Travel industry professionals affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles have a little more time to apply for Q1 financial assistance in the form of a grant from the Family Bonds Foundation.
The foundation, Internova Travel Group's charitable arm, has extended the deadline for first-quarter grant nominations to Jan. 17 from Jan. 15. Anyone in the industry, regardless of affiliation or employer, can apply for a grant, or nominate someone else.
"It is so important that people realize the grants are available for all advisors and suppliers, as well as their family members," said Jackie Friedman, president of the foundation.
As of Jan. 14, the foundation had received 12 nominations, but Friedman said she expects "many more over the next several weeks." The foundation will likely do another grant distribution in February if the need is high, she said.
At the same time, donations have been coming in to the foundation this week, she added.
Travel insurance company Allianz Partners USA donated $100,000 to the Family Bonds Foundation in support of those affected by the wildfires.
"The Family Bonds Foundation was created for emergency situations like the California wildfires," Friedman said. "I'm grateful that we are in a position to help, thanks to the immense generosity of people in our industry."
The foundation was founded in 2015 and has distributed more than 250 grants. It has helped raise funds for Ukraine relief efforts with the Global Empowerment Mission, as well as families impacted by Hurricane Beryl in Mexico and the Caribbean in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation. Last year, it raised a record $650,000 to help those in need.
This report was updated to add that Allianz donated $100,000.