Benevolence Fund
If you are in need of support through our Benevolence Fund, please email the pastoral staff in order to receive a Benevolence Fund Application. Please also read the following guidelines.
Biblical Basis for the Benevolence Fund
The Benevolence Fund Policy shall be guided by the following Biblical principles:
1 John 3:17: “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?”
James 2:15-16: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
Galatians 6:10: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10: “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us…For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”
Purpose of the Benevolence Fund
The Benevolence Fund is a budgeted fund made available to those who are struggling financially due to unforeseen circumstances. The Benevolence Fund is intended as a source of last resort, to be used when the family or individual requesting assistance has explored all other possibilities of help from family, friends, savings, or investments.
General Guidelines to Determine Eligibility to Receive Funds
Priority in eligibility will be given to applicants in the following order: (1) Church members in good standing, (2) Regular church attendees, (3) Others
Eligibility for disbursement will be typically made to those who find themselves in a financial crisis due to a distressed situation (e.g., loss of job, death in the family, health issues, emergency situation, etc.)
The disbursement is intended to be a one-time gift for someone going through a difficult financial crisis. It is given after the person has used their personal resources and requested help from family and friends.
Disbursements will typically be made to individuals no more than twice a year.
Applicants must demonstrate need, and provide documentation of stated need as necessary.
Applicants must have a willingness to provide follow-up information on their status and their use of funds.
Funds will not be given to those who will have negative or irresponsible behavior reinforced by receiving financial help.
General Guidelines for the Disbursement of Funds
All disbursements from the Benevolence Fund shall be made directly to the party or entity to whom payment is due.
Funds are intended to cover people’s basic needs. Normally these needs are defined as, but are not limited to the following:
Primary lodging (mortgage or rent)
Utilities (electric, natural gas, water, sewer, trash)
Food
Medical services/treatment
Transportation to or from a place of employment
Assistance with funeral expenses
Financial assistance for counseling (will be considered if it is perceived that counseling would directly enable the individual to address a current financial situation)
Items that funds should not be used to cover include, but are not limited to the following:
School expenses (i.e., tuition or fees), business investments, or anything that brings financial profit to the individual or household applying
Paying-off of credit card debt (exceptions can be made when an individual has had to use a credit card in a crisis or emergency)
Paying fines as a result of breaking the law
Legal fees
Penalties related to late payments or irresponsible actions
Amount of Disbursement
The amount disbursed should not exceed the demonstrated need.
Generally, assistance from the Benevolence Fund will not exceed $1,500 per person or family (this is a cumulative cap in the unusual case of someone who receives more than one gift from the fund).
In very unusual circumstances, families and individuals who are in need of substantial funds (over $1,500) can continue to be assisted up to whatever limit the Leadership deems appropriate. Such cases should be reviewed carefully and, when appropriate, additional accountability should be sought.
Disbursements from the Benevolence Fund may not be made in the form of a loan. No disbursement may be repaid, either in part or in full, in money or in labor.
The terms and conditions surrounding the disbursement(s) of funds are confidential between the parties involved and shall not be disclosed to anyone else, except as may be necessary to effectuate its terms.
Process of Applying for Assistance
Individuals or families seeking assistance from the Benevolence Fund shall complete the follow steps:
Submit Benevolence Fund Application: The application must be completed fully, with all supporting documentation attached, and returned to the Church Leadership.
Review of Application: The submitted application will be reviewed by the Leadership. The Leadership may contact the applicant for additional information or to schedule a meeting. The Leadership may also contact utility companies, landlords, etc. to verify need.
Notice to Applicant: The applicant will be informed of the status of his/her application no later than twenty (20) business days from the Leadership’s receipt of the completed application. If the Leadership determines that the applicant is eligible for assistance, it will make the applicant aware of the amount and how the funds will be disbursed.