How AFAF works Published March 6, 2009 By Howdy Stout Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Money raised by the annual Air Force Assistance Fund is distributed to four organizations designed to help active and retired Air Force personnel and their dependents. Each organization prides itself on following the credo of "we take care of our own." Air Force Aid Society. The official charity of the Air Force, this society distributes grants, scholarships and interest-free loans for emergency assistance. The fund also provides money for a number of programs, including Child Care for PCS, Youth Employment Skills job training and the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program. Last year the fund provided more than $24 million in loans and grants to more than 45,000 people service-wide. The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. Founded less than 10 years ago, this foundation provides financial assistance to widows of Air Force personnel. The foundation's main source of funding comes from the AFAF. Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund. This charity provides assistance with the widows and widowers of active duty officers needing assistance with living requirements. The village includes two retirement facilities, in addition to health care services and temporary accommodation for the dependents of Air Force officers who are killed on active duty. Started in 1970, the fund has provided more than $10 million in assistance, including nearly $1 million given to recipients last year. Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund. This non-profit organization provides homes for the surviving spouses of enlisted Air Force, Reserve and Air National Guard members. The fund provides temporary housing for the dependents of enlisted members who are killed on active duty in addition to emergency housing for active or retired Airmen during natural disasters. Since 1975, more than 1,600 surviving spouses have found an affordable home with the help of this organization.