Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who does GMS Family Fund help?

A. The GMS Family Fund provides financial assistance to eligible employees of GMS and its subsidiaries who have experienced unexpected catastrophic events such as:

• Funeral expenses for a loved one;
• Aiding GMS team members with medical expenses above and beyond what insurance covers;
• Vehicle accidents;
• Issues in your primary residence;
• Violence / Domestic abuse; and
• Any other urgent financial needs caused by an unexpected catastrophic event not covered by insurance.

Q: Who is eligible for a grant?

Eligible employees must meet the following conditions:

• Be an active, full-time employee of GMS or one of its subsidiaries;
• Is eligible for GMS / subsidiary benefits ;
• Has experienced an unexpected catastrophic event within the last 6 months prior to the application date;
• Cannot meet his or her Urgent Needs;
• Has not already received two GMS Family Fund grants in the last 12 months; and
• Has not already received $10,000.00 in grant assistance from the GMS Family Fund in the last 12 months.

Q: If the GMS Family Fund helps me financially, do I have to pay the fund back?

A: No. All assistance is provided in the form of a tax-free grant and does not require repayment.

Q: Are donations tax-deductible?

A:  The GMS Family Fund is a US based nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Therefore, donations are tax deductible in the US only.

Q: Do you ever give employees cash?

A: Grants are issued in the form of direct deposit, check, or prepaid debit card.

Q: Does the GMS Family Fund help GMS and/or GMS Subsidiary employees who have retired?

A: No. Only current GMS employees are eligible for assistance.

Q: After I apply for assistance, how long will it take for the GMS Family Fund to help?

A: After an application is received in, it is reviewed by a Grant Officer for completeness prior to being forwarded to the GMS Family Fund Approval Committee. If your application is complete, you should be notified of the Approval Committee’s decision in 2-4 business days.

Q: Does the GMS Family Fund Approval Committee know my identity when considering my application?

A: No. After your application is received and reviewed by a Grant Officer, all personally identifying information is removed prior to sending it to the Approval Committee. They will provide their decision back to the Grant Officer, who will contact you to notify you of the decision.

Q: Is there any chance that my case will be denied?

A:  All cases are decided according to the GMS Family Fund’s assistance criteria. Requests for certain types of assistance will not be considered, including:

• Loans or cash advances on future pay;
• Financial hardship caused not caused by an unexpected catastrophic event;
• Loss of wages due to lay-off, termination, or reduction in work hours;
• Tax payments;
• Credit card debt;
• Litigation/Legal fees;
• Personal loans;
• Routine car or household maintenance; and
• Funeral expenses for non-immediate family members

Q: Is the Family Fund part of GMS?

A: No., The GMS Family Fund is a separate corporation that is managed by employees of GMS who voluntarily serve as Officers of the Family Fund. It is overseen by a Board of Directors.

Q: Does GMS support the GMS Family Fund?

A: Yes! GMS has been generous in supporting the GMS Family Fund including sponsoring certain fundraisers for the GMS Family Fund. The GMS Family Fund is very grateful for the support from GMS.