Medford VFW makes building drive push after receiving $400K matching grant

The Medford Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5729 New Building Project is well underway.

In December of 2023 the post decided that it was time to build a new clubhouse, and the first meeting of the building committee took place.

They went straight to work writing grant requests and raising funds. The VFW and VFW Auxiliary, with the support of the American Legion, immediately began holding raffles and brat fries, sponsoring a concert, a UTV ride, and so much more. Local businesses and organizations chipped in, including many local youth.

The support has been rolling in all year. As of October 1, 2024, the campaign has passed the 25% mark, mostly from individual and small business donations. They also have verbal pledges for in-kind grants and cash donations.

What is most exciting is that the VFW received a matching grant for funds raised between October 1, 2024, and May 17, 2025. This means whatever the VFW raises in additional funds between October 1st to May 17th, we will get a match of those funds up to $400,000.

“If we were to max that out, it would bring us to the 75% mark, with the remainder of 2025 to continue fundraising,” said Jeff Hein, one of the organizers of the fundraising campaign.

The tentative plan is to break ground in the spring of 2025 with a grand opening on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, 2025, and with this matching grant, it could all be possible. So if you’ve been waiting to see if this all comes together, now is the time to donate.

Help them reach their matching grant goal of $400,000 by May 17th, and take advantage of end-of-theyear tax incentives by donating early. The Medford VFW is a 501c19 non-profit veterans’ organization.

“We will continue to bring fun to the community through further events, and you can help by coming down and supporting any of the events that are donating funds to the VFW New Building Project. If you would like to make a donation in person, please contact Commander Nick Lemke or Committee Chairman Bill Vach,” Hein said.