California Firefighters Benevolent Fund – Financial Support for Injured and Affected Firefighters

Grant Overview

Emergency Financial Assistance for California Firefighters Facing Injury, Loss, or Line-of-Duty Incidents

Donor: California Fire Foundation

About: The California Firefighters Benevolent Fund serves as a crucial financial safety net for the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to protect California communities. Established by the California Fire Foundation, this fund addresses the stark reality that many firefighters face: while they remain on the frontlines during catastrophic events, they too can experience personal tragedy, injury, or loss.

The fund provides immediate financial relief across several critical scenarios that firefighters may encounter throughout their service. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation or insurance programs that often involve lengthy processing times and extensive paperwork, the Benevolent Fund offers rapid financial assistance when firefighters need it most – whether they’ve sustained injuries in the line of duty, lost their homes to disasters, or require support for job-related behavioral health treatments.

What distinguishes this fund is its comprehensive approach to firefighter wellbeing. While many support programs focus solely on line-of-duty deaths, the California Firefighters Benevolent Fund recognizes that firefighters face numerous challenges beyond the most tragic outcomes. The fund extends support to those who have suffered significant property damage to their primary residences, acknowledging that firefighters often remain on duty during disasters even as their own homes are at risk. Additionally, the fund’s recognition of behavioral health needs demonstrates an understanding of the psychological toll that emergency response work takes on personnel.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, ensuring timely assistance when it matters most. The verification process includes department leadership confirmation, striking a balance between accountability and rapid response. While the financial support may not cover all expenses associated with recovery from injury or disaster, it provides crucial immediate relief during exceptionally challenging circumstances.

For firefighters hesitant to apply or uncertain about their eligibility, the California Fire Foundation offers guidance through their dedicated support team. As emergency responders who dedicate their careers to helping others, firefighters sometimes struggle to ask for help themselves. The Benevolent Fund creates a straightforward path to support, acknowledging the unique sacrifices made by California’s firefighting community.

At Grantaura, we understand that navigating benefit applications during times of crisis can be overwhelming. Our grant research team can help identify additional support programs for which you may qualify, while our application specialists can assist with the submission process, ensuring you receive the maximum available benefits. Contact us to explore how we can support your benevolent fund application and connect you with other relevant assistance programs.

Focus: Emergency services, firefighter support, disaster relief, line-of-duty injuries, behavioral health assistance, family support, primary residence damage

Region: California, United States

Eligibility:
-Active California firefighters who have experienced qualifying incidents
-Line of duty injury requiring minimum 48-hour hospitalization
-Loss or damage to primary residence due to fire or disaster (minimum 25% damage)
-Job-related behavioral health issues requiring in-house care or hospitalization
-Families of firefighters who died in the line of duty
-Applications must be submitted within 60 days of fire or disaster for residence damage
-Only one request per residence for property damage claims
-Verification from fire department leadership required

Benefits:
-Line of duty injury: $1,000 for 48 hours to 6 days hospitalization
-Additional $500 per week for extended hospitalization beyond 6 days
-Maximum benefit of $5,000 for line of duty injuries with extended hospitalization
-Loss or damage to primary residence: $1,000 immediate relief
-Behavioral health support: Up to $5,000 (requires Executive Director recommendation and committee approval)
-Line of duty death benefit: $5,000 support for qualifying families

Deadline: Rolling basis

Terms:
-Line of Duty Injury: Physical harm sustained by a firefighter while providing emergency services or during training activities
-Primary Residence: The main dwelling where a firefighter permanently lives
-Benevolent Fund Advisory Committee: The governing body that reviews and approves certain benefit applications
-HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, federal legislation that protects the privacy of personal health information
-LODD: Line of Duty Death, referring to a firefighter fatality that occurs directly related to emergency service provision
-Catastrophic Damage: Severe destruction to a property, defined in this program as at least 25% damage to the primary residence