The Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund (LPBF) is announcing the availability of grant funds to assist LP/AP professionals impacted by last month’s devastating California Fires. In a departure from its present guidelines, which focus on assistance to LP/AP professionals injured or killed in the course of their jobs, the LPBF board voted last week to make grant funds available to 2025 California Fire victims. This initial round of disaster grants will serve as a test to determine the feasibility of adding FEMA-declared natural disasters to the LPBF grant guidelines on a more permanent basis.
“This fund was originally set up for the benefit of LP/AP professionals facing hardship as the result of an on-the-job incident. However, as needs evolve, so must our guidelines,” noted LPBF Board Chair Jim Cosseboom. Cosseboom added, “The devastating winds and resulting fires of January 2025 were a compelling reason for us to test new avenues for distribution of funds—in this case to assist those in our industry whose homes and lives have been forever changed by the fires.”
Caroline Kochman, the President of the LP Foundation, which serves as the steward of the LPBF, offered these thoughts. “The LP Benevolent Fund’s broad purpose is providing aid and support to our industry colleagues and I am in full support of the LPBF Board’s recent decision. Testing the expansion of the LPBF distribution channels and guidelines is timely, compassionate, and appropriate at this juncture.”
Grant applications will open at 9 am Pacific Time on Thursday February 27. Applications can be found at: https://www.yourlpf.org/page/CaliforniaFiresGrantApplication
Grants will be made on a first come, first serve basis so applicants are encouraged to act quickly. Applicants must be employed in the AP/LP industry, show verified impact to a primary residence, and meet all other requirements as outlined on the application.
About the Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund (LPBF):
The LPBF was established to honor LP professionals killed or injured on the job. The LPBF provides financial assistance to the families of the fallen as well as to those who have experienced a serious life-changing injury while performing the duties of their profession. The LPBF is supported by retailers, solution providers, retail associations, and individual LP and AP professionals across the industry.
To learn more about the LPBF or to make a contribution to the fund, visit https://www.yourlpf.org/donations/donate.asp?id=8873
