• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
  • AWARDS
  • EDUCATION
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Breaking Flooring News
  • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
  • Carpet & Area Rugs
  • Hardwood
  • Installation Products
  • Installation Tools & Equipment
  • Laminate
  • Resilient
  • Specialty
  • Tile & Stone
  • MARKETS
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • AWARDS
  • Installation Awards
  • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
  • Continuing Education
  • Webinars
  • Sponsored Insights
  • MEDIA
  • FLOOR Podcast
  • Videos
  • TISE 2025 Videos
  • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
  • eMagazine
  • Archive Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
    • Sponsored Insights
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Floor Coverings

Six Reasons to Give to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation

6 reasons to give to FCIF
January 6, 2017

When the unexpected strikes, the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) is there to help those who are or have been affiliated with the floor covering industry who experience illnesses, severe disabilities, or other life-altering hardships. The circumstances may vary, but the results are often similar—the individual’s livelihood is threatened.

At the core of any strong organization are committed volunteers who drive the mission and impact. We caught up with the executive board of the FCIF to ask about why they are passionate about this cause. Check out their reasons for giving.  

#1 Legacy of Industry Leaders 

The Foundation has a heritage of leadership and the board of directors is composed of executives from across the country. Howard Brodsky of CCA Global Partners serves as the chairman of the board and Larry Nagle, president of N.L. Nagle, Inc., is the current vice chair. Nagle has been a staunch advocate and fundraiser for the organization since its humble beginnings: “There were four founders in the early 1980s: Harry Saul, Walter Guinan, Al Wahnon and myself. It is a pleasure to be part of the great generosity of our industry.”

#2 Relief for People Experiencing Trauma

In the past couple months, the organization has awarded grants to individuals with breast cancer, Hodgkins lymphoma, squamous cell cancer, diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Though all of the families affected have medical insurance to help offset the financial expense, many are unable to continue to work and have loss of income due to chemotherapy treatments, exhaustion, or severe physical limitations. “What could be more heartwarming than supporting a family that has nowhere to turn due to a medical situation?” asked Roger Marcus, chairman and chief executive officer of American Biltrite and executive committee member of FCIF.

#3 Helping Colleagues in Floor Covering

The generous gifts are examples of co-workers helping co-workers, granting relief in times of crisis. “The floor community is strengthened when we lift each other up when hard times strike,” said Tim Baucom, executive vice president-residential division at Shaw Industries and secretary of FCIF. “This is one of only a handful of industries that takes care of their own in time of need,” added Dana Teague, vice president global exhibitions of Informa and the trade show TISE and executive committee member of FCIF.

#4 Investing in Something Bigger than Profit

“So much of what we do is measured by dollars and cents and/or increased productivity,” said Scott Humphrey, chief executive officer of the World Floor Covering Association and also serves as the board president of FCIF. “The Foundation is measured by the impact on the lives of those who have helped to make this industry a viable one for all of us. Personally, it is the feel good part of my job and an opportunity to both pay it forward and give back.”

#5 Direct Impact

“A gift directly helps those in our industry who are dealing with debilitating and catastrophic illness by providing financial resources to meet their obligations,” said Keith Campbell, chairman of the board at Mannington and treasurer and chief financial officer of FCIF. “Unlike many foundations that pass funds to other non-profits, schools, or government programs, the Floor Covering Industry Foundation makes awards directly to families in despair. Grants are paid to the individual who applies and provide assistance with meeting monthly housing, utility, food, prescription, medical bills, and other approved case-specific expenses, for example, a wheelchair. The applicants can receive a one-time award and possibly an additional monthly award for six months.”

#6 Top-Notch Stewardship 

“What amazes me is the level of stewardship we offer donors,” said Andrea Dobbins, executive director, FCIF. “To have CEOs, owners, and executive leaders reviewing each grant applicant and making decision on awards, goes to show each dollar is put to its highest and best use. Our board of directors is very hands-on. They ensure that we are maximizing the grants in ways that transforms lives.”

How Does an FCIF Grant Work?

Rising costs and expenses rob beneficiaries of the basic financial freedom they deserve in their time of need. Financial help is viewed as an opportunity to say “we care” to those in our floor covering industry family. Grants are awarded based on need for expenses, such as medical care, medications, medical supplies, and other expenses directly related to beneficiary care, as well as such basic necessities as food, shelter and utilities.

Behind every assistance grant made is a story of crisis and perseverance—of a real person struggling through a difficult time. Dobbins said FCIF’s goal is to keep unexpected setbacks from turning into permanent roadblocks.

Grant Requirements

  • A household member must have worked in the floor covering industry for 5+ years. Those years do not have to be consecutive and could have been in the past. Grants are also made to retirees.
  • The individual is experiencing a major life-altering events, for example diagnosis of a major illness, severe injury due car accidents, child born with disabilities, care of elderly parent with dementia, etc.
  • The applicant should have the ability to demonstrate their monthly expenses are above the household’s monthly income and/or that the one-time medical or other expenses present a large financial burden on the family.
  • Complete an application package at fcif.org.

How to Apply

The organization currently makes grants on a rolling bases. An application can be downloaded at fcif.org or by emailing Dobbins at adobbins@fcif.org. Human resources professionals in the industry are encouraged to post the application on their intranets and request posters for break rooms.

Grant Deadline 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Due to medical and financial review, it takes at least 30 days for a grant decision to be made once the applicant has submitted a full application package.

How to Contribute 

The Floor Covering Industry Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit funded by companies and individuals in the floor covering industry. The Foundation depends on contributions from industry manufacturers, distributors, retailers, industry trade associations and individuals. Therefore, the amount of assistance that can be provided, as well as the number of beneficiaries who can be helped, is determined by the availability of funds. Find out more at fcif.org or by calling 706.217.1183.

KEYWORDS: flooring industry associations flooring retailers

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • resilient flooring

    The 7 Types of Resilient Flooring

    The resilient flooring category is comprised of many...
    Resilient Flooring
    By: Resilient Floorcovering Institute
  • QuickDrain USA’s ShowerLine linear drain

    Tips for Curbless Shower Installation Using a Linear Drain

    Consider these four tips when planning for a curbless...
    Installation How-To
    By: Darryl Jones
  • 2024 New Flooring Product Guide

    2024 New Flooring Products Guide

    We explore this year's introductions in area rugs,...
    Floor Coverings
    By: FLOOR Trends & Installation Editors
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

SolidTech R: Sustainable, High-Performance Flooring from Bottle to Floor

SolidTech R: Sustainable, High-Performance Flooring from Bottle to Floor

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the FLOOR Trends & Installation audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of FLOOR Trends & Installation or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Woodura Herringbone 2.0
    Sponsored byBjelin

    The Herringbone Floor of the Future

Popular Stories

company branding

Branding and Marketing Strategies for Flooring Contractors

Mimi Mulugeta and Michael Barrows

Military Vet Trades Retirement for New Flooring Venture in Alpharetta

how to properly trowel adhesive

Flooring Adhesives Education: The Key to Preventing Costly Installation Failures


Download the Free Moisture Meters Guide

Events

December 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Growth Challenges in the Flooring Industry

What’s holding you back from growth in 2025?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

See More Products

FLOORtalk podcasts - Listen Now

Related Articles

  • The Floor Covering Industry Foundation:  Moments To Cherish

    The Floor Covering Industry Foundation: Moments To Cherish

    See More
  • Domotex-FCIF

    Domotex USA Donates $10,000 to Floor Covering Industry Foundation

    See More
  • FCIF

    Learn How to Unlock Floor Covering Industry Foundation's Financial Assistance for Medical Crises

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 9781622700158_c-15_.png

    Flooring and Floor Covering License Examination (C-15) - QuickPass Study Tool Book with Online Interactive Software

  • floordecore.gif

    Black & Decker The Complete Guide To Floor Decor

  • Ultimate_Carpet_Manufacturing_and_Claims_Training_Manual_bleed-2 (2).jpg

    The Ultimate Carpet Manufacturing, Inspection and Claims Training Manual

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • December 21, 2021

    Taylor Time Live: Give the Gift of Hope

    Join us live for our year-end special featuring the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF). The Christmas season is a time of hope and giving, and that's why we've asked the FCIF to join us to raise awareness about the incredible work they do.
View AllSubmit An Event
×

We’re rolling out the red carpet of flooring knowledge!

Stay in the know on the latest flooring retail trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
    • Sponsored Insights
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP