Res 0634-2026

Res. No. 634 Resolution recognizing the immeasurable civic value and contributions of 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations, encouraging New Yorkers to learn about and support these organizations, and designating the week that includes November 11, Veterans Day, annually as Veterans’ Organizations Awareness Week By Council Members Morano and Restler Whereas, Many longstanding veterans’ organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and other similar congressionally chartered organizations, operate under the federal nonprofit designation of 501(c)(19); and Whereas, Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code establishes tax-exempt status for qualifying veterans’ organizations, which enables them to advocate for veterans, engage in lobbying, and conduct member-focused civic activities; and Whereas, 501(c)(19) organizations provide substantial benefits to their members, including veteran outreach, mental health support, suicide prevention assistance, funeral and memorial services, scholarship initiatives, food drives and charitable activities, community meeting space, emergency response support, mentorship and camaraderie for veterans transitioning to civilian life; and Whereas, Local veterans' halls are pillars of civic life and provide direct support services to veterans, seniors, military families, and their communities; and Whereas, The 501(c)(19) designation allows veterans’ organizations greater flexibility to advocate on behalf of veterans and public policy issues, but can also create practical disadvantages when compared to 501(c)(3) organizations; and Whereas, Many donors, foundations, businesses, and even governmental entities are unfamiliar with the 501(c)(19) designation, and as a result, veterans' organizations frequently struggle to attract donations, some are excluded from grant opportunities, many face operational and financial challenges, and community halls that have served veterans for generations are increasingly at risk of closure; and Whereas, Greater public awareness of the 501(c)(19) designation can help New Yorkers better understand the important role of these federally recognized tax-exempt veterans’ organizations and encourage greater community and financial support for them; and Whereas, Despite their civic contributions, many 501(c)(19) veterans organizations report feeling overlooked or misunderstood because of their federal tax status, and reduced donor participation and declining public awareness of and support for veterans’ organizations could threaten their survival; and Whereas, Grantmaking opportunities from New York City, New York State, foundations, and philanthropic organizations may unintentionally exclude or disadvantage 501(c)(19) organizations from accessing grant opportunities and public support programs; and Whereas, Increasing opportunity and access to funding is paramount for veterans’ organizations to continue their important work serving their members; and Whereas, The New York City Council recognizes the contributions of veterans and their unique needs and challenges, having created Veteran Resource Centers, economic opportunities for veterans, reporting on demographic information and service provision, outreach and engagement efforts, tax exemptions and protections from discrimination, and partnerships with veterans-serving organizations; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes the immeasurable civic value and contributions of 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations, encourages New Yorkers to learn about and support these organizations, and designates the week that includes November 11, Veterans Day, annually as Veterans’ Organizations Awareness Week. ACB LS #24229 08/24/26 1:44pm