Endowment Fund, that money is invested: At the end of the year, a portion of the money goes to the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation to fund programs like ALA Girls Nation, while the remaining assets are retained in the fund so it can continue to grow. This fund is designed to keep the principal untouched. The larger the principal balance, the larger the investment dividends grow and the more the ALA Foundation can support ALA programs and granting initiatives. Donating to the Mission Endowment Fund, in a way, is the ultimate gift to the ALA.

Donate to the Mission Endowment Fund

VETERAN PROJECTS FUND

The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation’s Veteran Projects Fund (VPF) was implemented in 2013 to help support projects that meet the needs of veterans, military, and their families. VPF grants are awarded up to $10,000 to eligible American Legion Auxiliary tax-exempt entities — units, districts/counties, and departments (states) — for projects that meet a new, one-time need.

The Veteran Projects Fund gives ALA entities an opportunity to begin a new volunteer initiative or forge partnerships with organizations that provide services directly to veterans, like a transitional housing facility, and make a substantial impact in a positive way. Examples of previously awarded Veteran Projects Fund grants:

$10,000 to ALA Unit 186 in South Carolina for a building addition to the North Strand Housing Shelter, a transitional housing facility for veterans and their families.
$9,317 to ALA Unit 492 in Indiana for four blanket-warming cabinets, one for each floor of the Indiana Veterans Home.
$9,274 to ALA Unit 132 in Maine for 40 Samsung Galaxy tablets, screen protectors, cases, and headphone sets benefitting residents at the Maine Veterans Home.
$5,880 to the ALA 6th District in New York for a wheelchair bicycle for the New York State Veterans Home.

Donate to the Veteran Projects Fund

Apply for a Veteran Projects Fund Grant

VETERANS CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL

Co-presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion Auxiliary, the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is the culmination of VA facility competitions in art, creative writing, dance, drama, and music for veterans enrolled in the VA national health care system. Veterans exhibit their artwork, original writings, or perform musical, dance, or dramatic selections in a live stage show performance. All veterans invited to participate are selected winners of a national creative arts competition in which thousands of veterans enter through VA medical facilities nationwide.

VA medical facilities incorporate creative arts into their therapy programs to further the rehabilitation goals for both inpatients and outpatients. This annual competition recognizes the progress and recovery made through that therapy and raises the visibility of the creative achievements of our nation’s veterans.

In addition to the national Festival, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation offers local Veterans Creative Arts Festival grants to ALA entities (units, districts/counties, and departments). If your unit or department hosts a local Veterans Creative Arts Festival or offers art therapy courses in partnership with a participating National Veterans Creative Arts Festival VA medical facility, grant funds up to $2,500 may be awarded for needs that contribute to these efforts.

Donate to the Veterans Creative Arts Festival

Apply for a Veterans Creative Arts Festival Grant

SUBGRANTS

The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation can serve as a recipient of grant funding for units, districts/counties, and departments from a foundation, corporation, or entity that requires the recipient to be a 501(c)(3). The ALA Foundation will then, in turn, subgrant those funds to the ALA entity according to the terms and conditions of the grantor. The ALA Foundation will consider only third-party subgrants that support the mission of the ALA.

Apply for a Subgrant

ALA Foundation Board Members

Cathleen MacInnes, Foundation President

Cathleen MacInnes, of Rochester, N.Y., has been an American Legion Auxiliary member for more than five decades. She has held numerous leadership positions at the unit, district, department, and national levels, including ALA Department of New York president. MacInnes has more than 25 years of managerial experience in healthcare financial services, with provider, payer, and Federal contractor organizations. She has served on multiple boards, including 12 years on the Board of Visitors for the New York State Home for Veterans and the Wayne ARC Board of Directors and 30 years on the ALA Department of New York Executive Committee.

Diane Duscheck, Foundation Vice President

Diane Duscheck of Whitefish Bay, Wis., became a member of the American Legion Auxiliary through her father, WWII veteran Roland Duscheck. She has served in many roles over the years, including as the American legion Auxiliary National President in 2017–2018. Her commitment to the ALA Foundation predates her service on the board, as her National President’s Project focused on raising funds to support the ALA Mission Endowment Fund.
Diane retired in 2014 after a 34-year career teaching seventh and eighth grade science in both parochial and public schools, while also serving as her school’s union representative for 12 years. Within the Auxiliary, she continues to give her time at the district level as parliamentarian and finance chair, at the department level as finance chair and member of the Homeless Women Veterans and Veteran/Family Emergency grant committees, and at the unit level alongside her fellow members. Diane also serves her community as vice president of the Markesan Historical Society Board, where she volunteers at the museum and gives tours, and with the Mitchell Park Horticultural Domes and Easter Seals-Wisconsin.
At every level, Diane keeps service at the center of her work, reflecting her deep commitment to veterans, their families, and her community.

Anne Parker, Foundation Secretary

Anne Parker, of Ocala, Fl., has been an ALA member for 18 years and held numerous leadership positions at the unit, department, and national levels including 2014-2015 Department of South Carolina president. Parker has served on the Foundation board for the last five years and is currently the Foundation secretary. Parker has spent much of her career as an office manager and bookkeeper. She has also served on numerous volunteer positions including the North Strand Housing Shelter board of directors, the board of directors for Interfaith emergency services in Ocala Florida, and as the 2018-2019 National President for the Blue Star Mothers of America.

Terri Wallace, Foundation Treasurer

Terri Wallace, of Bloomfield, N.Y., has served as an educator in New York for 31 years as a classroom teacher, professional development trainer/presenter, and administrator. She has served on the New York State Staff Development Council and Learning Forward New York Board of Directors for 25 years and the New York State Computer and Technology in Education Board of Directors for eight years. Terri joined the American Legion Auxiliary through her husband, Robert Wallace, a U.S. Army veteran. She has been an ALA member for 17 years, holding numerous leadership positions at the unit and national levels.

Joan Hernandez, Elected Director

Joan Hernandez is eligible for membership through her husband, Joe, a Navy Master at Arms. She currently serves as her Unit President, now entering her third year in the role. Joan has also served as the Western Division Chair for Children and Youth, reflecting her lifelong dedication to supporting young people.
A substitute teacher by profession, Joan’s love for children carries into her volunteer work, where she is actively involved in numerous community organizations. She has been married for 15 years and is the proud mother of four children, all of whom are engaged in American Legion Family activities. Passionate about service, Joan looks forward to continuing her commitment to veterans, their families, and the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Shawnika Hunt, Elected Director

Shawnika C. Hunt is a breast cancer survivor, transformative leader, and advocate for health equity and civic empowerment. She is the CEO of It’s Dope To Serve, LLC and collaborates with Rutgers University on Women’s Breast Health Education and Services and the Phase II Breast Cancer Prevention Clinical Trial.
A proud 1995 alumna of ALA Hoosier Girls State, Shawnika went on to serve as Western Chair, Mentor, and Director for ALA Keystone Girls State and now serves on the ALA Foundation Board. She lives in Henderson, Nevada with her husband and two sons.

Ann Fournier, Elected Director

Ann Fournier of Berkley, MA., is a retired Special Education teacher with more than 35 years’ experience. She retired as a call firefighter paramedic with the rank of Captain. She has spent several years in foreign countries as a missionary. Ann joined the American Legion Auxiliary through her brothers Dwight and James, US Army veterans. She has been an ALA member for 37 years, holding numerous leadership positions at the unit and national levels. She brings with her over 30 years of nonprofit board experience.

Sandra Rice, Elected Director

Sandra Dorsey Rice is Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Engagement for Coqual, a non-profit global think tank for better work futures–researchers, strategists, innovators and community builders— helping organizations navigate complexity and lead with clarity. Coqual is based in New York City. As EVP, Rice spearheads partnerships with Coqual’s task force community of more than 100 global organizations, mostly Fortune 500 companies.
Currently, Rice serves on the Board of Governors and Trustees for Union College of NJ, the Board of Trustees for the Center for Great Expectations in NJ and is a Board member for the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, based in Indianapolis, IN. She is also a member of the AISES Corporate Advisory Board, an organization that helps advance representation of indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM studies and careers. Rice is a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, an Associate Member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and member of American Legion Auxiliary George Padlock Unit in California.
A former Girls Nation Senator, Rice has also been a featured speaker at the ALA Girls Nation conference in Washington, DC, and a former Chief Counselor of the ALA California Girls State program. Rice has served as Girls Nation, Western Chair, 2024-25 and 2013-14.

Dr. Teresa Nunez, Elected Director

Teresa Lugo-Nunez a 16-year member from Alhambra, CA. is technically eligible through the service of her father. However, all her service is dedicated to her stepfather the late Gary Roth a Vietnam era Marine. Teresa learned about honor, courage and commitment through his actions and learned even more from his reactions. He lived his entire life dedicated to the Marine Corp code and Teresa was right there at his side.
Having held all Unit and District offices and Chairmanships and Department and Divisional Chairmanships a great understanding has been built of our organization
Holding bachelor’s degrees in nursing/public health and Sociology as well as master’s degrees in business administration and psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
As a nurse for nearly 30 years serving the underserved, she worked tirelessly in the most unconventional situations, to get healthcare to all. Changing gears, she turned toward behavior health and spent the remainder of her career helping those who were suffering primarily in the streets from mental illness/addiction.
She is a prominent member in the community, having been recognized by both her local and national government for her community outreach.
A regular at her church she serves in many capacities. It is extremely rewarding she has exclaimed working with those that are a few days old through those that have days left.
Ever since her mother has come to live with her, they look forward to cruising, visits with their grandchildren, family and friends.

Laura Santino, Elected Director

Laura E Santino of Hamden, CT currently a Registrar of Voters for the Town of Hamden and Chief Financial Officer for Santino Consulting. Prior career experience includes more than 20 years as a Paralegal and Office Manager with a corporate insurance company, and over 15 years as a direct sales consultant.

Laura joined the American Legion Auxiliary through the eligibility of her father Richard Wm Anderson, USMC Vietnam Veteran. She is a Paid-Up-For-Life Member of 30-plus years in the same Unit where she worked her way through numerous leadership roles in the Unit, District and Department, including Department President 2017-2018, and currently Alternate NEC Dept of CT.

Marge Christianson, Elected Director

Marge is a 12-year member and volunteer of John J. Morris American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 in Peoria, Arizona, eligible through the service of her father, Chester H. Utke, US Army Air Force. Her husband, Jim, is an SAL member through his father, Galen Christianson, an Army medic among the first wave of men to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Marge and Jim have 2 Golden Retrievers (Hoss and Gus) and a rescue cat (Blueberry Pie)– who runs the household.
Having held several positions at the Unit, District, Department and National levels, Marge’s personal highlights include engaging the public in the efforts of the American Legion Auxiliary—raising funds in the form of grants and donations from businesses, governments and individuals for veterans and their families. She attended ALA Girls Nation as a senior counselor as well as facilitated two National Junior Conferences as Western Division Chairman.
Hailing originally from Minnesota, Marge is a graduate of the Carlson School of Management (University of Minnesota) and of Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development. She is a retired business line manager of U.S. Bank.
Marge brings personal experience as a grantee to her role as a Director in the ALA Foundation. As a co-founder of a women veteran art wellness program called HEAL HER Art, she applied for and received funding from the Foundation to start the program. HEAL HER Art is now considered a premier provider of creative arts programs for female Veterans by both the Phoenix and Prescott VA Medical Centers. Marge is a 7-year Board Member of HEAL HER Art.

Pam Ray, Designated Director, ALA National President

Pam Ray of Urbana Unit 71, Illinois, is the 2025–2026 National President of the American Legion Auxiliary. A lifelong member, she began her journey as a Junior and has served in nearly every capacity at the unit, district, department, and national levels, including Department President of Illinois in 2010–2011.
Pam spent 47 years as a nurse, dedicating her career to caring for patients and families in burn care, pediatrics, neurosurgery, and oncology. That same passion for helping others continues to guide her work in the Auxiliary.
With her theme Mission Driven, Family Focused, Pam is committed to strengthening the ALA’s mission of service to veterans, military, and their families while keeping the values of family and community at the heart of all she does.

Nancy Brown-Park, Appointed Director, National Finance Committee

Nancy Brown-Park of Palm Desert, Calif., is a member of George Tadlock Unit 472 through the service of her father, Richard D. Brown, a WWII Army Air Corps veteran. She is also eligible through the service of her husband, Jim Park, a Navy Vietnam War veteran. Brown-Park has held numerous leadership positions in the organization, serving as ALA National President from 2013-2014. At the national level, she was also chairman of the following committees: Junior Activities, Public Relations, National Security, Constitution & Bylaws, Membership, Children & Youth and Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation. Brown-Park actively volunteers in her community and with other philanthropic organizations.

Marybeth Revoir, Ex-Officio Director

Marybeth Revoir of Homer Glen, Illinois, has been a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary for more than 70 years, having been signed up at birth. Her deep involvement with the organization began as a Junior Member, where she was mentored through Unit, District, Division, and Department activities. That early guidance shaped her lifelong dedication to the Auxiliary.
With a passion for finance and organizational stewardship, Marybeth has devoted decades of service to the ALA. She has held leadership roles as Unit and District President and is currently serving her 35th term as Illinois Department Treasurer. In addition, she has spent nearly 50 years as Treasurer of the 4th District and continues to lend her expertise as Finance Chairman whenever called upon.
At the national level, Marybeth previously served as an elected director and Treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, as well as an Ex-Officio Director during her tenure as National Treasurer. Her professional background includes 20 years as Director of Administration for Peter Troost Monument Company in Hillside, Illinois, from which she recently retired. This retirement allows Marybeth even more time to dedicate to the Auxiliary and its Foundation, continuing her lifelong commitment to serving veterans, their families, and the mission of the ALA.

Kathy Daudistel, Ex-Officio Director

Kathy Daudistel has been a dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1996. Her journey began when she joined friends in volunteering to buy bicycles for a local orphanage—an experience she describes as a turning point in her life. From that moment on, she immersed herself in every opportunity to serve, learn, and grow within the organization.

Kathy’s enthusiasm and leadership have led her to serve in numerous roles at the Unit, District, Department, and National levels. Along the way, she’s met inspiring people and created unforgettable memories. When she’s not volunteering at her local post, you can often find Kathy out enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—riding her motorcycle and embracing the open road.

Dr. Coral Grout, Designated Director, ALA National Vice President

Coral May Grout resides in Winchendon, Massachusetts. She has been an American Legion Auxiliary member since just after her birth, joining on the service of her father (Charles E. Grout- World War II) and her grandfather (Stanislaus Lsplante-World War I).
She has held leadership positions within her unit, district, department, national levels. Included in her years of service are Department President (3 terms), National Historian, National Secretary (2 terms), and 11 National chairmanships. She presently serves as the National Vice President.
Coral retired as a Superintendent of Schools but continued her educational leadership by joining the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a RETELL evaluator and evaluator for underperforming schools. In addition to her professional experience, Coral serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Trusted Financial of Milwaukee and served as Town Moderator for her hometown for the past nine years. She is also a Eucharistic Minister, Leader, and volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Parishes in Baldwinville, Massachusetts and Holiday, Florida. She enjoys traveling and has visited all 50 states, as well as 52 foreign countries.

Dr. Lisa Chaplin, Designated Director

Lisa has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1984 and belongs to Colonial Heights Unit 284 in the Department of Virginia. Her eligibility is through the service of her late father, John Thomas, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. She’ll tell you that her biggest ALA influence was her mother, Past National President Peggy Thomas. She has served in many leadership positions at the Unit, District, Department, and National levels, including Department President during our organization’s 100th Anniversary year, 2019-2020, and she is currently serving as the National VA&R chairman.

Professionally, she holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice, is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, and is an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University in the Berkley School of Nursing where she teaches graduate nursing students. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Rotary International, a member of the Freedom Flag Foundation Board of Directors whose mission is to remember 9/11, and volunteers with Virginia’s Medical Reserve Corps and at the Richmond VA Medical Center.

Lisa’s husband Kevin is a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 284 in Colonial Heights, Virginia and they enjoy working together to support the American Legion Family and their community.

Download Our Financials

ALAF Audit Financials

FY 2024

FY 2023

FY 2022

ALA Foundation IRS Form 990

Form 990 2023-FY24

Form 990 2022-FY23

Form 990 2021-FY22