Francesca "Frankie" Bill
2020-2021 National Scholarships Ambassador
Patriotic Art Escrow Fund
The Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest is fueled in part by donations made to the Patriotic Art Escrow Fund. Each year the VFW Auxiliary seeks support for additional funding to recognize young artists who portray patriotism through art. The goal is to increase the number and dollar amount of the awards from the prior year. Scholarship awards range from $500 – $15,000. Donations are accepted by earmarking checks with ‘Patriotic Art:’
VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters
Attn: Patriotic Art Fund
406 W. 34th St., 10th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64111
What is an escrow fund? Within the Scholarships Program, think of the VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters as a third party who manages the donated funds from individuals or Auxiliaries before they are transferred or awarded to National Patriotic Art winners. National Headquarters holds onto these funds until the winner requests the funds to be disbursed to the American college, university or vocational/technical school of their choice.
The VFW Auxiliary recognizes these young artists with 10 National awards for a total of $31,500. The National first-place winner receives a $15,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school of their choice. Similarly, the remaining nine (9) National winners have their scholarships paid to their post-secondary education of choice. The second-place winner receives a $7,500 scholarship; while the third-place winner receives a $3,500 scholarship. The fourth- and fifth-place winners each receive a $1,500 scholarship; while those placing sixth- through tenth-place each receive a $500 scholarship.
Your contributions continue to boost award monies on the National level which in turn is an incentive for student involvement. What unique fundraising ideas can you share as we continue to navigate in-person restrictions and adapt to a remote lifestyle? Creativity does not recognize limitations; in fact, creativity is fueled by challenges and trying times. More than ever, opportunities for education advancement and recognizing youth talent are up for grabs.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller