American Legion

What American Legion does

The American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 and headquartered in Indianapolis. It operates as a federated nonprofit through thousands of local posts nationwide, delivering programs across four pillars: Veterans Services, Children & Youth, Americanism, and National Security. At the national level it runs the High School Oratorical Scholarship Program (awarding over $8 million in scholarships in 2026, with a $25,000 top prize), American Legion Youth Baseball, Boys State and Girls State leadership programs, scholarship funds, Operation Comfort Warriors for wounded service members, and a Veterans Health Hackathon initiative. It maintains affiliated sub-organizations — American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and American Legion Riders — creating a multi-generational member ecosystem.

At the local post level, exemplified by Myrin-James Post 443 in Ironton, Minnesota, the operating model combines a full-service bar and restaurant, hall rentals and catering, charitable gambling (pull-tabs, electronic pull-tabs, electronic bingo, meat raffles, bingo), and community programs including a free medical equipment loan program. Post 443 alone paid $188,714 in state gambling taxes and disbursed $79,700+ in lawful-purpose donations plus $20,000 in scholarships in FY 2023-24. Revenue mechanics span membership dues (recurring subscription), charitable gambling (transaction-based, with mandatory minimum 30% of gross receipts on lawful-purpose expenses), bar and event venue operations, and partnership-driven fundraising events such as the Freedom Shoots 2026 charity weekend. The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, with no proprietary technology stack — distribution and advocacy reach are the primary assets.

Name

American Legion

Legal name

The American Legion

Website

https://irontonlegion443.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The American Legion is the nation's largest congressionally chartered wartime veterans service organization, operating a national network of local posts that deliver veterans advocacy, youth programs, scholarships, charitable gambling, and community services across the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veterans Service Organization

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

Keywords

• Veterans service organization
• Community service programs
• Youth leadership programs
• Charitable gambling operations
• Scholarship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Ironton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Charitable Gambling Operations: Local American Legion posts conduct charitable gambling including pull-tabs, electronic pull tabs, electronic bingo, meat raffles, and bingo. These operations generate revenue that is partially donated to veterans, youth programs, and community causes. Posts must spend a minimum of 30% of gross receipts on lawful purpose expenses, primarily donations.
2. Bar and Event Venue Operations: Local posts operate bar and restaurant facilities, meeting space rentals, and catering services. These generate operational revenue for post activities and veteran support programs.
3. Membership Dues: The organization generates revenue through membership dues from veterans who join local posts across the country.
4. Scholarship Programs: The organization awards college scholarships to youth participants in programs like the Oratorical Contest, generating approximately $8 million in youth scholarships in 2026.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The American Legion is a congressionally chartered nonprofit veterans service organization that delivers advocacy, community programs, and youth leadership initiatives to U.S. veterans and their families. Its offerings include membership-driven veteran support, scholarships (Oratorical Contest, Boys State, Girls State), American Legion Baseball, charitable gambling operations (pull-tabs, bingo, meat raffles, e-games), and event/hall rentals plus bar and dining services at local posts such as Ironton Post 443.

Product overview

The American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, offering a portfolio of programs and services centered on four core pillars: Veterans Services (advocacy, benefits support, and community programs), Children & Youth (scholarships, leadership programs, and youth baseball), Americanism (patriotic education and civic duty programs), and National Security. The organization's product offerings include the High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, Boys State and Girls State leadership programs, American Legion Youth Baseball, scholarship programs (Post, Auxiliary, Cedric L. Hughes, and Legacy), American Legion Gaming charity events, medical equipment loans, bar and catering services, and member organizations (American Legion Riders, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion). Local posts conduct charitable gambling to fund veterans programs, youth activities, community donations, and scholarships totaling over $79,000 annually per post.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• American Legion Auxiliary: Women's auxiliary organization supporting veterans and families
• Sons of the American Legion (SAL)
• American Legion Riders
• American Legion Baseball
• American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program
• Operation Comfort Warriors
• American Legion Gaming

Products and services

• American Legion Membership Annual membership program for eligible U.S. veterans, providing advocacy representation, camaraderie, and access to Legion programs and benefits through a national network of local posts.
• American Legion Oratorical Contest National speech competition for high-school students on the U.S. Constitution, with scholarships awarded at post, state, and national levels.
• Boys State Annual week-long citizenship and government simulation program for rising high-school senior boys, teaching the structure and operation of state government.
• Girls State Annual citizenship and government program for rising high-school senior girls, mirroring the Boys State program.
• American Legion Baseball National amateur baseball program for youth players (ages 13-19) operated through local posts, with teams coached by post-appointed coaches and competing in regional and national tournaments.
• Operation Comfort Warriors Program providing comfort items for wounded, injured, or ill service members recovering in military and VA hospitals.
• Medical Equipment Loan Program Program lending medical equipment to veterans in need as part of the Legion's rehabilitation and support services.
• Scholarship Programs National and post-level scholarship awards for youth participants, including those advancing from the Oratorical Contest, Boys State, and Girls State programs.
• Burn Pits 360 Advocacy Partnership Partnership with Burn Pits 360 supporting veterans affected by burn pit exposure and related illnesses through advocacy and awareness.
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Advocacy and support resources for veterans affected by military sexual trauma.
• Veterans Health Hackathon Community innovation event bringing together developers and veterans to build solutions for veteran health challenges.
• American Legion Auxiliary Affiliate organization of mothers, wives, sisters, and direct female relatives of veterans (and veterans themselves), supporting Legion programs through community service, fundraising, and youth activities at local units (e.g., Unit 443).
• Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Affiliate organization for male descendants of veterans, supporting Legion programs through community service and fundraising at squadron level (e.g., Squadron 443).
• American Legion Riders Motorcycle enthusiast affiliate of the American Legion, comprising veterans, Legion members, Sons of the American Legion, and Auxiliary members who ride and raise funds for veterans' programs.
• Community Advocacy (Dental Health GTM) Community-led grassroots advocacy efforts including the Ironton GTM dental advocacy initiative that raised public attention to veterans' dental care access.
• Charitable Gambling Operations On-site charitable gambling at local posts including pull-tabs, bingo, meat raffles, e-games, tip boards, and paddlewheel, with proceeds supporting the post's charitable mission.
• Freedom Shoots and Gaming Events Special fundraising events combining gaming activities (pull-tabs, bingo, meat raffles) with patriotic themed programs to benefit veterans.
• Hall Rental and Event Venue Rental of post facilities for community events and private functions, operated on a nonprofit basis at local posts.
• Bar and Event Booking Services On-site bar service and event booking at the post, open to members and the local community.
• Post Dining Services Food service offerings at local posts such as the Ironton Post 443 dining program.
• Scholarship and Community Events Local events supporting the Oratorical Contest and other scholarship programs at the post level.

Quantifiable outcome

• 9 million+ veterans enrolled in VA health care supported through advocacy
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2026Major veterans advocacy group collaborating with the American Legion on legislative initiatives including the Military Sexual Trauma Accountability Act and other veteran-focused policy efforts.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2026Leading veterans advocacy organization working alongside American Legion on supporting legislation to expand VA benefits and accountability measures.
• Paralyzed Veterans of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Partner organization advocating for expanded VA dental benefits through the Dental Care for Veterans Act, working in coalition with American Legion.
• Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Organization of military officers supporting veterans benefits expansion legislation in coalition with American Legion.
• Burn Pits 360coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2026Veterans advocacy organization collaborating with American Legion to oppose VA policy changes that could negatively impact veteran disability ratings.
• Always Give BackminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 February 2026Co-presenter of 'Freedom Shoots 2026: Full Send Weekend' charity event combining live-fire shooting with gaming culture to raise funds for veteran mental health programs.
• American Legion GamingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 February 2026American Legion's gaming division co-presenting the Freedom Shoots 2026 charity event targeting veteran mental health awareness.
• Eagle Ops FoundationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 February 2026Co-presenter of veteran-focused charity event combining gaming culture with live-fire shooting activities.
• James A. Haley Veterans' HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2025VA hospital that organized and hosted the 2025 Veterans Health Hackathon in conjunction with The American Legion National Convention in Tampa, driving innovation in veteran health care services.
• Cuyuna Range Food ShelfminorOthersLocal food shelf receiving donations from Ironton American Legion charitable gambling proceeds.
• Crosby-Ironton School DistrictminorOthersLocal school district collaborating with American Legion on youth programs including scholarships and school support activities.
• Local Fire DepartmentsminorOthersCrosby and Ironton Fire Departments receiving support through Ironton American Legion charitable gambling donations.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• Wounded Warrior Project: An emerging peer that competes for the same donor and volunteer pool on post-9/11 veteran services and mental-health programs, but operates as a modern charity rather than a dues-driven membership club — the model the Legion is trying to complement with American Legion Gaming.
• USO (United Service Organizations): A peer in military-family support and morale programming; overlaps with the Legion's community/quality-of-life mission but differs by serving active-duty troops and families rather than dues-paying veteran members.

Direct peers

• Vietnam Veterans of America: A direct peer as a congressionally chartered, membership-based wartime veterans service organization with local chapters, advocacy priorities on Agent Orange and PTSD benefits, and a comparable member-recruitment model targeting a specific wartime cohort.
• Paralyzed Veterans of America: A direct peer in the advocacy coalition: PVA co-endorses the Dental Care for Veterans Act alongside American Legion and pursues a shared policy agenda on VA benefits and accessibility, serving veterans with similar service-connected needs.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): The closest direct peer: VFW is a congressionally chartered wartime veterans service organization that runs its own local posts, lobbies on the same federal issues (VA benefits, MST accountability, dental care), and is explicitly co-advocating with American Legion in the data — operating an essentially identical business and mission model.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV): A direct peer on the advocacy side: DAV is a major veterans service organization that co-testifies and co-advocates with American Legion on disability benefits and the Dental Care for Veterans Act, serving the same member base and pursuing the same legislative outcomes.
• Military Officers Association of America (MOAA): A direct peer on national veterans policy: MOAA partners with American Legion on veterans-benefits expansion legislation and serves a substantially overlapping member constituency of veterans and their families.

Broad incumbents

• Knights of Columbus: A broad incumbent peer as a fraternal membership organization with local halls, insurance and benefits programs, youth scholarships, and community charitable giving — competing for the same civic-minded member and donation pool as the Legion.
• Elks Lodge (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks): A broad incumbent peer on the local club economics: Elks Lodges operate the same membership-club model with on-site bars, hall rentals, charitable gambling where permitted, and community-giving programs, competing for the same local-club discretionary spend and volunteer hours.
• Moose International (Loyal Order of Moose): A broad incumbent peer on the fraternal club side: Moose lodges operate local clubs with bars, social programming, hall rentals, and community/charitable activities, with overlapping small-town community presence especially in the Upper Midwest where Post 443 operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Irontonlegion
• Facebookfacebook.com/Irontonlegion443
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ironton-american-legion-post-443

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Legion