Community Service Reporting (CSR): What It Is and Why It Matters

Community Service Reporting (CSR) is how VFW Posts across the Department of Washington document and receive credit for the countless hours, miles, and resources they dedicate to serving veterans, families, and their communities. These reports are essential—not just for recognition, but for capturing the full scope of our impact at the local, state, and national levels.

Each activity a Post conducts—whether it's supporting youth programs, honoring veterans, participating in patriotic events, legislative advocacy, or providing direct assistance—is eligible for reporting. These submissions validate the VFW’s role as a service-driven organization and are used to qualify for awards, meet state and national program goals, and ensure our efforts are visible to the public and legislators alike.

Submitting Reports Through the Electronic Portal

To streamline the process, the Department of Washington uses an Electronic Submission Portal available at www.vfwwa.org. Members can log in through the "Members Only" section using their VFW ID and lowercase last name as a password. Once logged in, members can access the Program Reporting section to submit details of any qualifying activity.

Each submission requires:

• Accurate entry of hours, miles, participants, and dollars spent/donated

• Selection of the appropriate program category and subcategory

• A brief narrative using the 5 W's: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

After submission, a confirmation email is sent, and members can view submitted reports and their approval status via the Dashboard. This provides transparency, tracking, and a digital record for audits and end-of-year recognition.