MUST OUR ORGANIZATION BE FOUNDED OR LED BY A U.S. MILITARY VETERAN IN ORDER TO APPLY?

Each applicant organization must submit information about a veteran leader over the age of 21 who is closely associated with the organization. The veteran leader may be a founder, staff member, board member, or committed volunteer.

DO I NEED TO BE AFFILIATED WITH A NONPROFIT IN ORDER TO APPLY?

Yes, these grants can only be awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations and 501(c)(19) organizations that meet deductibility requirements outlined by the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/other-non-profits/veterans-organizations

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS WILL BE FUNDED?

Any program(s) designed to help veterans in your community in the categories of Basic Human Needs, Career & Education, Recreational Activities & the Arts, Health and Well-being or Supporting Equity and Inclusion is eligible for funding.

ARE THERE ANY PROGRAMS THAT CANNOT RECEIVE FUNDING?

This grant does NOT fund addiction/recovery services or any services to people under the age of 21.

MY ORGANIZATION HAS MULTIPLE PROGRAMS. ONE OF OUR PROGRAMS SERVES PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 OR PROVIDES ADDICTION/RECOVERY SERVICES. CAN MY ORGANIZATION REQUEST FUNDING FOR A VETERAN-FOCUSED PROGRAM THAT DOES NOT SERVE PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 OR PROVIDE ADDICTION/RECOVERY SERVICES?

Yes. We understand some organizations have multiple programs. Having a program that serves youth or provides addiction/recovery services does not disqualify your organization from applying. However, no funds received through this grant can be used to support services to those under 21 or to fund addiction/recovery services.

CAN OUR ORGANIZATION SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE REQUEST FOR FUNDING?

No. We ask that each organization submit one (1) application for a Veteran Community Action Grant per year.

IF MY ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS ACTIVE MILITARY, AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Our focus is on organizations that support U.S. military veterans. However, if your organization supports both veterans and active military, you are eligible to apply.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO REVIEW THE APPLICATION QUESTIONS BEFORE
STARTING THE ONLINE APPLICATION?

We strongly encourage you to take a look through the full form before you begin so that you can gather any required information. Please see the example below.
BLANK APPLICATION.pdf

WHAT MAKES A STRONG APPLICATION?

A strong application answers all questions in the form clearly and completely, shows that your organization has a history of and passion for helping veterans in your community, and clearly demonstrates how your program is planning to use the funds. Please see the example below.
Application Form With TIPS.pdf

IS THERE ANY WAY TO SAVE A COPY OF MY APPLICATION AND RETURN TO IT LATER?

While there is no way to save your application, if you begin filling it out and leave the page, we will send you several email reminders with a link to your work-in-progress application. That said, we suggest that you fill it out all at one time to be sure nothing is lost.

CAN I GET A COPY OF MY COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR MY RECORDS?

A copy of your application will be emailed to the contact listed in the “Organization Information” section upon submission of the application.

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM COMPLETING MY APPLICATION.
IS THERE ANYONE I CAN CONTACT FOR HELP?

For any issues or questions, please send an email to support@american-madeheroes.com. Type a brief description of the problem you are experiencing and someone will contact you as soon as possible to provide assistance.

WHY DO YOU ASK FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE VETERAN WHO
FOUNDED OR LEADS OUR ORGANIZATION?

We enjoy getting to know more about these individuals and their contributions. If they meet our selection criteria, we may offer them the chance to be featured on a special edition Evan Williams American Hero bottle in the future.

HOW ARE APPLICATIONS EVALUATED?

A multi-person review panel evaluates applications as they are received using a standardized rubric. The rubric evaluates the completeness of your responses to the application questions and the strength of your services to U.S. military veterans.

HOW WILL WE KNOW IF WE’VE BEEN CHOSEN TO RECEIVE AN AWARD?

The contact listed in the “Organization Information” will be notified via email once we’ve made a decision. Please be aware that communication from Evan Williams Bourbon may unintentionally go to your Spam folder, so please be sure to check that folder if you are awaiting an update. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund has a small Programs team that is responsible for reviewing all grant requests, so please do not contact Evan Williams about the status of your application, and we appreciate applicants refraining from calling with phone inquiries.

WHEN WILL WE HEAR IF OUR ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR FUNDING?

Requests for funding will be received on a rolling basis between now and March 29, 2024. All awards will be announced by the end of June 2024, and many awards will be announced before that date. You can expect grant checks to be mailed out within 30 days of approval, pending no unforeseen circumstances.

When will we hear if our organization has been selected for funding?

Requests for funding will be received on a rolling basis between now and March 29, 2024. All awards will be announced by the end of June 2024, and many awards will be announced before that date. You can expect grant checks to be mailed out within 30 days of approval, pending no unforeseen circumstances.

DO I NEED TO BE AFFILIATED WITH A NONPROFIT IN ORDER TO APPLY?

Yes, these grants can only be awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations and 501(c)(19) organizations that meet deductibility requirements outlined by the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/other-non-profits/veterans-organizations.

WHAT IS THE EVAN WILLIAMS AMERICAN HERO EDITION BOTTLE?

Every year, Evan Williams celebrates being American-made and American-owned with the release of the limited-edition bottles honoring our American-made Heroes and their commitment to community. The bottles are available nationwide for a limited time, beginning in May of each year and available throughout June and July, while supplies last.

HOW DO YOU SELECT THE SIX AMERICAN-MADE HEROES?

Invitations to be featured as an American-Made Hero are extended to veterans we meet through the annual grant application process. The veterans we choose exemplify what it means to serve, and have continued to give back to their community through involvement with nonprofits serving the veteran community.

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE A BOTTLE?

The bottles are available nationwide in limited quantities. Our product locator makes it easy to find Evan Williams retailers near you, but we recommend contacting your local liquor store to confirm bottle availability.

HOW MUCH DOES A BOTTLE COST?

The bottles are similar in price to Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch and Evan Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Pricing will vary depending on the state. Please contact your local liquor store for pricing.