Locksmith Community Fund
ABOUT THE FUND
Key Innovations believes in giving back to our locksmith customer community. That’s why on the first Friday of every month, we will contribute 3% of all online sales to be placed in a community fund to assist our locksmith customers in times of hardship.
Any locksmith may apply for a grant to help him/her through a difficult period. Whether having suffered a recent loss or perhaps experienced another hardship, the Locksmith Community Fund offers a way to bridge the gap. Selected by a group of your peers, the Locksmith Community Fund Committee will review all submitted requests. If selected, a community fund grant will be provided directly to the individual locksmith in need.
You can contribute and help maximize the fund simply by placing your order on the first Friday of any given month. An amount equal to 3% of each sale will be contributed to the fund on all orders. Please note, there is no additional cost to the customer and pricing remains consistent. By working together, we can make our community a better place by helping those in need.
HOW IT WORKS
Any established locksmith may apply for a needs-based grant by completing the Grant Request form below. Each submitted request will be reviewed by the Locksmith Community Fund Committee. The Committee will review each submission to validate the need and determine the grant amount, where applicable.
MEET THE LOCKSMITH COMMUNITY FUND COMMITTEE
Charley Simpson
Auto Lock Masters LLC
Seattle, WA
I have been in the automotive locksmith business since 2012. This fund is important to me because of a personal experience. My boss, due to lack of insurance, did not go get checked out for pain he was having until it became too severe. It was later discovered it was stage four colon cancer.
I believe if there was a fund like this available at the time, we could’ve accessed it to have an earlier detection and also provide additional financial assistance. I hope to represent our locksmith community well in helping us all during times like these.
Rob Reynolds
Pop-A-Lock of Mobile
Foley, AL
Over the past 3-5 years, I've noticed a disturbing trend of increased violence towards the locksmith industry. Personally, we have had multiple vehicles robbed, and I have friends and associates who have been attacked or robbed as well. This fund is important to me because it serves as an additional layer of protection for our industry against these threats.
While we have utilized platforms like GoFundMe to support each other, having a centralized fund managed by caring professionals will enhance our ability to respond to these modern challenges effectively. This is a noble cause that can make a significant difference.
Jason Jaudon
The Lock Guys, Inc
Dalton, GA
I feel being a part of this committee is an honor and privilege to help serve our fellow locksmith community in their time of need. Over the years, we have all heard the horror stories of death, natural disasters, and theft that have left some of our families devastated.
We are committed to helping those in their time of need through this generous funding program.
FUNDING AND DISTRIBUTION
WHAT HARDSHIPS QUALIFY FOR A GRANT?
To be considered for a grant, please complete the application below. Qualifying hardships include medical emergencies, injuries, natural disasters, theft, vandalism, death or family crisis. If you're applying for assistance, please note that documentation may be requested for verification.
Sudden or Unexpected Medical Emergencies & Disabilities
• Serious illness or injury affecting the locksmith
• Permanent or temporary disability preventing work
• High medical bills due to an unexpected health crisis or illness
Natural Disasters & Property Damage
• Damage to locksmith business or equipment due to floods, fires, hurricanes, or other disasters
• Home displacement caused by a natural disaster
Theft or Vandalism
• Theft of essential locksmith tools, work vehicle, or business property
• Vandalism causing loss of income
Death & Family Crisis
• Death of a spouse, child, or immediate family member creating financial hardship
• Funeral expenses
SITUATIONS THAT DO NOT QUALIFY
The following situations do not qualify for assistance, including but not limited to: routine business expenses, personal expenses, voluntary job changes or business start-ups, legal issues unrelated to work, revenue declines due to competition or market trends, or equipment upgrades.
Routine Business Expenses
• Upgrading tools or equipment for business growth
• Regular vehicle maintenance like oil changes or tire replacements
• Advertising, marketing, or website development costs
Personal Expenses
• Vacation or leisure travel
• Luxury purchases such as high-end electronics or business renovations
Voluntary Job or Business Changes
• Quitting a locksmith job without an unavoidable reason
• Starting a new locksmith business without a hardship-related need
Legal Issues Not Related to Work
• Personal lawsuits or criminal charges
• Legal fees for disputes unrelated to locksmithing
Business Revenue Decline Without Hardship
• Loss of income due to increased competition
• Decreasing sales from market trends rather than an external crisis
