Disaster Relief
Request Assistance Today
The Collision Industry Foundation is here to support collision repair professionals and their families during challenging times. If you are facing a financial hardship caused by a natural disaster (hurricane, flooding, wildfire), accidents or other catastrophic events — we are here to help.
1
APPLICATION
Fill out the application online. It takes just 2-3 minutes. Tell us a few details about who you are and what you are going through.
2
VERIFICATION
A CIF Trustee will reach out to you by phone or email, typically within 2-3 days after the application was received.
3
REVIEW
Once we have received and reviewed all necessary information, the verification/validation step will be completed, and the request will be immediately passed onto the Board of Trustees for approval.
4
APPROVAL
Typically, a decision is reached within 2-3 days, and you will be notified via phone or email. If approved, you will be asked to fill out a W9 tax form and then a check will be mailed to you within 2-3 days.
If you’re having any trouble filling out the form, don’t worry — just reach out to us at collisionindustryfoundation@gmail.com. We are here to help. All inquiries, calls and correspondence are kept strictly confidential.
Hear from Those We’ve Helped
These heartfelt stories highlight the difference compassion, generosity and timely assistance can make for those recovering from unexpected hardship.
“It felt great that other people in the industry care about shops like us, and this gesture went a long way in helping us get back on our feet. No one else came back with any help, like FEMA or an insurance payment. This helped us buy a few things for the shop, and it was a nice feeling of hope. I would just ask that everyone keep donating for the future.”
Rosario DiGregorio
After receiving CIF assistance following Hurricane Sandy
“This storm hit us hard. It really meant a lot to us that there was a group out there that cared about what happened here. We didn’t know this was possible, and to have your own industry stand up for you is amazing and heartwarming. We can’t thank those who’ve donated enough for their generosity.”
Lev Schmidt
After receiving CIF assistance following Hurricane Sandy
“On behalf of me, my family, and my wife, I want to say a huge thank you to Snap-on Tools and the Collision Industry Foundation for all they have done for us. From making it possible for us to attend a great conference in sunny Palm Springs, California, where we met some of the industry’s best, to a generous donation of tools and a custom toolbox. With the replacement of my tools, I will be able to not only support my family but hopefully pay it forward by working to bring awareness of the industry to other soldiers and veterans. Soldiers who have PTSD and/or TBI, like me, can benefit from taking a damaged vehicle—kind of like our internal wounds—and working on it as therapy, making it beautiful again and showing progress.”
Sterling Keith
Speaking at the 2015 CIF Gala after receiving replacement tools and a custom toolbox
“Dear CIF Friends, we just want to say thank you for helping us during the Camp Fire disaster in Paradise, California. Your support has come at a time when our family needs it most, and we appreciate you very much. Michael Quinn has been such a blessing. Thank you.”
Patrick Luna & Family
After receiving help following the Camp Fire in Paradise, California
“I am so grateful our industry is rising up to help us. You just can’t imagine the devastation these families have experienced. We all have to help give them some sense of normalcy, especially for the children at Christmas. We were already a close-knit group in our town, and now this has pulled us even closer together. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank all those across the country who have helped.”
Becky Rogers
After the Camp Fire destroyed her home and workplace and CIF helped organize a Christmas dinner and presents for affected families
“The show of support for my father and our immediate family has been remarkable and will not be forgotten. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated.”
Deborah
After the CIF Campaign of Caring raised money for the children of Andre and Jordan A., who lost their lives in the El Paso mass shooting
“This money helped put food on their tables, helped pay rent or mortgages or utility bills—the basic necessities that are needed when you are impacted financially after suddenly being laid off. To have an organization that steps up and helps our collision repair professionals during times of hardship and crisis is another reason I admire our collision community.”
Tammy Horvat
After CIF assisted four technicians who had been laid off because of the pandemic
“CIF has provided financial assistance to about a half-dozen of our laid-off employees. It was great to be able to offer this option to employees. It was actually amazing how quickly the Foundation was able to process it and get them the money. It went to people who really needed it. I remember the Foundation over the years raising funds to help individuals in the industry facing challenges because of Hurricane Katrina, the 2018 wildfires in California, and major flooding in 2016 in Missouri and West Virginia. To have my own staff be the recipient of that same type of support, I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”
Carl Garcia
After CIF provided COVID-19 assistance to laid-off employees
“I was impressed by how they were able to come in and help so many of our stakeholders beyond what we could do. Every little bit helps. We were fortunate to take advantage of it, and so were our people. It’s definitely a welcome contribution.”
Joshua Fuller
After CIF provided COVID-19 assistance to employees
“I learned about CIF’s COVID assistance from CRASH NETWORK. We wanted to show our employees that our industry is a giving one. What CIF did was above anything I would have imagined. All business owners know the challenges of managing our businesses, so managing a nonprofit like CIF through volunteers generous with their time, and supported by donors generous with their money, is nothing short of remarkable. Organizations such as CIF can be a safety net to a few or many—any filled need is better than none. I want to send an enormous thank you to each person who has touched CIF over the years, including those responsible for the original idea, those giving of themselves to operate it, and the many folks who have sent funds in the past and during these tremendously hard times.”
Camille Eber
After CIF provided COVID-19 assistance to employees
“I first learned about CIF last year, and I was impressed with the way CIF helped body shop employees when they were dealing with wildfires. When my business slowed down significantly, I reached out to CIF for assistance. When my employees received the checks from CIF, I was reminded of winning the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes. It was awesome. It sure helped out our employees. They were really appreciative.”
Jerry Dalton
After CIF provided COVID-19 assistance to his employees
“Good afternoon, I wanted to send you an email and let you know that we received the checks. We presented the checks to our staff and also gave them some insight on what Collision Industry Foundation does. We want to thank you and Collision Industry Foundation from the bottom of our hearts. The room was full of smiles and tears at the same time. Our team is very thankful for your help. They all said it came at just the right time. Thank you so much for your help.”
Christina Molina
After CIF provided assistance to her team
“I just wanted to thank you and everyone in the Collision Industry Foundation for helping me out with the loss of tools. I really appreciate it. I’m very thankful for everything. I hope you have a great rest of the year. Thanks again.”
Billy Flatt
After receiving a CIF check to help replace lost tools
“My family and I are so thankful for the Collision Industry Foundation and all the individuals who help support such a foundation. Being in the collision industry for 20-plus years, I had no idea. I felt alone at times, but this foundation and its volunteer staff really made me feel like I matter. Thank you all.”
Gerardo ‘Toni’ Ayala
On the financial aid CIF provided to him and his family during a very difficult situation
“Your generosity is greatly appreciated.”
R. Sierck
Regarding CIF Disaster Relief Assistance
“I would like to thank the Collision Industry Foundation. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!”
L. Todd
After learning that CIF Disaster Relief Assistance would be provided
“I would like to thank the Collision Industry Foundation. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!”
K. Guerttman
Regarding a CIF Disaster Relief Assistance check
“Thank you so much. Best news I have heard all day. We are getting there day by day. I really appreciate what you have been able to give, as every bit helps.”
G. Johnson
After learning that CIF Disaster Relief Assistance would be provided
“We appreciate anything that you are able to do for me and our associates. The money will be used wisely by us all.”
B. Miller
Regarding CIF Disaster Relief Assistance
“Thank you very much for your help. Right now, any help is very appreciated and helps.”
A. Nielsen
Regarding CIF Disaster Relief Assistance
“I can’t thank CIF enough for your generosity. I know all of us are truly grateful, and it absolutely will help with some needed replacements.”
E. McDanel
After receiving CIF Disaster Relief Assistance
“Thank you so much! The silver lining in this mess is seeing the kindness of so many people and organizations. Thank you!”
L. Todd
After receiving a CIF Disaster Relief Assistance check
“Thank you so much for the update. We really do appreciate it so much, as it will help us catch up on everything since I have been out of work.”
A. Rizzo
Commenting on the CIF support provided in his case
“I can’t thank you enough for the help of the foundation. It certainly is a Christmas miracle, and I am very thankful.”
L. Casey
After receiving confirmation of CIF support
“That is fantastic. I really appreciate it. You don’t know how much this helps. I have put a lot of my life into the auto body repair profession, and it is really great that CIF is there to help people like myself in this time of loss. Keep up the great work, and I will definitely spread the word around. Thank you so much from me and my family.”
M. Knetge
After receiving confirmation that a CIF Disaster Relief Assistance check would be mailed
“Thank you, everyone, so much. This is such a big help. My heart really feels the joy. Thank you again sincerely, and God bless.”
N. Saldana
After receiving confirmation that a CIF Disaster Relief Assistance check was on the way
“Good morning Petra, Paul and Collision Industry Foundation Family. I hope everyone is doing well. I want to sincerely thank you for all your help—it means so much to us as we navigate these challenging times. Your generosity and goodwill extend far beyond financial assistance; they provide the encouragement and strength we need to rebuild our home and our lives. Once again, thank you, Paul and everyone at the Collision Industry Foundation Family for your kindness and support. Your dedication to helping others is truly inspiring. Please keep up the amazing work and may you all be blessed.”
A. Daghlian
After CIF confirmed that a Disaster Relief Assistance check was on the way
