A restored military Humvee capable of being on public roads is being offered to one winner from a sweepstakes that is being put on by the American Legion in a bid to attract more attention to the organization and its causes.
The vehicle is a part of the campaign “Drive 4 Freedom Sweepstakes,” which runs through Dec. 19. It was displayed during the Grand Prix Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C. This happened during the first race that took place on the streets of the capital.
Donated by Jim White, the founder of a Florida-based company called Street Legal Exports, the vehicle is meant to bring excitement around a cause that typically serves a rather niche audience.
“The Humvee is an iconic symbol of American military service, and now this one has a new mission,” the Legion said in a statement about the promotion. “It’s helping the American Legion tell the story of veterans who continue strengthening our workforce, economy, and communities long after their military service ends.”
In this contest, we can see more than just a prize that is meant to catch an audience’s eye. It provides a look into how veterans service organizations use sweepstakes and promotions such as these in order to pay for all the services they offer. These can be scholarships, advocacy, benefits assistance, and much more.
Not the Lottery (Technically)
Although described as a lottery, the Legion itself has called it a sweepstakes. In order to enter, no fee is needed. The money that is raised by the American Legion comes mainly from donations, and donating money to the cause does not change or alter the chance of winning for an individual.
Participants must be at least 21 years old and can enter by texting “HUMVEE” to 41444 or visiting the American Legion’s sweepstakes website. The promotion is void in Montana, Washington state and wherever else prohibited by law. Only one winner will be selected at the end of the sweepstakes, which close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 19.
There is no entry fee, as participants can enter before the deadline. With that being said, the American Legion doesn’t mind donations, as the programs they offer are completely supported by these funds.
The promotion also allows them to get their name out there for a younger generation of veterans, who might not have a working knowledge about the Legion. At the time of this article, the American Legion has not expressly stated how much the campaign has raised for their resources.
How Veteran Organizations Bring in Money
Large veterans service organizations, commonly called VSOs, do not rely on a single revenue source. Funding comes from membership dues, charitable contributions, corporate sponsorships, grants, merchandise sales and other sources that help sustain the programs and services they provide to veterans and their families.
The American Legion’s national organization is classified as a 501(c)(19) veterans’ organization. According to its latest publicly available federal tax filing, it reported approximately $58.6 million in revenue during 2024.
Nearly $35.1 million of that money was classified as a program service revenue stream. Contributions and grants made up $5.4 million, while merchandise and investment made just under $9 million. Some organizations use different funding mixes.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars says its national programs are made mostly possible through membership dues and tax-deductible donations. In the latest tax filing from the organization, they made $103.3 million in revenue, with a majority of that coming from contributions from outside sources.
The VFW also has benefits from things such as corporate fundraising campaigns like the Burger King Franchisees. The organizations have gotten an enormous amount of money for their causes. The Disabled American Veterans, or DAV, accepts one-time and monthly contributions while also accepting gifts or assets.
These organizations also operate charitable foundations or trusts that maintain separate finances from their national membership organizations. All of these layered and hard-to-understand finances make VSO monetary tracking difficult to comprehend, and oftentimes a single report can’t get the job done.
National headquarters, foundations, state departments and local posts may all be legally distinct entities with their own bank accounts, fundraising campaigns and IRS filings.
Where the Donations Go
The American Legion says its funds support veterans’ processes like claims assistance, legislative advocacy, scholarships, emergency financial assistance, and youth programs. These are all available for free or discounted prices. One of the main avenues it focuses on is federal benefits.
Some of the donations that go to the organization come through the organization known as the American Legion Charities. This is a separate trust that allows donors to support specific efforts, including the Veterans and Children Foundation, National Emergency Fund, Child Well-being Foundation, Operation Comfort Warriors and Legacy Scholarship Fund.
The VFW puts their resources toward claims assistance, legislative advocacy, emergency financial grants, and more. The focus of their scholarship programs is to help veterans attend school at free or reduced prices.
In the same spirit, DAV focuses on help for injured or fallen veterans. These organizations are all focused on providing the best resources they can use the funds that they have raised.
Sweepstakes for a Cause
For the American Legion, the Humvee offers something that a financial report or large amounts of donated cash can’t: visibility for a newer generation of former service members.
While one entrant may win the keys to this vehicle, the larger idea surrounding the campaign is to show the power of what true sacrifice and selflessness can carry. Support for veterans is the goal, and this campaign is getting the ball rolling.
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