Benevolence Fund
What is the Benevolence Fund?
The Benevolence Fund is money that is designated to assist non-members and members alike with urgent financial needs. The needs are often for things that many of us take for granted each day such as shelter, clothing and transportation. The maximum amount that we normally gift is $___ for non-members and $___ for members.
Making A Request:
In order to request funds an individual should contact a deacon or the church office. Typically requests for non-members come through the secretary in the church office.
Distribution Guidelines:
It is the intent of the Deacons to assist individuals who are in temporary financial need. The intent of the Deacons is for any financial assistance to be considered a gift. At no time should the financial assistance be portrayed as a loan. All requests should be kept confidential unless the requestor has granted permission to have the need made public. These funds should be distributed according to the following priority:
1. Active members of this church in financial need.
2. Individuals regularly attending this church in financial need.
3. Individuals living in the local community who are in need, possibly referrals from local agencies.
4. Other areas of need as deemed appropriate by a majority of the active Deacons.
All funds shall be distributed to the need, not to the individual. Any requests over $___ or repeat requests of any amount in a 12 month period will require meeting with two deacons to determine immediate and long-term needs, a waiting period and possibly entering into a financial counseling arrangement. It is important to address the reason for the crisis so that requests are not repeated.
