United for Waukesha Community Fund application process now open to all victims of Waukesha Christmas Parade

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58)-- The application process for the United for Waukesha Community Fund is now underway.

Anyone who was at the Waukesha Christmas Parade is eligible to apply and receive some financial help.

The application consists of a uniform claim form asking for your basic personal information. Applicants will need to check a box that categorizes the forms between victims requiring hospitalization, victims requiring out-treatment visits, witnesses at the parade, and first responders.

"We've made the application process as simple as we could. We learned a lot from other tragedies around the country of trying to make it simple, straight forward and that's really our goal with the application," Waukesha County Community Foundation President Shelli Marquardt said.

The foundation issued emergent checks of $25,000 to those who lost loved ones to help pay for immediate funeral and memorial costs. They can still apply for more financial help through the application process.

Donations from all over the country poured in after the parade. They've received nearly $5 million and counting. 

The Sikh Community of Southeastern Wisconsin handed over the latest check for $14,000 on Friday.

"We know what the families are going through at this time, and we also know what they're going to be putting up with in the future, and because of that, we know there are a lot of added expenses," Vice Chairman of Sikh Temple Balhair S. Dulai said.

The Sikh Community mourns with Waukesha after having faced a similar tragedy of their own: a mass shooting at an Oak Creek temple in 2012.

"This is no different than what happened to us, and it doesn't matter what you actually use, a car or a gun, the loss still are the same," Dulai said.

The foundation expects to continue to receive donations and pledges through the holiday season.

"For them to continue to step up in so many ways, not only for this but other ways in the community, is just so meaningful to us and just really sends a message of love and support," Marquardt said.

The application can be found on the Waukesha County Community Foundation website until Feb. 28. It's available in English and Spanish.