AMVETS (American Veterans) is a congressionally‑chartered, non‑profit veterans service organization founded in 1944 that advocates for and provides direct services to U.S. veterans, active duty, Reserve and National Guard members and their families. Its mission is to enhance and safeguard veterans' entitlements and improve quality of life through legislative advocacy, benefits assistance, community programs, scholarships and accredited service officers who help veterans access VA benefits.
Typically pursues legislative policies expanding and funding VA health care and benefits, improving claims processing and appeals, supporting caregiver programs and mental‑health/suicide‑prevention services, veterans employment and education benefits, homelessness and housing assistance, burial and memorial honors, support for active duty/Reserve/Guard personnel and family programs, and related community service and patriotic initiatives.
Primarily funded by membership dues and life‑membership fees, individual donations and fundraising events, grants and corporate partnerships, charitable contributions routed through affiliated foundations and local post revenue.
Partners and collaborates with other major veterans service organizations (e.g., VFW, DAV, Paralyzed Veterans of America), and operates affiliated entities including AMVETS Charities, AMVETS National Service Foundation, state and local AMVETS posts, Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of AMVETS and Riders chapters.
Non‑profit; congressionally‑chartered veterans service organization
